4 Benefits of Owning a Pet
Animals can be some of the best teachers in life, if
you simply pay attention to the way they live, love, and interact with the
world around them.
They possess an incredibly grounding energy that:
·
Teaches us how to stay present (they’re
rarely worried about the future or tormented by the past)
·
Provides unconditional love
·
Heals hearts and souls
This is the reason why therapy dogs and cats, rabbits,
and other creatures have become so ubiquitous in hospitals, long-term living
facilities, and prisons.
These compassionate animals provide love and affection
to those who need it most. They bring joy into lonely hearts, comfort the sick,
and offer physical contact to people who otherwise receive little or no touch.
If you’ve ever been fortunate enough to live with a
dog, you know how they make you feel like you’re the center of the universe.
Who else is going to greet you with such unbridled joy tail wagging, turning in
frantic circles, howling in excitement when you come home from work?
They’re so much more than our best friends; they’re
members of our families and, for many people, the living being with whom they
share the strongest connection. The animal-human bond is profoundly powerful and
research is finally proving it.
Here are four ways spending time with animals can make
you happier and healthier:
1. Improved Physical and Mental
Health
Pets can lower blood pressure,
triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. A recent study found that even the simple act of
watching fish swim in an aquarium can lower blood pressure and heart rate and
reduce stress. Furthermore, pets provide companionship that can help combat
feelings of loneliness.
2. Increased Exercise
Most dogs need to be walked twice a day, which means
you’re walking right alongside them. This increased physical activity not only
improves your physical health, but also combats depression and makes you happier.
3. More Opportunities to Socialize
Animals have an uncanny ability to transcend social
barriers. You’ve probably noticed that it’s much easier to strike up a
conversation with a person who has an adorable animal in tow than someone who
does not.
This social interaction, however brief, can increase
feelings of happiness and help you feel more connected to your community.
4. Release of Oxytocin
Oxytocin is the feel-good hormone responsible for the
euphoric love and unbreakable bond between human mother and baby. Gazing into a
dog’s eyes releases oxytocin in both the dogs and the humans.
Of course, not everyone can have pets at home. They
are, after all, an enormous responsibility. But there are so many ways to spend
time with animals without the long-term commitment of a family pet.
Here are some alternative ways to reap the benefits of
spending time with animals:
Volunteering
Think beyond the four walls of the local shelter and
explore other rescue organizations in your area that focus on specific species,
breeds, and medical conditions. And then get involved.
These rescue organization need kind and loving people
just like you to help:
·
Walk dogs
·
Pet cats
·
Train and socialize animals
·
Provide foster care
·
Help with transportation
Whatever your passion may be, these organizations will
put you to work to improve an animal’s life.
Volunteering with a rescue organization is a double
dose of happiness, too, because not only does spending time with animals boost
your mood, but acting in the service of others is an excellent way to improve both
physical and mental health.
Wildlife Watching
Go to a local park, beach, or forest and observe the
birds, squirrels, and any other creatures that might be there. Watch them move
about their world or close your eyes and listen to the sounds they make.
Slow down and pay attention to how they focus on the
simple things, like chewing an acorn or building a nest. This can help you feel
more connected with nature, and thus more grounded and at ease.
Pet Sitting
This is a wonderful way to spend some quality time with
animals if you can’t have your own pet. Pet owners are always eager to find
reliable, animal-loving humans to look after their pets while they’re away.
Try:
·
Watching a pair of dogs while their
owners leave for the day
·
Feeding a friend’s cats while she’s on
vacation
·
In-home pet sitting for longer-term
vacations
Supporting Animals from Afar
Maybe you love animals but you don’t necessarily want
to or can’t be physically close to them. There are countless ways to support
our best friends and love them from afar.
You can donate to an animal rescue, organize a
fundraiser, or assist with administrative tasks like drumming up grants or
helping out with a rescue organization’s social media.
Being Prepared
Here’s something simple anyone can do right away, and
it benefits both animals and humans. Store a few small packets of dog food and
human snacks in your car. When you see a homeless person with a dog, offer them
the dog food along with the snacks.
Showing compassion toward others even in a small way is
a positive practice that lifts spirits and brightens days.
source:chopra
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