Pets – the most lovable shrinks

‘An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.’ –  Martin Buber

He is very perceptive. He knows your every mood and is with you through good times and bad. No, I am not talking about your dream man but your ever faithful furry friend! It is a fact that owning a pet is as good as having a live-in shrink albeit a fun loving kind rather than the serious prude types! 

Let’s look at a few ways that pets help people overcome depression

They calm you down – Just looking at that adorable face makes you all mushy, and when he goes about his daily antics like running away with your wife’s lingerie while your spouse chases it like greased lightning! It is bound to bring a broad grin whenever you reminisce. Studies have proven that just having your pets around lowers your blood pressure and heart rate. The good news is that heart patients recover faster after surgery and survive longer when pets are around them. 

Pets accept you as you are –  Pets offer unconditional love and never judge or critique you. You can talk to them about your worries and they will calmly listen to you and give you a warm cuddle. Just their presence will alleviate your loneliness.

Pets make you responsible – Taking care of the daily needs of your pets increase your self -worth and self esteem, thereby promoting positive mental health.

The healing touch – Just a warm cuddle and oodles of licks from your furry chum is bound to bring down your blood pressure and heart rate thus reducing stress as it promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone known to reduce the stress levels.

So go ahead, give in to the loving demands of your four legged friend!

article by Harshita