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!

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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!
4. 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?!)
5. 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!