It’s no secret that dogs make people happy. New research, however, shows that dogs may be able to do even more to improve your health than you might think. Dogs provide us with companionship, love, and affection, positively impacting our overall well-being. They also encourage us to get more exercise as we need to take them for walks and play with them outdoors. Dogs can even help reduce stress levels and promote better mental health. So if you’re looking for a way to improve your health, consider getting a dog!
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Encourage Exercise
Dogs need exercise just like we do, and they’re more than happy to encourage us to get moving. A study published found that dog owners are more likely to meet the physical activity guidelines for Americans than those who don’t own dogs. This is likely because dog owners have to take their dogs for walks and play with them outdoors, which gets them up and moving. Plus, when you see your dog happily wagging its tail after a long walk, you’re likely to feel more proud of yourself and motivated to keep up the good work.
Lower Blood Pressure & Cholesterol Levels
Owning a dog may also help to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. One study found that when people with high blood pressure added a dog to their household, their blood pressure decreased significantly within two weeks. And another study showed that dog owners had lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels (the bad kind) than those who didn’t own dogs. When we’re around our furry friends, we feel more relaxed and calm, which can help to reduce stress levels and improve cardiovascular health.
Adds Meaning And Purpose To Life
Dogs can also add meaning and purpose to our lives, especially as we get older. One study found that dog owners over the age of 65 were more likely to report higher levels of life satisfaction and happiness than those who didn’t own dogs. Dogs provide a sense of companionship and love essential for older adults. They can also help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and both have negative impacts on mental health.
Mental Health Benefits
Dogs can also provide us with mental health benefits. For example, owning a dog can help reduce loneliness and social isolation. This is because dogs provide us with companionship and encourage us to get out and meet new people. Dogs can also help promote better mental health in other ways. For example, one study found that people who owned dogs were less likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than those who didn’t own dogs.
