In recent years, American society has put an increased emphasis on mental health awareness. During this time, new therapeutic models were pushed into the public consciousness including animal therapy. Though we always knew that human beings benefited from the presence of animals, the increased number of support animals in recent years has led to many new studies on the topic. Now, we know even more than before about the many benefits that spending time with animals provides. In this article, I’m going to break down those benefits and explain why you should be spending more time with animals if you want to improve your mental health.
Animals as Therapy
Animal therapy was first taken seriously in the 1980s and since then has grown into an entire industry. Animal therapy can take many forms, from a weekend trip out to an animal sanctuary to animal assisted therapy with a trained psychologist.
In 2022, animal therapy is used to help treat or manage any number of mental illnesses, particularly those that cause or coincide with anxiety and depression. Trauma patients are often encouraged to spend time with animals so that they can form a bond and feel attached to something outside of themselves.
Of course, you need not to have suffered from something catastrophic in order to reap the benefits of animal therapy or support animals. In fact, most of this article is tailored to the average person who is curious about the many comforts that animals can provide.
Animals Can Help You Be More Active
Whether you are visiting your local animal sanctuary, participating in animal therapy, or walking your pet dog, animals help us get up off the couch and out into the world. Usually, this means spending some time outdoors which is known to reduce stress and boost cognition in and of itself. However, even if your pet keeps you indoors, spending time with him or her means that you are forced to be away from your computer, television, or phone screen.
In particular, people who own dogs are much more likely to be active. Recent findings show that people with dogs spend roughly 300 minutes per week walking and are therefore 4 times more likely to hit the recommended level of physical activity. Of course, dogs aren’t for everyone and there are plenty of other animals that can keep you active as well. Still, they are a great place to start, especially for a first-time pet owner.
Animals Can Help You Maintain a Schedule
Owning an animal means that you are responsible for that animal’s wellbeing and while this is not a task everyone should take on, it will help you develop a routine if you are up for it. Of course, the particulars of that routine will change depending on what type of pet you have, but all pets come with this benefit to some degree.
When you form habits and stick to a schedule, you expend less mental energy than you would otherwise. Some pets, like dogs, will also help you stick to a sleep schedule if that is something you struggle with.
Again, it is important to emphasize that owning a pet is not a good solution for everyone. Some people do not have the time and most pets are a big responsibility. You should do lots of research before deciding to own an animal to ensure that you are up to the task.
If you do the research and decide a pet isn’t for you, there are still other ways to spend time with animals as a way of maintaining a schedule. For instance, you can set some time aside every week to volunteer at a local animal shelter or visit a nearby animal sanctuary.
Animals Can Reduce Work-Related Stress and Boost Productivity
Too stressed at work? Feeling unproductive? Animals can help with that too! If you work from home or if your office allows pets in the workplace, you are more likely to feel less stressed and more productive. The best part about this is that the animal’s owner is not the only one receiving the added benefit. Everyone in the vicinity of the animal can receive an increase in mood and productivity.
Of course, not all workplaces are safe or appropriate for animals so this one won’t be for everybody. That said, owning a pet or spending time with animals outside of the workplace will indirectly provide you with the same benefits.
Animals Provide a Feeling of Togetherness
One of the greatest things about owning or spending a lot of time with a particular animal is the genuine feeling of warmth and togetherness you get. Animals are non-judgmental (at least in the way that we normally use the term), meaning that they can provide you with a form of connection that other human beings simply cannot. This is one of the reasons why they are great in traditional therapeutic settings.
The way to maximize this benefit is through owning a pet although, once again, this solution is not for everybody. However, as I mentioned before, there are plenty of other ways to regularly spend time with animals.
Still Not Convinced?
Here are some stats:
76% of pet owners say that owning a pet has bettered their personal health.
Over 20% of pet owners were recommended a pet by their doctor or therapist.
Over half a million service animals and over 50,000 therapy dogs exist in the United States.
More than half of all colleges have now implemented pet therapy programs.
Medical patients who use pet therapy while recovering need 50% less pain medication.
Now What?
Find a way to get an animal into your life! For some people, that means researching potential pets, for others it may mean weekly visits to the local cat café. Who knows, you may even want to open up your very own pet-sitting business. Whatever you choose, the benefit of spending time with animals is clear so go make a new furry friend!
Artemis Hill Farm
Artemis Hill Farm is a beautiful getaway in Orange County, New York that offers arresting views, cozy accommodations, and exquisite wildlife. We offer a large variety of experiences, including but not limited to guided meditation, charity and networking events, and writer’s retreats. Our many activities include horse meditation, donkey walks, trips to the local wineries, breweries and parks, and skiing. To learn more about Artemis Hill Farm and our array of services, please visit our homepage.
