Science supports that owning a pet can be good for your mental health. There are millions of people around the world who love their pets and consider them part of the family. According to some studies[1], dogs can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, encourage exercise and improve human health. For instance, people with dogs tend to have lower blood pressure and are less likely to develop heart disease. Playing with a dog has been shown to raise levels of feel-good brain chemicals, creating positive feelings and bonding for the person and their pet. But what do pets do to contribute to a good impact on our mental health? Let’s check out these top 5 benefits of pets for mental health. Later, we will discuss how Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can help you. Keep on reading.
Gives comfort
Pets provide the kind of unconditional relationship, a familiar and reliable presence that can help someone build social skills and confidence. They give us a sense of calm and reassurance if we feel overwhelmed, which will help create a sense of comfort.
Reduces stress
There are many adverse effects of stress on our overall health. Scientists have observed that interacting with animals increases levels of the hormone oxytocin.[2] This kind of hormone slows the heart rate and breathing of humans, which reduces blood pressure, and is a buffer against stress. For example, watching fish swimming in an aquarium can provide unexplainable relaxation or mindfulness.
Boosts productivity
Of those dog owners who came to work with a dog, 50% said having their pet present was essential to their productivity.[3] Having a pet makes you feel more relaxed and happier, which motivates you to increase productivity. Having a pet makes you feel more relaxed and happier, which motivates you to increase productivity. Thus, having pets in the workplace clears the mind, promotes well-being, and enhances teamwork and productivity.
Provides companionship
Social contact is considered one of the most significant factors in maintaining physical and mental health and can speed recovery following illness.[4] Pets provide companionship, social interaction, and togetherness that help you not feel alone. They are just there when you need them to show affection, which brings a sense of goodwill, nurturing, and happiness.
Provides a sense of purpose
A pet can provide you with a sense of purpose, which helps improve your mental health conditions like stress, depression, and anxiety. If you have a pet, you are responsible for taking care of them because their welfare becomes your responsibility. Pets motivate us to get out of bed, clean, feed, go to the store, and exercise. Staying well becomes more important when you have someone who depends on you to survive, like feeding and other care. Thus, it may give you purpose and motivation, which can help boost your self-esteem, well-being, and mental health. So, including owning a pet to your self-care plan could be a great idea.
Read more: Top 6 Healing Powers of Pets for Older People.
Are you suffering from severe mental health issues? Consult your primary care doctor or make an appointment with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health professional.
How Remote Patient Monitoring Can Help You or Your Patients?
If you are a patient suffering from a mental disease, Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) can help you reach out to your care provider remotely. Many Telehealth and RPM programs allow patients like you to seek care from the comfort of their own homes, eliminating stigma and increasing the likelihood of receiving necessary treatment.
If you are a doctor, you know how important patient participation and engagement are. Remote patient monitoring solutions increase patient involvement and keep them involved in their programs by promoting regular data collection or feedback. The typical approach of frequent scheduled office visits can lead to a high number of missed appointments and a general loss of motivation. Furthermore, with the expanding use of mobile devices and applications, telehealth and RPM devices and applications are becoming more acceptable to a larger number of patients who are already familiar with technology.
Telehealth and remote patient monitoring can help ensure that more mental health patients get the care they need, while simultaneously addressing a mental health professional shortage. RPM data can assist clinicians in better understanding behavioral and emotional conditions, allowing them to provide more effective care.
References:
- 5 ways pets help mental health while working from home. (n.d.). www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-and-mental-health
- Psychosocial and Psychophysiological effects of human-animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408111/
- Benefits of taking Fido to work may not be far ‘fetched’. (2015, September 10). VCU News. https://www.news.vcu.edu/article/Benefits_of_Taking_Fido_to_Work_May
- 5 ways pets help mental health while working from home. (n.d.). www.heart.org. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets/pets-and-mental-health
