How Animals Can Support Mental Health
Most of us have enjoyed an instant mood boost from petting a precious pup or the quiet calm of a cat curled beside us. But can animals really benefit our mental health in a genuine and meaningful way? Here’s an overview of how animals can influence our mental health and how to make the most of it.
Do Animals Support Good Mental Health?
Spending time with animals (especially pets) can support good mental health in many ways. For example, being around an animal can trigger chemical changes in your brain and body. These changes can boost your mood, relieve stress, and more.
Studies show that interacting with animals can:
- Lower cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone, and even a few minutes with an animal can reduce cortisol levels and help you feel relaxed.
- Boost oxytocin. Oxytocin is linked to calmness and connection, and one-on-one time with a pet can increase oxytocin levels in noticeable ways.
- Lift mood. Time with animals can increase both serotonin and dopamine levels. These chemicals are linked to happiness and motivation and can have a big positive impact on your mood.
Bonus benefit: pets need regular exercise, which encourages you to move your body more frequently. Exercise is great for your pet’s health, but it’s also super beneficial for your own physical and mental health. When you exercise, your body releases serotonin and dopamine—the good mood chemicals. But it also releases endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller.
Can Pets Help with Loneliness and Isolation?
Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation and increase feelings of belonging, which is important for good mental health.
Here are just a few of the ways pets help you feel connected:
- They provide daily friendship. A pet is always there when you need them, they’re loyal, they don’t judge, and their love is unwavering.
- They create social opportunities. Venturing out to walk your dog can offer you the chance to create connections that might not happen otherwise. Pet ownership can also provide a common interest that makes it easy to connect with others. We all love our pets, and love talking about them!
- They make solo living easier. It can be comforting to know that another being is living in your home alongside you. You’re never truly alone with a pet in tow.
What if Owning a Pet Isn’t Possible Right Now?
If owning a pet isn’t possible at the moment, that’s okay! There are still plenty of other ways to enjoy the mental health benefits that animals provide. For example, you might like to volunteer at a local animal shelter. This way, you can spend some time with animals in need without the commitment. Plus, volunteering can help you feel a sense of purpose and encourage social connections with other volunteers. Otherwise, many councils and community centres also run pet therapy programs. These can be especially beneficial for people who might find volunteering more challenging, including people with disability or limited mobility.
It’s worth noting that it’s possible to own a pet without taking on the physical labour of caring for your pet alone. How? Well, some home care providers offer pet care and pet sitting services. Often, these services include helping with feeding, walking, or cleaning up after your pet. So, you can enjoy the valuable friendship that pet ownership provides, without the fuss.
Could you use some help caring for your precious pet? At Simply Helping, our flexible, person-centred home care services range from personal care and cleaning to pet sitting, dog walking and more! Click here to view our range of services and contact us today.
