Did you know that animals can have a profound effect on our well-being? In fact, studies have shown that interacting with animals can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. No matter what type of animal you interact with, whether it’s a pet, livestock, or even wildlife, there are health benefits to be gained.
Here are three ways animals can positively affect your well-being:
Pets Can Provide Companionship and Help Reduce Stress Levels
Pets can offer companionship and aid with stress. Having a pet may provide someone with a sense of purpose and responsibility, which may help to reduce stress levels and provide a sense of routine. Pets also give us unconditional love and friendship, which can assist with anxiety. Spending time with pets can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”). In addition, interacting with pets can increase levels of oxytocin (the “love hormone”), serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter), and dopamine (a reward neurotransmitter). These chemical changes in the brain can lead to reductions in stress and anxiety. So if you’re looking for a way to reduce stress in your life, consider getting a pet.
Animals can make us feel happy and relaxed, and they can also provide much-needed companionship.
Animals Can Improve Mental Health and Well-being
Many of us have experienced the joy of spending time with an animal, whether it’s a pet, a friend’s dog, or even just watching wildlife. But did you know that animals can also have a positive impact on our mental health and wellbeing? Interacting with animals has been found to lower stress, increase feelings of happiness and calm, and even improve anxiety and depression symptoms. Some mental health clinics now provide therapy sessions with therapy dogs, which proves just how beneficial spending time with animals can be. So next time you’re feeling melancholy, go for a stroll with your dog or pay a visit to a local animal shelter; you might discover that their tail wags along with your mood.
Animals Can Help Us Connect with Nature and Improve Our Overall Mood
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can reduce stress and boost vitality. However, you don’t have to go on a trek in the woods or spend the day at the beach to reap the benefits of spending time outside. Even interacting with animals may help us feel more connected to nature and enhance our overall mood. Animals have been shown by studies to decrease stress, loneliness and depression while also growing socialization skills and a sense of wellness. This includes playing fetch with a dog or watching fish in an aquarium. Something as simple as this can help us feel calmer, reduce strain and enlarge our connection to nature.
Why Avanti Senior Living at Covington is Pet-Friendly
Avanti Senior Living at Covington is a safe and loving community for seniors and their pets. We understand the companionship that pets provide, and we want to make sure that our residents can continue to enjoy the joys of pet ownership. We know that your pet is part of your family, and we welcome them to our community with open arms. Contact us today to learn more about our pet-friendly policies.
