Imagine coming home from a hard day’s work and being greeted by someone who is genuinely so happy to see you, their elation brings joy to your heart. That’s how it is when you adopt a pet. Research has shown that pets are great stress relievers and, in some cases, more effective than prescription drugs. So if you are living under a lot of stress, read on to find out how pet adoption may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Pets and Stress Reduction
There has been substantial research pertaining to pets, and how they make a difference in the lives of their owners. Bonding with an animal has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression in some people. It can also lower blood pressure, improve cognitive abilities, reduce loneliness, reduce negativity and boost self-esteem.
The ability of pets to reduce stress has led to a steadily growing industry in therapy dogs. These four-legged therapists can be found on school campuses, in work environments, nursing homes, recovery facilities and a host of other places. Even such prestigious schools as Harvard have therapy dogs to relieve stress in the workplace.
Being in the presence of a pet reduces blood pressure. The act of petting a dog or cat causes blood pressure readings to decrease. It is interesting to note that watching fish in an aquarium has the same effect as petting an animal. People who find themselves in stressful situations react to that stress differently when a pet is near. One study revealed that heart rate and blood pressure did not go as high when a pet was present.
Your pet may motivate you to be more active. Many dog owners get more exercise than they would if they didn’t have their pet. Exercise is a known stress reliever and helps reduce depression as well. So, if taking your dog for a walk or playing a game of Frisbee with Fido gets you moving, you have the added benefit of increasing your health through exercise.
The Benefits of Pet Adoption
Having a pet provides a plethora of benefits to you, and pet adoption provides a variety of benefits for the animal. Just imagine, for a moment, that animals have feelings. That poor little kitty or puppy locked in a cage for days, in a room of others in the same situation, can’t be happy. Imagine the joy of being chosen for adoption; you get to go to a new home where you will be loved and cared for.
If you talk to the workers at pet shelters, they will tell you the animals waiting to be adopted have an idea of what’s going on, and those who are adopted show they are grateful and happier. Animals end up in shelters because they have been abandoned, neglected or abused. By adopting a pet, you have the opportunity to make a creature’s life better.
Whether you are considering adopting a pet for your kids, for yourself or for a grandparent, know that the benefits all the way around are well worth it. Instead of reaching for a bottle of anti-anxiety pills, wouldn’t it be much nicer to be nuzzled by a pet who loves you unconditionally and delights in your presence?
Stress can lead to a variety of serious health issues. Adopting a pet can alleviate some of the stress in your life. Stress can also build up when you or a loved one has been injured through no fault of your own. The lawyers at Frohlich, Gordon & Beason, P.A., can help eliminate some of that stress with excellent legal representation. We serve residents in the areas of Port Charlotte, North Port and Englewood, and southwestern Florida. Contact us for a free consultation of your personal injury case.