If a cuddle with your cat or a bracing walk with your dog never fails to boost your mood, you’re not alone — there’s scientific evidence that owning a pet is good for both your physical and mental health.
According to animal charity Blue Cross, almost half of UK adults own a pet, with more than 11 million pet cats, nine million dogs, as well as thousands of guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits living in our homes.
So what is it about having a family pet that can help us feel better – and what are the wider benefits of keeping one?
Reduces depression
If you’ve ever snuggled down with your cat, dog or guinea pig, you’ll know how much better it can make you feel. But now there’s evidence to show that pets can do more than boost your mood temporarily – they can help alleviate depression long-term.
Research carried out by Blue Cross revealed that people suffering from depression reported feeling in better mental health when they had a pet to think about.
‘Depression can be all-consuming, and a pet meant they had something else to focus on,’ explains Becky Thwaites from the Blue Cross. ‘It gave them a sense of responsibility and took their mind off how they were feeling.’
Boosts heart health
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の October 19, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は WOMAN'S OWN の October 19, 2020 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
ANITA NAIK A PROBLEM SHARED
Mum-of-two Anita Naik has been an agony aunt for 32 years
ON SAFARI IN SOUTH AFRICA
Add the wilds of Kruger National Park to your bucket list, says Amanda James
'LET'S RAISE SOME SERIOUS CASH!'
The Radio 2 DJ is among the hosts of Children In Need…
THREE WOMEN ONE DRESS
Gemma Stevens, 34, needed a wedding dress that had stood the test of time
HOW TO HAVE A SILENT NIGHT
Trouble nodding off? Waking in the early hours? Our experts can help
MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on I'm a Celeb, work attire and young drivers
I THOUGHT HE'D COME TO KILL ME
For Sally Meeson, 45, the end of a relationship was the beginning of a nightmare
Loose Women IN CRISIS
With unhappy viewers and panel fall-outs, are the key characters about to be axed?
MAGNIFICENT MAURITIUS
Pe This istand in the ut 7% Indian Ocean feels Sa: like paradise, says Charlotte Richards
I HATE BEING A MUM
One woman, 55, reveals why she resents all of the sacrifices she made to be a mother