3 Healthy Reasons to Get a Pet
By Genevieve Cunningham
When we’re young, we all beg our parents for a puppy or a kitten. Eventually, our parents give in and we learn that having a pet is a ton of work! As we get older, many of us forget about owning a pet and the hard work that comes with it. Who needs all of that responsibility? But as it turns out, owning a pet may be incredibly good for you. If you’ve been thinking of rejoining the world of pet owners, take a look at these three healthy reasons to take on the task of loving a new furry friend.
Companionship
Everyone needs companionship. We’re meant to be social, and a pet -- especially a dog -- can provide us with loyal companionship every day. Your pet will be excited to see you, ready to play with you, and a true friend through and through. And filling in this void in your life can be especially therapeutic for your mental and emotional well-being. Really want better health as a whole? Start with a loving friendship, and your health will grow from there.
More Activity
Most pets won’t allow you to sit around and do nothing all day. A fish will and a cat might, but get yourself a dog and you’ll never sit still again! Dogs will want to go for walks and play and roll around with you on the floor. If you think you’re getting a little too sedentary, find a dog to love and your activity level as well as your health will likely improve.
Responsibility
We often don’t like the word responsibility. We don’t want to have another worry or another stress. But the harsh truth is that responsibility is good for both our physical and mental health. Owning a pet means that you have to care about and put something else first in your life. You have a reason to get up out of bed, a reason to go to work, a reason to come home, and a reason to be responsible on a daily basis. Feeling a little blue or down about your life? A pet can give you purpose and make you feel a little about the everyday struggle.
A pet can be a lot of work, but the positive effects can be well worth it. Adopt the dog or cat, get a fish, or find some birds who sing beautiful songs in the morning. Get a pet that works for your personality and your lifestyle, and you may feel an improvement in every aspect of your life, especially your health and perspective on life.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Escondido, Calif.