pet owners tend to have higher self-esteem, are more physically fit

Another study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management found that having a dog in the office can increase job satisfaction and reduce stress levels among employees. The study found that employees who brought their dogs to work reported feeling happier and more relaxed throughout the day, and had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

As animal lovers, we already know that our furry friends bring us joy and companionship. But did you know that owning a pet can actually have a positive impact on our mental health? Numerous scientific studies have shown that having a pet can elevate our mood and improve our overall well-being.

One study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that pet owners tend to have higher self-esteem, are more physically fit, and have less stress than non-pet owners. The study also found that pets can provide social support, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. This social support is especially important for people who live alone or have limited social networks.

But why do pets have such a powerful effect on our mood and well-being? One theory is that pets provide a sense of purpose and meaning to our lives. Taking care of a pet gives us a sense of responsibility and can help us feel needed and important. Pets also provide us with unconditional love and support, which can help us feel more secure and confident in ourselves.
Pets also have a positive effect on our physical health. A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal Circulation found that owning a pet, especially a dog, can lower our risk of heart disease. The study found that dog owners had lower blood pressure and were more physically active than non-dog owners, which can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

In conclusion, owning a pet can have a significant positive impact on our mental and physical health. From reducing stress and loneliness to improving our overall well-being, pets truly are man’s best friend. So, if you’re feeling down or just need a little pick-me-up, consider adopting a furry companion – you won’t regret it.

Reference

• McNicholas, J., & Collis, G. M. (2000). Dogs as catalysts for social interactions: robustness of the effect. British Journal of Psychology, 91(1), 61-70.
• Wells, D. L. (2007). The effects of animals on human health and well-being. Journal of Social Issues, 65(3), 523-543.
• Barker, S. B., & Dawson, K. S. (2011). The effects of animal-assisted therapy on anxiety ratings of hospitalized psychiatric patients. Psychiatric Services, 52(2), 297-298.
• Allen, K., Blascovich, J., Tomaka, J., & Kelsey, R. M. (1991). Presence of human friends and pet dogs as moderators of autonomic responses to stress in women. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 61(4), 582-589.
• Friedmann, E., Thomas, S. A., Stein, P. K., Kleiger, R. E., & Rottman, J. N. (2003). Dog ownership and cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes. American Heart Journal, 146(1), 12-18.