4 Ways A Dog Can Improve Your Mental Health

You know the old saying: “A dog is a man’s best friend?” Well, it is no wonder this has become such a popular opinion as evidence suggests that dogs can improve your mental health. Research suggests that dogs can significantly reduce anxiety and depression; increase mood; and offer companionship.

Reduce Anxiety

Have you ever been in the presence of a dog and immediately felt calmer? Often, anxiety will increase because a person feels lonely. The presence of a dog, even if just for a few minutes; can reduce those feelings of anxiety. Dogs can also help with social anxiety by allowing you to help start up a conversation with other people. This can allow someone to feel more comfortable while being social.  After all, who hasn’t been for a walk and had someone comment on their dog?

Improve Physical Health

Dogs are very active creatures. They need a lot of attention and a lot of exercise. Dogs push us to get outside and enjoy the sun. Pet owners will often walk their dogs after a long day at work, play fetch in the yard, or even take a drive with the windows down. Studies suggest that there is a direct link between our physical and mental health. If we feel better physically, we can also feel better mentally. So, get out of those winter blues and enjoy some sun with your pal.

Offers Emotional Support

Have you ever hugged a dog and felt instant relief? Evidence shows that spending just a few minutes with a dog can significantly reduce a person’s cortisol levels. Dogs are by nature non-judgmental creatures. They show us unconditional love even in our darkest moments. They show no hate and at the end of the day still love us no matter what. There is nothing more comforting than knowing, when you had a hard day and a good cry, that there is a dog waiting to give you all the kisses and tail wags that one can possibly give.

Gives You Purpose

There are so many positive things about having a dog, but they also bring on a lot of responsibility. They require being fed, given exercise, and medical attention. They require a lot of attention. Dogs give some people a sense of purpose. It gives you a reason to wake up in the morning because they want to eat or go out to the bathroom. Many times, during the day, even if for a split second, your dog makes you feel wanted. You are relied on. You are the one person in the world that they look to for their basic needs. This feeling of being wanted can directly increase a person’s self-esteem and lower their depression.

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please reach out to Hopeful Horizon Therapy, LLC. to receive a free 15 minute consultation. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 988.