As scientific and medical researchers continue to look for effective solutions to managing mental health, the human-animal connection has been examined extensively. Curious about how the unconditional love, companionship, and affection of a pet can essentially prevent and even treat certain mental disorders, experts have been studying just how beneficial dogs are to their owner's overall well-being. Here's a look at what has been discovered:
They Teach Mindfulness
Mindfulness and meditation are often incorporated into programs used by facilities that offer mental health treatment near Santa Barbara and other locations across the US because it is highly effective in helping to improve mental health. Mindfulness teaches those who practice it how to live in the present and experience their emotions without judgment.
Dogs can teach their owners a thing or two about mindfulness. They teach you to take in your surroundings, live in the moment (and be happy doing so), let go of past negative emotions, not hold grudges, and just accept who you are and where you are in life.
They Encourage Physical Activity
Those daily walks do more than just help owners shed extra pounds. The dog's need to be walked every day encourages owners to make time in their daily routines for a few minutes of exercise. Regular workouts help to reduce levels of stress and increase mood-boosting hormones like dopamine. Not to mention, being outside in nature automatically boosts your mood. The warmth of the sun's rays and the added vitamin D are great sources for beating mental disorders like depression.
They Reduce Feelings of Loneliness
When you suffer from mental illness like depression, feelings of loneliness are very common. Though you may have a supportive family, feeling alone is still very possible and real. For those who own dogs, however, the feelings of loneliness are quickly erased by their pet's presence. There's something about that wagging tail and happy disposition that can make a person feel loved, needed, and wanted. Some people even find it therapeutic to talk to their pets.
They Provide a Sense of Purpose
As adults get older and their list of responsibilities (particularly parenting and working) declines, a lost sense of purpose can develop. Feeling as if you're no longer useful can lead to intense periods of sadness and even depression. Owning a dog, however, can change that. The time, attention, and effort required to take care of a pet can help to fill an owner's life with meaning and purpose. This sense of purpose is heightened for those who adopt a rescue dog from a shelter.
They Provide Comfort
Dogs have a strong sense of human emotions. By looking at your face, listening to your tone of voice, and even watching your body language, your dog can tell whether or not something is going on. During times when you are down, dogs do what they can to provide comfort and relief. They might cuddle more than normal, try to lick you, or even encourage you to get up and play to try and lift your spirits and make you feel better.
They Create New Social Opportunities
Anyone who is a dog owner can tell you that they've met a lot of nice people since having their furry friend around. From the pet store to the dog park, there is a large community of pet owners out there who loves nothing more than socializing and connecting with others (which is great for your mental health). Even for pet owners who suffer from social anxiety find it easier to engage in a conversation when they have their canine companion on their side.
They Increase Overall Happiness
Dogs have a way of spreading happiness to anyone around them. No matter what you may be going through in life, having them around makes it all better. Their silly sense of humor, warm cuddles, cold noses, and gentle signs of affection can't help but put a smile on your face every day.
From the outside looking in, a dog may seem like nothing more than a chore. Though there are things you need to consider before deciding to own a pet, as you can see from above, the mental health benefits of owning a dog are plentiful.
