The truth is that animals are scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety.
Stress and anxiety are prevalent problems in today’s world. With the busy, always-on work culture, inflation, and numerous other challenges in the world, it’s no wonder that people are stressed out.
Owning an animal as a pet can be both comforting and maddening. Animals require constant care and attention, for you to spend money on food and supplies, and occasionally destroy your stuff. So why do doctors and psychologists recommend spending time with animals or getting a pet if you’re stressed or anxious? Because they actually reduce your stress! This isn’t just pseudoscience – studies have shown that being around animals can have a positive impact on mental health. Below, we’ll share some ways that animals can reduce stress and anxiety, and share some of the scientific studies that prove this.
Psychological benefits of being with animals
Animals provide unconditional love
One of the primary benefits of spending time with animals is the love they provide. Domesticated animals like cats and dogs are generally warm and friendly towards humans, especially when you are their owner or interact with them regularly. When you’re with an animal, you don’t have to worry about being judged – they accept you as you are and love you simply for being there. Their company can be comforting and reassuring, and they will not be any less happy to see you if you had a bad day.
Animals help lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol
Cortisol is the stress hormone that contributes to feelings of anxiety. In a UCLA health study, patients who spent time with therapy animals saw significant reductions in cortisol and their stress and anxiety generally. You can have the benefits of animal assisted therapy in your own life without a prescription, whether it’s by getting a pet or by spending time with animals another way. Spending time with animals can help lower the levels of cortisol in your body, and when you pet an animal, your body releases oxytocin, which is known as the “love hormone.” Oxytocin can help calm your nerves and promote a positive state of mind.
Animals encourage mindfulness and presence
Animals can be an excellent tool for practicing mindfulness. When you’re spending time with your animals, whether it’s going on a walk or petting them, cut out distractions and focus on just being there with them. Being present and focused on the moment can help reduce stress and anxiety, and removes you from whatever it is in your day that is stressing you out. When you’re spending time with an animal, you have a great opportunity to practice this mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness with animals can also help you build a stronger connection with them.
Animals provide a sense of purpose and responsibility
Sometimes, anxiety can come from not feeling important or relevant to the world. Taking care of an animal can be a meaningful way to bring purpose to your life and do something outside of yourself. By caring for another living being, including feeding, grooming, and playing with them, you can give yourself a sense of fulfillment and joy. It’s important to remember that your actions, even small ones, can brighten the lives of others.
Animals reduce loneliness and promote social interaction
Social isolation is a key factor that contributes to anxiety and stress, and was one of the reasons why the COVID-19 pandemic led to increased stress and anxiety. Spending time with animals can help people feel less isolated and lonely, as you always have a companion with you. Furthermore, animals can help people build new connections and foster social interaction. For example, taking your dog for a walk in the park can help you meet new people and you have an instant connection with someone because your dogs will want to play together.
Conclusion
Animals can provide many benefits to people suffering from stress and anxiety. It doesn’t necessarily require that you get a pet either, which can be a big undertaking. If that’s too much, consider volunteering for a local animal shelter or handing out treats at a local dog park (after asking the owner’s permission, of course). You could even go to a cat cafe! There are many ways to get more time with animals into your life, and the benefits they provide are well worth the effort.
