Did you have a long day at work? Look for your dog or cat and cuddle your pet. In fact, cuddling a pet has many health benefits.
We spend a lot of time on social media watching funny videos of cats or dogs, which instantly make us smile or laugh. If you are a pet owner, you must also have realized that coming home with your eagerly waiting pet can simply warm your heart. Watching your dog’s tail wag or listening to your cat purr makes you forget about stress at the office or arguments with your partner. Having a pet, spending time with it, playing and petting it offers many benefits. Research published by Sage Journals showed that petting a dog can help reduce cortisol levels. It is the hormone responsible for stress, anxiety and depression. Let’s look at other reasons why cuddling your pet is beneficial for your health!
To find out the benefits of cuddling on a pet’s health, Health Shots contacted Dr Trideep Kumar ChoudaryConsultant Psychiatrist, Department of Mental Health and Behavioral Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi.
Why you should cuddle a pet
A pet can help you get rid of boredom in your life and make you more playful. It can bring new energy to your daily life, says Dr. Choudary. Here are more reasons to relax!
1. Cuddling a pet can help get rid of anxiety
Anxiety is a common mental health problem characterized by an increased heart rate, sweating and feeling restless, the expert explains. This usually happens when you are constantly thinking about something and constantly worrying. Cuddling your pet will stimulate the release of neurotransmitters – dopamine and serotonin. They might help you feel happier. Cuddling your pet is an effective way to combat anxiety. This simple act can create a calming effect and help you focus on the present moment instead of thinking about the things that worry you.
2. Helps manage stress
At work or at home, stress seems to follow everyone. Cuddling your pet helps release oxytocin, which is associated with trust and relationship building. It can make you feel less stressed and improve your mood. A study conducted by the University of British Columbia in Okanagan found that cuddling a dog has been shown to benefit a person’s well-being and is a surefire way to reduce stress.
3. Cuddling a pet can reduce symptoms of depression
When you spend time with your pet, you can engage in various activities like cuddling, snuggling, and playing with them. In doing so, you need to be very active. You should follow a daily schedule based on your pet’s habits and needs during play activities, says the expert. You also do a lot of physical exercises. And when this happens, the brain secretes a hormone called serotonin, which is a natural antidepressant.
4. May reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke
Having a cat means belly rubs, listening to him purr and lots of cuddles. A study published in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Neurology showed that owning a cat could reduce the risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. The cat’s purring can also help calm your nerves and lower your blood pressure.
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5. Can give positive vibes
You can cuddle your cat or dog anytime, but doing it a few minutes before you get up in the morning can make you feel relaxed and happy. This will contribute to the positive vibes you need every morning.
There are no specific guidelines on how to cuddle a pet, but just be gentle and observe your pet’s behavior!