If you don’t have a pet in your life, consider adopting or fostering one, especially during American Heart Month.
According to the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Mars Petcare, market research reinforces the social bond between humans and pets. In fact, 80% of pet owners say their pet makes them feel less lonely. Eighty-five percent of pet owners and non-pet-owners believe interacting with a companion animal can help reduce loneliness, while 76% agree human-animal interactions can help address social isolation.*
Spending time with your pet can be relaxing, encouraging the release of endorphins, which are brain chemicals that help us de-stress and feel good. And petting a beloved animal can even help lower your blood pressure.
So what are you waiting for?
5 ways pets help your mental health
- Pets can reduce work-related stress. Two out of three employees say work stresses them out and 40% say their job gets in the way of their health. Studies show that pets in the workplace help reduce stress and improve employee satisfaction.
- Pets can help increase productivity, wherever you work. When a dog joins a virtual meeting, group members rank their teammates higher on trust, team cohesion and camaraderie.
- Pets help manage anxiety. Now more than ever, many people are feeling anxious or struggling with mental health. Pets provide companionship and support.
- Pets can help you be more active. They give you a reason to get outside, get some fresh air and get active, which is proven to improve your mood, sleep and mental health.
- Pets provide a sense of togetherness. The bond with a pet helps you to not feel alone. When owners see, touch, hear or talk to their companion animals, it brings a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness.
