Mental Health and Pet Joy

Approximately one in five US adults suffer from some sort of mental disorder affecting the everyday life they have. Most often we are left wondering why we have no help and ask ourselves why we were made this way. But without thinking pets offer stability and a meaning to our life. We care and love for these animals so much, that the love we offer gets returned without judgement, that we often don’t receive from family or friends.

Pets lower stress and depression. Watching your fish can ease tense muscles, while stroking a cat or dog can lower high blood pressure. Playing with pets increases the levels of feel-good chemicals dopamine and serotonin in your brain.

Most pets force you to be out in the world and social, such as going for walks and the pet store. Being out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine is always healthy and relaxing.

Pets teach us 11 important life lessons, which personally, I find very intuitive.

1) Being Present

Being present and in the moment is the best lesson we can learn. They don’t worry about the present or past. When they eat, they don’t worry about weight gain, they enjoy the taste. Try being present and don’t care what other think!

2) Gratitude

Pets are grateful for cuddles and food, the simple things in life. If you find yourself struggling to feel grateful, try and focus on blessing instead of negativity.

3) Making Time to Play

No matter what pet you own , they always find something to play with. With a cat, a ball of yarn, a dog, his tail. No matter what they enjoy the time they have to play. Find something you love doing and don’t stop! Playing isn’t just for kids and pets. Doing something you love increases creativity and opens the mind to new possibilities.

4) Walking

Dogs love walks and exercise. I’m not saying exercise excessively for three hours. A simple five minute walk a day will increase feel good hormones.

5) Enjoying the Journey

When in a car, a dog will stick its tongue out a slobber everywhere. No matter what an animal will just enjoy the ride and not worry about the destination. Focus on the experiences and lessons you learn along the way and try to enjoy small victories, instead of the stress and frustration of getting where you want to be.

6) Forgiving and Not Holding Grudges

Does your dog get upset when you come home late from school or work? Probably no longer than a few seconds. Pets forgive very easily and you can incorporate that into your own life. Holding a grudge has a negative influence on your emotional well-being and it keeps you from moving forward. Take some advice from pets and learn to forgive yourself and others. It will give you a sense of freedom.

7) Overcoming Your Fears

I once owned a rooster, Ash. A dog attacked him and he got himself wedged between two buildings. He was terrified. But with time and patience I finally got him to come out and he ran to my arms. This exact method can be used for you, facing a fear is rough. But with time a patience you can definitely overcome anything.

8) Accepting Yourself

No pet worries about how they look, all they care about is love. You should learn to love yourself and never worry what other think. Your body is yours and it’s no one else’s right to judge you.

9) Unwinding and Relaxing

After a long walk or run in the yard, dogs always nap. Allowing time for relaxation. Incorporate this into your life. Turn your phone add for an hour after work and just relax. This gives you time to restore your energy and forget about the days troubles.

10) Being Loyal and Trustworthy

Pets don’t cheat and don’t lie. So why should a human? Dogs put their complete love and trust into us, so why can’t we? Trusting completely and treating others with love will benefit us, even if they aren't nice back. Treat others the way you want to be treated is the motto.

11) Loving Unconditionally

No matter what happens, if you’ve been gone all day or punished the for doing something you didn’t like, they will always love you. Pets will never stop loving you. Loving someone unconditionally is never way, but it will benefit you in the long run!

We can learn so much from our friends with four paws. If we understand them more we can incorporate their happiness into our lives! Who doesn’t love to be happy?

Our mental health is important, so why not give loving and living like our furry friend a try?