You have had a long day at work. Work was tough and interacting with people was hard - just one of those days. All you want to do is head home and vegetate. But even as you near the door to your apartment, you can hear scuffling from inside and it brings a smile to your face. You know that you are soon going to be showered with utmost devotion, sheer love and warmth. All in the shape of a cuddly little monster - and just like that, the day feels better.
That is just one of the many beautiful things about having a dog; they keep your mental health in check and I can safely say, keep many of us sane. They say a good warm hug can uplift your mood by many degrees. So imagine what a good cuddle session with the beloved canine can do for you. It is a widely known fact that dogs are mood elevators, and help battle mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, or even just daily stress. And if you are on the fence about getting a pet, here are some pointers which will totally have you convinced.
1. Pets have a calming, soothing effect on their owners. Sitting next to your pet, petting it, playing with them calms the owners by reducing the blood pressure. Sensory stress relief anyone?
2. Pets, mostly dogs, require a lot of exercise, which in turn makes us exercise. Exercising releases endorphins in the brain and are great for battling depression, stress, and anxiety. And of course, the physical activity keeps you fit.
3. If you happen to live alone in the city, away from your family, pets make for great companions, adding value and quality to your life. I know of friends who have found greater work-life balance.
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4. We will all agree that it is essential to build a sense of responsibility in life. Having a pet is a good practice to build that, especially for young kids (and some adults who need it desperately). Having a feeding-walking-caring routine adds more meaning to your life.
5. What's a good way to build some self-confidence and get unconditional love in return? Get a pet. Win-win.
6. There is an overall sense of validation that one gets when taking care of and loving a pet; this adds to the feel-good and the sense of being loved.
7. Kids and adults with mental illnesses like ADHD and autism also benefit from keeping a pet because in the process of petting, they develop social behavior, focus, and concentration.
It is safe to say that pets come with a lot of responsibilities. But they also manage to make life more meaningful, filling it with laughter, love, motion (sometimes commotion), making it all worth it.
So maybe it's time to put those second thoughts away and go paw-dorable.
