Pets: Affectionate companions that reduce stress

There’s no doubt that we live in a techno-driven, fast-paced, demanding world filled with stress and anxiety. We search for peace and quiet, spending money on candles, sound machines and medications that will lower our blood pressure and give us a sense of calm.
But there is a simple remedy to stress that has been around for centuries—sharing one’s life with a beloved pet.

Pets have a wonderful ability to reduce stress, anxiety and depression; encourage exercise and playfulness; and even improve your cardiovascular health. Playing with a pet can be a source of calmness and relaxation, as well as a source of stimulation for the brain and body.

Dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which in turn can boost your mood and ease depression. Taking a dog for a walk, hike or run is a fun and rewarding way to fit healthy daily exercise into your schedule. Studies have shown that dog owners are more likely to meet their daily exercise requirements—and exercising every day is great for the animal as well.

Studies have shown that petting a dog, cat or other animal can lower blood pressure and help you feel calmer when you’re stressed or anxious. Pets can also do wonders for your mental health and well-being. Even small interactions with pets cause the human brain to raise levels of dopamine and oxytocin, the latter a hormone sometimes referred to as the “cuddle chemical.”

These feel-good brain chemicals are known to increase feelings of relaxation as well as reduce stress. Try to incorporate relaxation time with your pet each day. Set aside time to stroke and groom your furry friend. The petting or brushing motion and tranquil touch can induce a state of deep relaxation for both you and your pet while providing respite from the stresses of daily life.

Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. By easing feelings of loneliness and depression, the presence of a furry friend in a senior’s life can fill the void of solitude that aging can often bring. A pet’s unconditional love can add real joy to one’s life by creating emotional support that can ease stress and anxiety.

The pure love of a pet can create a profound sense of connection and serenity. Knowing that we are deeply loved regardless of any external circumstances creates a deep sense of well-being. When life gets overwhelming, which it does on a daily basis, having a pet in your life can provide immense comfort.

Dogs and cats have evolved to become acutely attuned to human behavior and emotions. And like any good human friend, a loyal dog will sit for hours and listen to you talk about your problems, hopes and dreams without interrupting you or offering unwanted advice. Pets love us for who we are, without judgment or conditions. They provide a safe space where we can be ourselves, All you need to do in return is provide food, shelter and lots of love. Like adults, children can talk with their pet without fear of rejection, which enables them to build their confidence. A pet can also help develop a young mind by teaching a child empathy and even help expand their vocabulary.

Pets also provide a sense of certainty. When coming home from a hard day, you can be certain that pets will happily greet you when you walk through the door. A friend of mine once said that she always felt comfort in knowing that when she returned home, her cat wouldn’t be waiting at the door to say “I’m sorry Diane, but this isn’t working for me—I think we need to give each other some space.”