As animal therapies have become more and more popular, you have most likely realized that animals can have a positive impact on your health. We have seen institutions and hospitals adopt equine-assisted therapy and visits from therapy dogs and their handlers as highly important parts of patient treatment. The benefits of animals on human health isn’t limited to time prescribed by physicians. Owning a companion animal, or even volunteering in an animal shelter, can have wonderful benefits.
Being around animals can decrease stress, reduce loneliness, lower depression, increase lung health, result in fewer illnesses per year, and help improve cardiovascular health. Spending time watching a fish swim or petting a dog can even quickly lower heart rates. The physical health benefits are many and wide reaching, but it doesn’t just stop there, mental health strongly benefits as well. Children will often list pets as one of the most important ‘people’ in their lives or as a close confidant. Those who have recently lost a spouse, but have a close animal companion, are shown to have less depression. Patients with severe illness reported that having pets gave them a sense of purpose. Many homeless youths said that their pets were their main way of combating loneliness. Animals can even help cultivate self-esteem and an ability to relate to others.
Whatever mental demons you may be trying to combat, there is a high likelihood that spending time with animals will significantly help you make progress. Adopting an animal is a big responsibility and should not be taken on likely, but most pet owners will tell you that the trade offs are worth it. Carefully think through your lifestyle and what you would like out of your companion animal before deciding whether to adopt and what type of animal would be a good fit.
You may decide that adopting isn’t possible with your lifestyle right now, but there are many other options for spending time with animals. You may be able to join an animal based therapy program in which trained professionals assist you in interacting with the animals. If you have a neighbor or friend with an animal they may be willing to let you spend time together and they may even appreciate the help. Finally, there is always the option of volunteering at a local animal shelter as many places need help walking the dogs, playing with the kittens, and much more.
Sources: The Health Benefits Of Companion Animals, Psychology Today, and Texas Alliance For Homeless Pets.
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The Life Change Institute believes in restoring our clients to their optimum state of health and wellness and in establishing personal skills and practices to prevent future ill health and trauma.