The Health Benefits of Having a Pet

Ask any animal lover, and they will likely tell you that having a pet benefits their health and well-being. The benefits of pets go beyond anecdotal evidence. This National Institute of Health article provides an overview of how pets positively impact health, including decreasing cortisol, lowering blood pressure, reducing loneliness, and improving mood.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Routine

Petting an animal can lower the stress hormone cortisol, providing a soothing effect that often leads to feelings of calm and relaxation. Animals also help maintain a routine, which can be particularly challenging for those experiencing mood symptoms, such as depression.

For instance, needing to feed a cat or dog can motivate you to get out of bed.

Routines help organize daily activities and provide a sense of predictability and control, which lowers stress. By reducing guesswork in daily life, it's easier to counteract symptoms like decreased interest and motivation.

Additionally, active daytime routines contribute to improved sleep, benefiting mood and overall functioning.

Promoting Social Interaction and Physical Activity

Pets can enhance social interactions and encourage physical activity. Walking your dog around the block not only provides exercise but can also lead to friendly greetings with neighbors or conversations at the local dog park. Research indicates that loneliness and social isolation are risk factors for premature death, while social connections improve mood and physical health.

Please see this post on the power of relationships for more information.

Regular physical activity offers numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, increased muscle strength, reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, and enhanced mood.

Providing Companionship and Emotional Support

Animals offer companionship, comfort, and emotional support, which can be crucial during stressful events, as pets can help mitigate associated stress. In general, people report that good moods increase and bad moods decrease when around pets.

Moreover, caring for a pet can be a rewarding experience. When feeling stuck in your head, focusing on a pet can provide a necessary distraction and joy. Overall, pets add a sense of playfulness and happiness to daily life.

Conclusion

At CBT Denver, we appreciate the holistic nature of mood and well-being and recognize that for some, pets play a vital role in health and happiness.

To learn more about the treatments we provide, please contact us.