Many people say that when it comes to owning animals, their critters feel more like family members than pets. With Americans spending a collective $72 billion dollars on their pets in 2018, it’s clear to see that our animal friends are an extremely influential part of our family structure. In fact, they may be even more influential than we think; some studies suggest that owning a pet plays a part in the state of our mental health. While it’s certainly hard not to smile when faced with a wagging tail, do pets actually have the power to improve our mental state? Science says they do!
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are many ways pet ownership can help alleviate day to day anxieties, and even provide long-term help for owners with chronic mental illness. For example, dogs require regular exercise, which keeps your fitness schedule consistent as a result. Walking or running with your dog for just 20 minutes a day will raise your endorphin levels—the hormones that help you fight depression and anxiety. Even if your pet is more stationary, simply playing with them is shown to increase the amount of oxytocin and dopamine (the “happy” chemicals) in your brain and elevate your mood.
Finally, owning pets also increases your sense of self-worth. Caring for a pet not only requires responsibility and accountability, but it also takes the focus off of yourself and your own worries. So, if you’ve been looking for reasons to convince your family, roommates, or significant other to adopt a pet, make sure to add mental wellness to the list!