How your pet can help you adopt a healthy lifestyle

Animals maintain a connection with the environment and live according to the natural cycles of life so they have the ability to inspire people to live in harmony. They motivate us to make some beneficial changes in our life with positive effects on the body and mind. We are amazed when people like us heal from some physical illnesses by adopting a dog and we observe with admiration the positive effects that a cat has on emotions, helping us to overcome stress, anxiety or depression.

Psychologists and animal trainers have closely studied the relationship between pets and their owners. In this regard, various scientific materials have been published that conclude that a dog or cat really helps people be healthier and happier.

Simply owning a pet and interacting with it on a daily basis helps relieve stress, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Furthermore, the animal’s need for exercise motivates the owner to adopt positive habits in this regard.

A generally valid recommendation for our health is that of physical movement, but comfort is the biggest obstacle. A pet forces us out of our comfort zone because we took on the responsibility of providing for its needs when we decided to adopt or purchase it. Perhaps at first we feel overwhelmed and encounter internal resistance, but over time we realize that thanks to the animal we have acquired certain habits with long-term positive effects. Beyond that, a pet helps the owner discover the joy of walking in nature and the park, appreciate opportunities to go outside, enjoy the sun, exercise or socialize with other animal lovers. Walking, jogging and playing have calming effects on the mind, helping to relieve tension and negative thoughts. The pet helps deal with loneliness and provides emotional support in the event of the death of a loved one.

The connection that is established with an animal and the deep bond on an emotional level offers multiple benefits in terms of human health. A few minutes spent with the dog or a cuddle session with the cat will cause the brain to release certain substances with a positive effect on the whole body. At these moments the body experiences a series of positive vibrations and it is easy to understand the therapeutic effect of the animal.

From an anatomical and functional point of view, the level of serotonin (the chemical substance that induces well-being, euphoria) increases, while the level of cortisol (the stress hormone) decreases. The chemistry between humans and pets is real and has scientific proof. According to a 2015 study published in Neuroeconomics Studies, the more attached we become to the pet, the more we will experience a higher state of joy, we will be healthier and happier. In this experiment, the interaction between a dog or cat and its owner was evaluated. People who had a deeper bond with the animal showed a more optimistic outlook on life and were more satisfied with its quality than those who treated their animal superficially.

The way an animal is treated is the best indicator of the owner’s values ​​and life milestones. Furthermore, it has been observed that deep involvement in the relationship with the animal has positive effects for both the animal and the owner. A balanced circuit is therefore created in giving and receiving affection.

In addition to these effects with a positive impact on an emotional and psychological level, your pet can help you improve your body condition and increase your level of physical fitness. Daily walking or running sessions are modalities that offer a number of long-term benefits. Take advantage of these opportunities to add exercise to your daily schedule and you will acquire one of the most important positive habits.

Here are some tips for being more active and enjoying bonding with your pet:

• A walk in the park will help the pet explore the surroundings and interact with other dogs or nature animals. You can add a play session to this walk so you will end up feeling more relaxed and in a positive mood. Daily physical exercises are wonderful for the animal because it will help him avoid health and behavioral problems, keeping him fit.
• Go for a picnic: most of the time we have the feeling that time passes very quickly and recreational activities are increasingly rare. But at some point we can ask ourselves: what could be more satisfying than spending time in nature with your pet? In these cases minimal preparations such as a simple packet, water are necessary. It will be more fun if you bring rewards for the non-speaking companion where you can hide. This opportunity is excellent to connect with nature and release accumulated stress.
• A visit to the beach: the sun and water do wonders for the mind and body. A swimming session and a walk on the beach with your pet will increase well-being.
• Longer or shorter walks: sometimes it is difficult to leave the comfort zone. Having a pet will motivate us to leave the couch and choose to walk or run. Movement is the essence of life and the animal knows it instinctively, which is why it is always available to play and eager for activity. Extra effort is needed at first, but then you will definitely be grateful for it.

Other positive effects linked to owning an animal are:

• Company: Studies have shown that isolation and loneliness have a negative impact on people’s lives. Owning a pet can prevent disease and increase life expectancy.
• A regular daily schedule: Positive habits like regular meals and exercise have a greater impact on your overall life experience. Pets will help you create a routine that is sure to have a long-term beneficial effect.
• Meeting new people: Your pet can help you make social connections with other animal lovers with whom you can start various discussions.

In conclusion, all we can do is have fun and be grateful to our animal. With him we will live life at a higher level, with more optimism and joy.