The Healing Power of Pets: How Pet Ownership Can Boost Mental Health - Sally W.
A whopping 74% of pet owners reported mental health improvements from owning a pet, according to a survey by Mental Health America. As a counseling professional, taking such statistics into consideration can allow you to help others by recommending the idea of pet ownership to those who are experiencing mental health challenges. From stress relief to inspiring mindfulness and simply boosting your mood, there are a number of ways that pets can help.
The benefits involved
Owning a pet, such as a dog, can have many surprising mental health benefits — for example, in addition to inspiring mindfulness, dogs are well known for relieving stress, and many colleges and workplaces have taken note by creating dog-friendly environments for students and employees. In fact, when the University of British Columbia brought in therapy dogs for students, they reported that they were not only less stressed, but were happier and had higher levels of energy afterwards when surveyed. Additionally, dogs are also known to require regular exercise — such as daily walks — that can help you to stay active, which has mental health benefits of its own.
Even fish can prove to be beneficial to our mental health. For instance, because of how calming they can be to watch, having a pet fish can be a relaxing experience that can help reduce anxiety. Research by Plymouth University found that simply watching fish (in an aquarium) led to reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. Because of their calming ability, fish tanks are often seen in waiting rooms at doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and more. Setting up your home aquarium can also be beneficial to your mental health in some unexpectedly unique ways, too. Setting up an aquarium and remembering why sustainability matters when building a fish tank can deepen your connection with nature, which has a myriad of benefits on its own.
Getting started
When it comes to getting started when looking to own a pet and reap the mental health benefits, spending time with your pet is a wonderful way to start. Taking your dog out for regular walks, brushing your cat, and actually taking some time to enjoy watching your home aquarium are all great ways to spend time with your pets. If you don’t yet own a pet, you can easily adopt one via your local pound, humane society, or pet store.
However, it’s important to take your time when deciding on the perfect pet, as it’s necessary to choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle. For instance, a dog can make a great pet for those who want to stay active, while fish are ideal for those who may be allergic to dogs or don’t have the time to go on regular walks each day. No matter which pet you choose, your mental health is sure to receive a boost whenever you’re around them.
Pets make great companions and are oftentimes regarded as a member of the family, though there are a number of mental health benefits that come along with pet ownership to be aware of. From fish to dogs, having a pet can help with many things, including reducing anxiety, promoting an active lifestyle, and relieving stress
The benefits involved
Owning a pet, such as a dog, can have many surprising mental health benefits — for example, in addition to inspiring mindfulness, dogs are well known for relieving stress, and many colleges and workplaces have taken note by creating dog-friendly environments for students and employees. In fact, when the University of British Columbia brought in therapy dogs for students, they reported that they were not only less stressed, but were happier and had higher levels of energy afterwards when surveyed. Additionally, dogs are also known to require regular exercise — such as daily walks — that can help you to stay active, which has mental health benefits of its own.
Even fish can prove to be beneficial to our mental health. For instance, because of how calming they can be to watch, having a pet fish can be a relaxing experience that can help reduce anxiety. Research by Plymouth University found that simply watching fish (in an aquarium) led to reductions in blood pressure and heart rate. Because of their calming ability, fish tanks are often seen in waiting rooms at doctors’ offices, nursing homes, and more. Setting up your home aquarium can also be beneficial to your mental health in some unexpectedly unique ways, too. Setting up an aquarium and remembering why sustainability matters when building a fish tank can deepen your connection with nature, which has a myriad of benefits on its own.
Getting started
When it comes to getting started when looking to own a pet and reap the mental health benefits, spending time with your pet is a wonderful way to start. Taking your dog out for regular walks, brushing your cat, and actually taking some time to enjoy watching your home aquarium are all great ways to spend time with your pets. If you don’t yet own a pet, you can easily adopt one via your local pound, humane society, or pet store.
However, it’s important to take your time when deciding on the perfect pet, as it’s necessary to choose one that fits your needs and lifestyle. For instance, a dog can make a great pet for those who want to stay active, while fish are ideal for those who may be allergic to dogs or don’t have the time to go on regular walks each day. No matter which pet you choose, your mental health is sure to receive a boost whenever you’re around them.
Pets make great companions and are oftentimes regarded as a member of the family, though there are a number of mental health benefits that come along with pet ownership to be aware of. From fish to dogs, having a pet can help with many things, including reducing anxiety, promoting an active lifestyle, and relieving stress
