The Power Of Pets
by Dr Margit Gabriele Muller
Six ways in which cats and dogs can relieve stress
A study found that people working on a stressful task felt significantly less stressed when their pets were with them, as opposed to a spouse, family member, or close friend. Nothing heals and relaxes us better than talking to our two- or four-legged companions without any fear that they will judge us. When we talk to our pets, we get rid of our problems, worries, and pain.
1. Less stress
Even our hormone levels are positively affected by our deep-rooted bond with our pets. After just five minutes of cuddling our pet, the ‘happy’ hormone dopamine, ‘well-being’ hormone endorphin, and ‘love’ hormone oxytocin are all excreted more. These increased hormonal levels lead to stress reduction.
2. Lower blood pressure
Owners of adopted dogs showed significantly reduced systolic blood pressure compared with people who did not adopt dogs.
However, you do not have to play with a pet to lower your blood pressure significantly. Even watching fish in a tank versus a bare wall for 30 minutes will do the trick!
3. Stronger heart
Daily walks with your dog are a perfect way to reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health. Research has found that dog owners live longer after a heart attack than non-dog owners.
4. Improved sleep
Do you spend sleepless nights worrying? If the answer is yes – then get a pet! A study showed that 56% of pet owners allow their pets to sleep in the bedroom. Of those, 41% do not feel disturbed by their pets and claim to have even slept better. Sleep seems to improve more when a pet is in the bedroom, but generally not in the bed itself.
5. Less chance of depression
Stress over a long period can increase the risk of developing depression if you don’t have a proper coping mechanism in place. Pets, in general, have been shown to be effective antidotes to depression due to their ability to reduce our stress levels. The same applies to mood swings and negative thinking.
6. Reduced pain
If you feel pain and are in desperate need of a painkiller, turn to your pet! Even five minutes with a dog or cat increases your level of endorphins. Endorphins are natural hormones produced by the body that have a similar chemical structure to morphine; they are, therefore, considered natural painkillers. Their function is to activate opioid receptors in the brain, thus reducing pain.
