How does Fluffy improve your mental health?
You walk in the door after a busy day at work and immediately greet your cat. Fluffy looks up briefly and then lays her head back down. Her typical hello. You change into comfortable clothes and start dinner. When it’s in the oven, you plop down next to her on the couch and begin stroking her head. She climbs on your lap, starts to purr and you can feel yourself begin to relax.Why is that?
Caring for a pet and sharing experiences with them reduces stress and anxiety and helps you feel more supported and cared for, even though they depend on you.
One of the reasons people love dogs, the most popular pet in the United States, is because of their happy, playful disposition and unmistakable devotion. Laughter and knowing Rover
loves and depends on you, can improve your self-esteem. And there is another bonus: walking your dog offers the benefit of exercise and social interactions with neighbors, both mood boosters.
Pet ownership in the United States has reached an all-time high according to the American Pet Products Association. The surge began during the COVID-19 pandemic when adoptions increased significantly. Reasons cited for the increase was the desire for companionship and to help reduce loneliness.
Achieving a sense of purpose by caring for and interacting with another living being can reward you by lowering the stress hormone, cortisol. It also boosts dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin levels in your brain which help to improve your mood and sense of well-being. That’s a pretty solid reason to own a pet.
Here’s another, holding or petting an animal can lower your blood pressure. Slowing down to appreciate your fluffball helps you live in the present instead of thinking of everything you need to do. In essence you are taking a mini vacation away from it all.
If you’ve never had a pet and are considering adopting a Fluffy for the mental and physical health benefits, there are other things to consider, including cost and time commitments. But if you’ve done your homework and you’re willing to fully commit to the expense, the time (the litter box and the fur), then you’re also committing to joy, a calmer home, a more positive outlook, and endless entertainment.
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