Animals play a significant role in our wellbeing that often goes unrecognized. Research has demonstrated that socializing with animals decreases stress levels, improves mental health, and even strengthens immunity! It doesn’t matter what kind of animal you have as a companion; spending time with them always comes with unique benefits relevant to your health.
Following are the top three advantages of having an animal friend:
Pets Can Provide Companionship and Help Reduce Stress Levels
When you’re irritated, having a pet might help you feel better. Having a pet may provide someone a sense of purpose and duty, which can assist to relieve stress levels. Pets also provide unconditional love and friendship, which can aid in the reduction of anxiety. Spending time with pets has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”). Not only does owning a pet lead to decreases in stress and anxiety, but it also is proven to boost levels of oxytocin (the so-called “love hormone”), serotonin (a neurotransmitter responsible for good feelings), and dopamine (a neurotransmitter associated with rewards). These chemical changes within the brain interact together to create an overall decrease in stress. So if you’re looking for a method to reduce your stress levels, why not get a pet?
Animals have been shown to minimize tension, enhance feelings of happiness and calmness, and even reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
Animals Can Improve Mental Health and Well-being
Did you know that animals can improve your mood and well-being? Many of us have enjoyed time with a pet, a friend’s dog, or simply watching nature. Research has found that interacting with animals can decrease stress, promote happiness and relaxation, mitigate anxiety and depression. For example, therapy dogs are often present in mental health clinics highlighting the value of animal-related activities. Therefore next time you’re feeling down, take your dog for a walk or visit a nearby animal shelter; their tail wags might just brighten up your day too.
Animals Can Help Us Connect with Nature and Improve Our Overall Mood
It’s no secret that spending time in nature can help you feel more calm and energetic. Even interacting with animals may assist us feel more connected to nature and improve our mood. Animals have been found in studies to benefit from anxiety, loneliness, and sadness while also improving social skills and a sense of well-being. Playing fetch with a dog or watching fish in an aquarium is one option. Something as simple as this might make us happier.
Why Avanti Senior Living at Peoria is Pet-Friendly
Avanti Senior Living at Peoria 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.
