Benefits of owning a pet are coming to the forefront, as more and more research is being dedicated to this line of thought.
Following are the benefits that will hopefully motivate you to get a pet for yourself:
- They love you unconditionally, and are a great source of support.
- Pets provide you constant companionship and prevent against isolation. They make you feel needed.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - They act as great listeners, and thus, provide a vent for your feelings.
- Some pets need to be taken out for walks. As a result, they act as motivators for you to step out, exercise and interact with people. Thus, acting as protective factors against heart diseases and depression.
- They help children with developmental disorders. For example, in case of autism, pets help improve their social interaction; in case of ADHD, they help children release their excess energy. They also help reduce the anxiety and stress that these children experience as a result of their daily life challenges.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - A snuggle with your pet will help you calm down and get rid of your anxiety and stress.
Dr Prerna Kohli India’s Top Psychologist Talks about 8 Reasons Why You Should Get a Pet - By giving you a reason to wake up every morning, they provide your life with a sense of purpose.
- Pets help provide some structure and routine to your day-to-day life.
It is because of the recognition of these mental health benefits that pets serve, that animals now are being used for therapy in the form of Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).
