How Animals Can Help Our Well-Being 

Do you ever find yourself in a better mood after spending time with a dog or another type of animal? Animals can contribute to human well-being in a few different ways, including improving both physical and mental health. This post will explore the main ways in which animals can enrich your life and improve your overall well-being. Keep reading to find out more. 

The Mental Health Benefits of Animal Companionship

First, you have the mental health benefits of animal companionship. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and other animals can all improve mental well-being, including alleviating feelings of loneliness, reducing anxiety, and providing emotional support. A 2020 study from the University of York found that having an animal at home was linked to maintaining better mental health and reducing loneliness during lockdown – a time when many people struggled with their mental health. Mental health is a growing issue, so those who suffer may want to consider a furry friend at home who could make a big difference. 

Physical Health Improvement Through Animal Ownership

Caring for animals can also help improve physical health as it encourages physical activity, which can lead to improved cardiovascular health. Of course, this is most evident with dogs as this encourages daily walking. Daily walking can lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and is an excellent low-impact form of exercise that gets people out of the house each day (spending time in nature can also improve physical and mental well-being).

The Role of Animals in Child Development & Education

Animals can also play a valuable role in child development and education. Having a dog or another animal at home can be hugely valuable in teaching a child many important life skills, including responsibility and empathy, as they can be responsible for changing the feeding hay for rabbits and small animals and other tasks. Children who care for animals at home are likely to grow up to be caring and could even help them build stronger interpersonal relationships. 

Therapeutic Roles of Animals in Healthcare Settings

In recent years, animals have played an increasingly significant role in providing therapeutic care to those in healthcare settings. Animal-assisted therapy is proven to have a positive impact on conditions like depression, anxiety, autism, and Alzheimer’s. Interactions with animals can have a hugely positive impact on mental well-being, so it is easy to see why they are being used as part of therapy as well as in hospitals, care homes, and other healthcare settings. 

As you can see, animals can have a significant impact on our well-being in a few different ways. Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, and even fish can have a positive impact on many aspects of our lives, plus they can play an important role in a child’s development and even help those with wide-ranging health conditions to manage. 

Photo by Jonas Vincent on Unsplash