Benefits of Pets on Mental Health

Benefits of Pets on Mental Health

Audrey Quiteves

4 February 2021

It has almost been a year since the implementation of quarantines across the country due to COVID-19. Other than effects detrimental to our own physical health, the pandemic heightened our anxiety towards our well-being and surroundings. According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19 has triggered mental health conditions and intensified existing ones, thus increasing the demand for mental health services [1]. During these times, we are in dire need of support, physical contact, and affirmation from loved ones. Yet, it appears that the only available option is virtual communication; and in some cases, this option may not be enough.

Our nature as social beings makes us crave emotional nurturing; one key to good mental health. As human touch is not possible any sooner, bonds that we form with our pets could at the very least supplement its value. Here are a few of the powers of pets that can help in our well-being during these times.

First, pets can help support human emotional needs. One of the joys our buddies can bring is giving us attention and affection. With the anxiety filling us each day, just the simple wink from them makes us feel cheesy and loved. Moreover, they fulfill our need for touch. Cuddling, stroking, and touching our loyal pets can calm our emotions and ease loneliness [2]. Moving or playing with them can also promote mood boost as well as stress-relief. Pets could also be our source of comfort and support as they provide us the companionship we are missing from our human friends.

Second, pets can help promote physical wellness. In our lives before the pandemic, we were able to sneak in time in a day to go to the gym. However, due to community lockdowns, we are now called to look at our safety first. This is when our buddies can help us still care for our physical bodies. Our pets can help us stay active at this time. Daily walks outdoors (or even in your backyards) can help promote physical wellbeing [3]. If you are not able to do so, you can still burn calories by the plays and tricks with your pets; even scooping their poop counts as part of your daily workout.

Third, pets can help us set daily routines. As a lot of us struggle to keep up with the pace of the situation, setting up things to accomplish in the day can help us keep sane during these times. Caring for a pet is one way to structure your day and schedule things to achieve [4]. As they require to be fed, walked, played with, and maintained, our pets can give us a sense of responsibility that can lead to positive behaviors towards our wellbeing [5]. These little companions of us can help boost our mental health as they give us a sense of purpose whenever we accomplish our pet routines.

Finally, pets can help us learn to care for ourselves. Two of the factors that affect our mental health are low self-esteem and insecurity. The pandemic makes us more inclined to those factors as we see people being more productive than us during these times, but our pets can help us reduce those anxieties. Our fur babies look at us more than our appearance or progress in life. Instead, they will give us their full support and love whenever we need it. They won’t judge us if we’re not yet achieving our body goals or still making our way to acing a course. What they will do is remind us to be more appreciative of the little things in life, thus being kinder to ourselves.

Caring for our pets can help maintain our mental health especially during these vulnerable times. But this does not mean dogs and cats can substitute professional help for our mental needs. This does not also account for a reason to buy a pet. We can always opt to adopt or visit pet centers if we can’t afford yet to live with one.

References:

[1] “COVID-19 Disrupting Mental Health Services in Most Countries, WHO Survey.” World Health Organization, 2020. https://www.who.int/news/item/05-10-2020-covid-19-disrupting-mental-health-services-in-most-countries-who-survey.

[2] Lundgren, Kai, Robert Segal, and Lawrence Robinson. “The Health and Mood-Boosting Benefits of Pets.” HelpGuide, 2020. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/mood-boosting-power-of-dogs.htm#:~:text=Pets%2C%20especially%20dogs%20and%20cats,valuable%20companionship%20for%20older%20adults.

[3] Robinson, Ann. “‘Dogs Have a Magic Effect’: How Pets Can Improve Our Mental Health.” The Guardian. The Guardian, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/mar/17/dogs-have-a-magic-effect-the-power-of-pets-on-our-mental-health.

[4] [5] Miers, Dave. “The ‘Pet Effect’ and Its Impact on Your Mental Health.” Bryan Health. Bryan Health, 2020. https://www.bryanhealth.com/about-bryan-health/news/2020/the-pet-effect-and-its-impact-on-your-mental-health/.