Did you know that Sunday is National Pet Day? Do you know why everyone wanted a pandemic puppy? Because having a pet makes us feel better, especially during stressful times. Not only is it fun to have an animal around, but studies have found that interacting with animals is good for your health.
In fact, being around a pet helps lower cortisol levels and blood pressure in the body and the joy and love that people feel for their pets helps reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. We’ve rounded up five health benefits to owning a pet.
- Regular exercise
Taking your dog for a walk around the block every few hours gets you outside and your body moving on a regular basis. Pet owners tend to be more active than non-pet owners which leads to decreased blood pressure and lower cholesterol.
- Companionship
Having your cat sit in your lap while you are working or watching TV can calm your nervous system and keep the stress away. Pets offer loyal and loving companionship to keep you company, which is more important than ever when people are spending more time at home.
- Opportunities to socialize. Taking your pets out for a walk or to the park gives you more chances to see people. At a time when most people are still social distancing, these brief exchanges with other pet owners can help you feel more connected to the people around you.
- Decrease in loneliness. The joy of being greeted by an animal when you return home can boost your mood for hours. With a pet in the house, you are almost never lonely.
If you are looking for ways to improve your health, you may want to consider adopting a pet on this National Pet Day. How does your pet help you boost your health?