We all know that feeling you get when you come home from a rough day at work and your best friend is there to greet you. It cannot be a coincidence that being dog owners has such a net positive effect on our lives – and science agrees.
Today is National Stress Awareness Day and we wanted to highlight just a few of the many ways that being pet owners helps us manage, avoid, and cope with stress!
- The science-y stuff: Playing with or petting an animal can actually increase levels of the stress-reducing hormone oxytocin and decrease production of the stress hormone cortisol.
- Being around an animal decreases your blood pressure, which is one physical measure of stress! They also fulfill our need for touch which, in combination, is a great stress reliever.
- Pet owners on average get more exercise, especially dog owners. Whether it’s throwing ball at the park, taking your dog for a long walk, or repeatedly picking up that toy from under the couch, it all adds up!
- Pet ownership reduces feelings of loneliness. Having a dog both keeps you company and also encourages friendly interactions with other people. (Because who doesn’t love someone stopping you to gush over how cute your dog is?!)
- Pets help you be in the moment and laugh! Being a pet owner reduces stress by allowing you to live in the moment as opposed to bemoaning the struggles of the day.
Turns out, having a dog is just what the doctor ordered!
