Humans have a fundamental need for touch, and pets can fulfill that need.
Pets are more than just your cute possessions. They are your companions who give you their love and attention. And one of the best ways to make your day better is cuddling with your pet.
Studies show that cuddling with pets can significantly improve your overall well-being. This article explains the benefits of cuddling pets in more detail.
1. It relieves stress
No one can escape stress, but having a pet helps us deal with stress better.
According to some studies, interacting with pets helps pet owners react to stress less robustly and recover from it more immediately. Why? Because cuddling with pets can reduce your cortisol level, which is our primary stress hormone. Cortisol is our body’s alarm system. It controls your mood, motivation, and fear. It also regulates your blood sugar and blood pressure, but when you have too much cortisol, your alarm system stays on and makes you more stressed. Hugging and stroking your pet creates a calming effect and helps you be more relaxed.
Read more: Healthy Ways to Cope With Stress in Life
2. It helps you combat depression and anxiety
In the long run, having a pet can help relieve anxiety and depression. Physical interaction with a dog or cat, including belly rubs and ear scratches, provides an overall improvement in your mood and well-being.
Playing with your pet can also increase levels of dopamine and serotonin, which are the feel-good chemicals in our body. These make us feel more upbeat and satisfied throughout the day.
3. It has physical health benefits
Because cuddling with your pet lowers your stress hormone, it will also affect your physical well-being. For example, it can lower your heart rate, decrease your blood pressure, and even stimulate muscle regeneration.
One study found that people with borderline hypertension who adopted dogs had significantly reduced blood pressure within five months. Researchers also observed that owning a pet dog could be linked to a lower risk of suffering from heart disease, especially for those who lived alone.
4. It strengthens your bond with your pet
When cuddling with your pet, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, making you feel good and want to cuddle them more. Furthermore, both you and your dog also release oxytocin which stimulates your feeling of happiness and love. As a result, you can feel the love for each other, deepening the bond between you.
Read more: 9 Creative Ways to Get Your Cat to Exercise
5. It eases your pain
A survey conducted in 2019 showed that pets have the potential to help adults cope with chronic pain. Engaging with their pet keeps them going even when their pain flares up.
Cuddling with your pet can elevate positive feelings, which are associated with less pain. In addition, it can help you manage your mood more and be more relaxed when faced with emotional or physical pain.
Conclusion
Cuddling with your pet will not entirely solve your problem, but it can definitely comfort you and give you a more positive outlook on life. So, go cuddle your pet, buddy! It will not only help your well-being, but it will also make your pet a lot happier.
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