How Adopting a Pet Can Boost Your Health
By Brandi Goodman
With April deemed Adopt a Ferret Month, now is as good a time as any to take a look at just how having a ferret, or any kind of pet for that matter, can be beneficial to our well-being. Taking care of an animal can bring great joy to people as well as a slew of other advantages to one's health.
And when I say ferret, it could just as easily be a dog or cat or rabbit or potbelly pig or ... you get the idea.
Improved Mood and Decreased Stress
Watching your ferret or other pet roam around can be quite entertaining. You may find yourself sitting and watching this funny creature for a while, forgetting about your troubles. This can improve your mood significantly and even decrease the stress you may have been feeling. Sitting and holding your pet can do even more to reduce stress as you feel a connection and strong bond to them.
Lower Blood Pressure
Take your blood pressure, pet your animal, and then take it again. Chances are you'll notice a decrease in the reading with lower blood pressure after you've spent time with your furry friend. Studies show that people with pets tend to have lower blood pressure on average. This is perhaps due to the reduced stress people feel when having a pet around the home.
Reduced Symptoms of Depression
Depression can take you to a dark place, making you feel isolated and alone. Having a pet reduces your symptoms of depression because you have someone else's needs to focus on. Instead of worrying about your own thoughts and feelings, you can focus all of your energy on taking care of your pet. Bathe and groom them, play with them, feed them, or simply sit and watch them and you'll feel a sense of purpose with such a small and fragile life counting on you.
Increased Chance of Fitness
Having an active pet keeps you active too. You may not think this would apply to owning a ferret, but you might be surprised as you find yourself walking from one room to the other keeping track of the little guy when he's out of his cage. Ferrets can be sneaky animals and they have an affinity for shiny items. You may need to play hide and seek searching for some of your belongings that your friendly pet has hidden.
Consider adopting a ferret during Adopt a Ferret Month and add a special addition to your home. If ferrets aren't your animal, then adopt another rescue pet who needs the love and care you can provide. You'll both benefit greatly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.