Feeling stressed out? Spending time with animals could be the perfect remedy. Research shows that interacting with animals, both pets and therapy animals, can significantly reduce stress and anxiety.
The Calming Effect of Animals
Animals have an amazing ability to provide comfort and reduce stress in humans. Simply petting a dog or cat releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes relaxation and bonding. This lowers the stress hormone cortisol, slows heart rate, and reduces blood pressure - leading to a profound calming effect.
Interacting with animals also decreases loneliness and provides companionship. Caring for a pet gives people a sense of purpose and keeps them active, both of which help alleviate stress and depression. Pets offer unconditional love and support, which is especially beneficial during times of stress.
Therapy Animals Help Relieve Anxiety
It's not just pets - therapy animals are specially trained to provide comfort and affection to people in stressful situations. Many hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and even airports now have therapy animal programs.
Studies have found that spending time with a therapy dog reduces anxiety and improves mood in patients. One study of college students found that petting therapy dogs significantly reduced stress and homesickness. Another study showed that Alzheimer's patients who interacted with therapy dogs had decreased agitation and improved social interactions.
Simple Ways to Spend Time with Animals
You don't need to own a pet to experience the stress-reducing benefits of animals. Here are a few simple ways to spend more time with animals:
Visit a local animal shelter and offer to walk a dog or play with a cat
Volunteer at a therapeutic riding center that uses horses to help people with disabilities
Find a park or beach that allows dogs and spend time watching them play
Visit a petting zoo or animal sanctuary
Ask to pet a friend or neighbor's friendly dog or cat
So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by stress, try seeking out some animal companionship. You may be surprised by just how much better a furry friend can make you feel. Animals really do have the power to help reduce stress and brighten your day.
