Americans’ stress levels are at an all-time high in part due to divisive politics that likely won’t end on Election Day.
A poll released earlier this year by the American Psychiatric Association found 73 percent of respondents reported feeling anxious about the election.
Best Friends Animal Society suggests that one solution to improve your mental health might be sitting right at your feet.
According to data from Best Friends, approximately 7 million people plan to acquire a pet in 2024. For those who can’t adopt, consider becoming a foster or volunteering at a local animal shelter to help increase pet lifesaving.
How pets relieve tension
- A calming presence: Believe it or not, just taking a few minutes to pet a dog or cat can have an impact on people’s moods. Simply being around pets can lower cortisol, helping to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
- More than just a cute face: Ever looked at a dog or cat and just felt … better? Well, that’s no coincidence. Studies have shown that the simple act of making eye contact with a pet releases oxytocin (the love hormone) and dopamine (a neurotransmitter), both of which have been proven to help ease anxiety and depression
- A sense of purpose: Owning a dog or cat means being responsible for their health and wellbeing. This often instills a sense of purpose that has been proven to boost feelings of self-confidence and self-worth, which are important for improving mental health.
- The ultimate companion: Sometimes just having someone (or something) by people’s side can make all the difference in the world. Pets can provide a sense of security and companionship, which is especially important for those who live alone or spend large amounts of time on their own.
- Adopt a pet: Consider adopting a pet from a local shelter or rescue group.
To find a shelter or rescue group in your community and learn about more ways to help, visit bestfriends.org.
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Crystal Graham
