Let us talk about the unexpected and surprising advantages of having pets in your life.
Did you know that there’s a strong bond between animals and people?
Among the more amazing and unifying elements of humankind is watching the extraordinary lengths some animal lovers will go to for their animal companions.
Low monster fans may not get it at all… yet.
So here is the thing: They like a mutual, deep bond and connection that’s tough to explain or define, but it will not make it any less real or tangible.
Lots of individuals have heard the benefits of owning pets. Along with a pet of any kind, whether it is a cat, horse, dog, lizard, or bird that feels loved and protected, will bring great joy for their human.
Although some pet owners go to extravagant lengths for their fur babies – throwing them fancy weddings or birthday parties or dressing them up in amazing outfits – even the simple act of recognizing their devotion and love for you is a gift that will reap a lifetime of rewards.
Pets are a window into our soul.
One of the numerous advantages of owning pets is when they show you that you are. They do this by representing, mirroring and acting out facets of your inner self. When you look closely at their messages that they can help you become a better person.
This is the phenomenon I call The Human Animal BodyMind Connection and it is an extraordinary thing that when you know it, it is going to change your life.
They don’t have any potential for spite or guile.
If you listen to them, what are they saying about the way you are caring for your self… and them?
They will innately reflect your awareness of health and well-being. They’re attuned to your own energy – mind, emotions and body – and can send you messages about brewing issues long before others may perceive signs of trouble.
And, they can be an excellent comfort during times of stress, isolation, or loneliness.
Health benefits of having pets
But have you ever wondered why? I will tell you my view…
Dogs are faithful to a fault.
They’ve no need for explanations or pretense, they’re only ever being themselves.
Yet, many animals have an innate sense when someone is in need of support. They do not always take on the stress… they just reach out to comfort someone in pain.
Your horse will feel the tension in you and try to make sense of it, then determine how to help you with that.
Your dog will follow you around the house when they read negative energy trying to determine what’s wrong and how to assist you.
You might think that they’re being a pest – particularly when you are feeling agitated. Stop and get the gift of the love for what it is, and have a conversation with them about what is bothering you. You will feel better for it, and when you learn how to talk to animals they will have the ability to let you know what they think too.
Animals know when things are going wrong, but they lack the capacity to fix them… or do they?
Countless studies have demonstrated that there is healing power in having a cat purr on your lap, using a puppy break their head on your lap, using a horse stay still while you stroke their face.
Studies have demonstrated that the bond between people and their pets increases fitness, reduces anxiety, and bring joy to their owners. Some of the many benefits of owning pets would be that people like:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Reduced cholesterol levels
- Increased opportunities for exercise and outdoor activities
- Reduced Insulin levels
- Reduced feelings of loneliness
- Increased opportunities for socialization
( Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Pets will not let you withdraw, isolate, or cocoon yourself all independently
It’s very tricky to socialize in the present world… and that may magnify depression, anxiety, and a feeling of isolation.
Your pet needs your attention and care during good times. And, through bad times they still want those things, but can feel that things are not right, once you’re in pain.
Your cat may be circling your home office chair, pouncing on your computer, intent on deflecting you… but really, they are probably telling you it is time to change your focus.
Often they’ll realize that your breathing has become shallow, your flow is weakening, and your energy is faltering… it worries them. Time to take a rest!
Time spent caring for a pet releases dopamine and serotonine, two hormones that activate a pleasure response.
Pets are highly instinctive creatures. And the longer they spend with you, the better they get to know you and become attuned to your highs and lows.
The advantages of having pets go beyond epic rescue dogs
All of us have an image in our mind of German Shepherds finding lost kids in the woods, highly trained Golden Retrievers who’ve learned to feel seizures in their owners, therapy dogs that visit hospitals to comfort patients…
But pets don’t need to be doing “heroic” deeds to be a fanatic in your own life, and they do not need to all be dogs.
Birds, bearded dragons, horses, chickens make a difference.
Believe it or not, watching your goldfish swim in and out of the small castle for 10 minutes lowers your blood pressure, along with your anxiety.
- Forces you to focus on someone vulnerable out yourself, and make the effort to tend to their needs which helps you tend to your needs also
- gets you out for some exercise because after all, appreciating nature and getting offline is critically important for your own health and well-being along with theirs
- makes you step away from your computer and Just play, lighten up, refresh and refresh so you can reconnect
Take the opportunity to learn how they communicate with you… they have insights to share if you are prepared to listen and learn.
Post in the comments below and let us celebrate your love of pets and what a difference they’ve made in your life.
