Everyone is going home for spring break, meaning college students are reuniting with their pets. From all the stress the semester causes, seeing your pet is exactly what you may need. According to science and research, pets can lower stress levels and depression. Social interactions with your dog and cat can increase your oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is responsible for many things including making us feel happy, encouraging trust and promoting bonding. One study found that simply petting your dog or cat can lower your blood pressure and make you feel calmer. Playing with your pet increases the levels of feel-good chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine; researchers from the National Institute of Health (NIH) hypothesize that that could be the reason why pet owners recover from stressful situations more than people who do not own pets. In addition, the release of dopamine can be a reason why spending time with your pets makes you feel calm and happy. Research has also shown that pet owners exhibit stronger self-esteem than those who don’t own a pet. People who suffer from mild depression or are susceptible to developing stress are calmer and happier when they spend time with their pets. In another aspect of physical health, pets will keep you moving. NIH found that walking your dog regularly means you’re less likely to be obese and more likely to become physically active. So, look forward to reuniting with your pets, you may not know all the benefits that they are providing you.
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Buffalo chapter.