Promoting health and wellness is paramount for your overall well-being. But when it comes to having a healthy lifestyle at home, you immediately think of eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of water, getting exercise, sleeping well, meditating, and having a ‘me’ time.
But did you know that pet ownership can be beneficial to your health as well? Yes, adopting pets can provide you with some health benefits. Having them around at home can make you physically active, regulate your mental state, and foster your well-being.
In fact, a recent survey shows that pets help many individuals cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. That’s why we’ve seen a surge in pet adoption or purchase amid the global health crisis. From March to September of last year, the number of foster pets has significantly increased by eight percent in the US. These facts show how pet ownership can be beneficial in the midst of a crisis.
That said, here’s how pet ownership can lead you to have a healthy lifestyle:
1. Own pets to keep you company
The lack of social interaction can be detrimental to your mental health. For one, home isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused negative repercussions on the mental state of many individuals and families. In fact, some people have reported showing signs and symptoms of psychological distress, depression, and anxiety.
If you’re living alone, it’s best to have pets around, whether dogs or cats. These furry members can keep you company, especially during this pandemic. Think of how happy you become just by playing with your dogs or cats. For all you know, these furry members of your family can somehow reduce your loneliness.
2. Take care of pets for physical activity
Being physically active is the best way to live a healthy lifestyle. Sure, hitting the gym or having home exercises can be your best approach. Even walking, jogging, or running can make a world of difference in your physical fitness.
But surprisingly, taking care of pets can provide you with some physical activity. Know that doing so isn’t a walk in the park. You have to regularly feed your pets, bathe them, and walk them around. Even having your puppy undergo dog training can keep you alive and kicking.
3. Count on pets for emotional support and psychological comfort
Animals can be a source of emotional support and psychological comfort. In fact, a study shows that pets have helped many individuals and families cope with the pandemic, especially during the lockdowns. Many of these individuals couldn’t imagine surviving the crisis without their pets around.
On top of these pets are dogs and cats. They can sense your feelings and offer the utmost comfort. Also, communicating with your pets can help release your stress, worries, and fears. Even looking at your fish and hearing your birds chirp can be emotionally and psychologically therapeutic.
4. Have pets around to boost your productivity
Did you know that pets can boost your productivity? Science can back this up as the presence of animals can reduce your stress and improve your production. Pet ownership is all the more beneficial during this pandemic, as many individuals have worked from home (WFH).
A 2012 study showed that employees who brought their dogs to work had significant stress reduction and a boost in productivity. Know that stress contributes to work burnout, productivity loss, and employee absenteeism. So if you’re looking to improve your productivity, consider adopting some pets, especially if you’re working from home.
5. Adopt pets to keep you healthy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), pets provide individuals with some health benefits. As such, it’s a good idea to adopt some pets, whether dogs or cats. And it’s all the more crucial to have pet ownership during this pandemic for your physical and mental health.
For one, pets can improve your mental well-being by reducing your feelings of sadness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Also, they can significantly lower your levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride. Lastly, they can provide you with some physical activities and allow some social interaction.
Take care of your pets
At this point, you now know how pet ownership can lead you to a healthy lifestyle. As discussed above, these furry members of your family can boost your physical health, maintain your mental stability, and promote your overall well-being. With all the health benefits, you have the right reasons to adopt some pets during this pandemic. Ultimately, you take good care of your pets so that they can take care of you as well.
