Behind this desire there is a simple explanation of why people cannot resist a puppy’s big dreaming eyes or the friendly purring of a cat. Animals especially those considered as pets have this enchanting ability of having a positive impact on our lives. But do you think they are limited to cute pictures on Instagram and cute moments of cuddling? Pet animals especially animals such as dogs and cats help out in the emotional and mental aspects of our lives. We might as well look at how these cute furry, or feathered, sometimes scaly better friends do it to our brains.
Unconditional Love and Companionship
Indeed, one of the most wonderful things involving having a pet is the loyalty and friendship that you receive. This is the most important reason why human should adopt a pet because pets do not scold us for bad hair days, bad decisions, or other imperfections. They are always around ready to lick your face or cuddle with you as a sign you are accepted as you are. Such blind support can be very comforting and help to anchor someone at the time when they may feel all alone and no one understands them.
Stress Relief and Anxiety Reduction
Can you recall when, maybe, you scratched the dog’s head for five minutes, or observed the fish gliding in the water? That's no coincidence. There is research evidence that indicates that subjects who engage in pets have reduced cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, and increased serotonin (the chemical that regulates mood) levels. This natural way of stress relaxation is why therapy animals are helpful to persons with anxiety, PTSD, and other mental disorders.
Routine and Responsibility
The responsibility of becoming a pet owner includes; feeding the pet, taking it for walks, brushing it, and taking it for checkups. It may appear as if this strips the day of nearly all semblances of normal living, but it in fact introduces a healthful regimen into our existence. Establishing a routine is especially important for the patients who have depression or anxiety and need to follow the coherent schedule. It is very comforting to know that your companion wants you and needs you, this gives you a reason to wake up in the morning.
Social Interaction and Connection
Pets can also be social initiators as it reaches out to people in a friendly manner. Have you ever arrived at the dog park and within five minutes people start walking up to you and greeting you? Having a pet creates an environment in which meeting people can be easily initiated and all levels of a friendship can be easily established. Domestic animals can also offer a chance for the given persons to socialize with people, thus alleviating symptoms of shyness, and loneliness.
Physical Health Benefits
Although this may not be instantly associated with the concepts of happiness and/or sadness, mental health cannot exist separate from physical health. Feeding your dog or playing with your cat, or simply cleaning your pet’s cages or pens will help get your pet as well as you moving. Endorphins which are released during any form of exercise is known to have a positive effect on the mood thus reducing cases of depression and anxiety. In addition, being able to have a specific reason to step out can help to interrupt a vicious cycle of being inactive that commonly follows bad mood.
A Sense of Security
Other benefits, for example, security is gotten from the pets in particular dogs. Their very existence sometimes is enough to make some people feel more secure, whether it is because the cat is guarding the house or because having another living creature in the house is reassuring. This can be quite comforting for individuals residing alone or for those who have undergone through a traumatic experience.
Mindfulness and Being Present
Have you ever seen a cat yawning and stretching on a sunbeam or a dog contently running after a ball? Pets are always happy with whatever they have and the happiness that they emit can make individuals change their perception as well. It makes people recall how there are many things that we may take lightly and need to be grateful for and pay attention to. Such a shift in the outlook can be very healing, enabling one to free his/her mind from the worry-lines and concentrate on the present.
Pets as Emotional Support Animals
To some a mere pet means something more than just an animal they share their home with. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are known for their help in facilitating social comfort for the persons facing mental health challenges. Emotional support animals are not as legally recognized as service animals but they can be essential to a patient’s treatment plan because of the comfort and emotional regulation that these animals provide.
Pets are not just cute creatures that we love to cuddle; they are our silent friends, family in our sanity and psychological issues. They are indeed responsible for the basic needs of feeling loved with no strings attached apart from stress reduction and in other ways; they help individuals in handling their social life through socialization and engaging in physical exercises. From dogs, cats, birds, and any other forms of animals that people own as pets, it is always seen that animals have ways of influencing the lives of people in the society, and also changing the sorrounding environment for the better. The next time you hug your pet, think about this, they are not just brightening your day but they are enriching your life, your health.
