They play an important role in our life. And they certainly can improve it. But can pets benefit our health?
Owners of pets visit doctors less often, suffer from cardiovascular diseases less often. Pets also reduce stress levels and help you not feel alone. The deep attachment we feel for them increases self-esteem and reduces the risk of depression.
Animals also teach us to empathize with others and can make us more popular. A 2010 study found that dog owners talk to others more often and longer.
In 2011, Allen McConnell, professor of psychology at the University of Miami, conducted three studies, all of which confirmed that relationships with pets are very important and beneficial for owners. In one of the studies, it was even shown that a pet is able to cheer up the owner no worse than his best friend.
People are ready to see human qualities in a variety of animals. However, the secret of the influence of pets lies in our own psyche.
Doctors recommend that every adult should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day. A 2009 study found that dog walks lasted an average of 24 minutes and were taken twice a day. At the same time, such walks are useful not only for health, but also for the psyche. If you don’t have a dog yet, you can invite people you know to take their dog for a walk.
Do not forget that a pet can be not only a dog or a cat. “Our research has shown that health and mental health benefits do not depend on the type of pet. People are ready to see human qualities in a variety of animals — dogs, cats, horses, fish, lizards, goats. The secret of the influence of pets on us lies more in our own psyche, and not in them, ”says Allen McConnell.
4 more reasons in favor of pets
1. Pet — pledge of a friendly family. And family is very important for mental well-being. Joint play and walks with animals are more conducive to family cohesion than passive pastimes like watching TV.
2. Double health benefits. If it’s about a dog, then, as already mentioned, the owner will be forced to walk with her every day, which is good for the cardiovascular system. In addition, emotional attachment to an animal protects against stress. In a 2002 study, cat and dog owners were better able to stay calm during a stressful experiment (solving math problems in a limited amount of time)—they had less heart rate and less blood pressure.
3. Communication with pets contributes to the development of children — the presence of animals in the house helps them learn empathy, increases self-esteem, indirectly also contributes to physical and social development.
4. Animals save you from loneliness. This is especially important for older people. Research shows that interacting with dogs in nursing homes makes seniors more social, reducing anxiety and feelings of loneliness.