Do you always feel a bit better after snuggling with your furry sidekick? You’re not alone. Learn about why quality time with your pet can boost your mood:
Pets provide purpose and love. Suzie Yuksel, LCSW-C, a social worker on the adolescent mood disorders unit, shares that tending to a pet can give you a sense of purpose. “You’re needed by a living thing that gives you unconditional love. When you have a pet, you’re the one they rely on for care and support—they give you a purpose. Often when I ask patients what makes them excited to be alive and what they look forward to, many mention their current or future pets.”
Yuksel also notes that pets can often ‘sense’ when you’re feeling down; have you ever noticed that your cat is extra snuggly when you’re upset? “They don’t speak the same language as you, but you might notice your pet can ‘feel’ your emotions when you’re upset or not your usual self,” Yuksel says.
Routine and consistency are key. “Dogs need daily walks—getting exercise and being outside are great to incorporate into your consistent, everyday routine,” says Yuksel. “Routine and consistency are so beneficial to many mental health conditions. Having stability and predictability in your day can reduce stress and anxiety, as well as reduce your cognitive load—aka, you don’t need to think as hard to get through the day.”
Your ‘feel good’ chemicals increase. When you pet an animal, your body releases serotonin and dopamine—these are two of the neurotransmitters in your brain that can improve your mood and make you feel happier. And when you lock eyes with your pet, your body releases oxytocin, a neurotransmitter that is correlated with boosting trust and attachment.
So—that time you spend snuggling with your cat or playing fetch with your dog is time well spent. Don’t have a pet? Here are a few ways you can get the same benefits:
- Volunteer at an animal shelter—you’ll get to spend time with furry friends, and you’ll feel good about giving back.
- Foster a pet who needs a temporary home or sign up to do pet-sitting on Rover.com. You can dip your toes in the water with pet parenthood without the long-term commitment.
- Head to a local cat café; grab a latte and snuggle up with the kittens for a quick mood boost.