Why do animals make us happier? Yeah, we know—duh. But people who have a pet are happier. Science says that people with dogs, cats, or other pets at home are better off being happier. Science shows that having an animal in the home gives us more self-esteem, empathy, and happiness. We explain why this happens.
Think of all the times you have come home after a stressful day, and your dog has greeted you as if you were the meaning of his happiness (and you probably really are). Or think about when your cat snuggles up to you and demands your attention, which he reciprocates with a gentle purr.
Thinking about these moments will bring a smile, and your brain will release several mood-enhancing chemicals. Research from Miami University of Ohio in the USA shows that pets make us happier and live longer. We explain why you should have a pet to be happier.
You will have higher self-esteem.
You got it right; those who own a pet have higher self-esteem. Taking care of a defenceless being in need of your attention will make you more confident. You will be proud of the sense of protection you can convey, which will thus lower your stress levels. Petting and cuddling your four-legged friend will release oxytocin, the happy hormone.
You become more empathetic.
If you have a pet, you will learn to cultivate empathy – connecting with the other person’s emotional state.
Your trusted friend will enable you to train that skill that leads to understanding without speaking, understanding the other person’s needs and feeling satisfied in caring for someone. This skill will be handy to you in improving the quality of your relationships.
You will no longer suffer loneliness.
If you have a pet, you will never feel lonely. The company of a trusted friend who will always be around will take you away from that sense of emptiness that can accompany some moments.
The pet will make you feel valuable because you will know that its survival and happiness are inevitably linked to your actions. In other words, you will increase your sense of usefulness.
You will have a more active social life.
If you have a dog, you will be obliged to take long walks, meet new people, and have more active social relationships. If you have a cat, you will not need to carry it around, but you will have one more topic to share with feline lovers, which will only create relationships and unite people in the name of a shared passion.
In both cases, having a pet will expand your social network and make you feel happier and more inclined towards relationships.
Have pets to be happier, like owning a Rabbits
One study told a stressed group of adults to pet a rabbit, a turtle or their toy shapes. The toys had no effect. But they were stroking a living creature, whether hard-shelled or furry, relieved anxiety. It worked for people regardless of whether they initially said they liked animals.
Have pets to be happier, like owning a Crickets
Animals don’t have to be cuddly to help. In a 2016 study published in the journal Gerontology, older adults who were given five crickets in a cage became less depressed after eight weeks compared to a control group. The act of caring for a living creature seems to make a difference.
Horses
Among the most studied therapy animals, horses have been involved in medical treatment plans in Europe since the 1860s. Activities such as grooming a horse and riding one around a fence have been shown to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents.
Have pets to be happier, like owning a Fish
Animals can focus people’s attention. For example, when people in an Alzheimer’s facility dined in front of aquariums with brightly coloured fish, they ate more, received better nutrition and were less prone to pacing. They were also more alert and less sluggish.
Dogs
Some research suggests that children with difficulty reading aloud to a trained dog and handler show fewer anxiety symptoms. “Their attitudes change, and their skills improve,” says the director of Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction, Lisa Freeman.
Have pets to be happier, like owning a Guinea pig
Purdue’s Maggie O’Haire says animals facilitate socialisation for children who find it stressful. In her study, when children with autism had a guinea pig in class, they were more friendly with their peers, smiled and laughed more, and showed fewer signs of stress.
Yes, animals can make us happy. A growing body of research suggests that interacting with animals can positively affect our mental and physical health. For example, studies have shown that pets can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. They can also help to improve our cardiovascular health, boost our immune system, and even increase our life expectancy.
There are many reasons why animals make us happy. For one, they provide us with companionship and unconditional love. They can also help us to feel more connected to nature and the world around us. Additionally, interacting with animals can help us be more active and get more exercise.
If you want to improve your overall health and well-being, consider getting a pet. Animals can make excellent companions and provide us with some essential benefits.
Here are some specific ways that animals can make us happy:
- Reduce stress and anxiety. Caring for a pet can help take our minds off our worries and give us a sense of purpose. Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure and heart rate and reduce stress hormone cortisol levels.
- Spending time with animals can improve our mood and make us more positive. They can provide unconditional love and support and help us feel less lonely.
- Increase our physical activity. Taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat can help us exercise more. Exercise is essential for physical and mental health and can help reduce stress and anxiety.
- Improve our social skills. Caring for a pet can help us learn to be responsible and interact with others. It can also help us to make new friends.
- Encourage us to get outside. Animals can help us to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. Spending time in nature has been shown to have several benefits for our health, including reducing stress, improving our mood, and boosting our immune system.
If you are considering getting a pet, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you must have the time and resources to care for a pet. Pets require regular feeding, exercise, and grooming. You must also ensure you are prepared for the financial costs of owning a pet, such as vet bills and food.
Once you have decided you are ready for a pet, you must do a few things. First, you need to decide what type of pet you want. Many types of pets are available, so you must choose one that fits your lifestyle well. Finding a reputable breeder or shelter to get your pet from would be best.
All the sources:
- Reduction of state anxiety by petting animals in a controlled laboratory experiment
- Effect of Pet Insects on the Psychological Health of Community
- Health Benefits of Animal-Assisted Interventions
- Animal-Assisted Intervention for Trauma: A Systematic Literature Review
- Children Reading to Dogs: A Systematic Review of the Literature
- Social Behaviors Increase in Children with Autism in the Presence of Animals Compared to Toys
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