Pet or plant; partners in supporting our mental health
Research from psychology, neuroscience, and public health has consistently shown that both pets and plants are profoundly beneficial for mental health. While the ways in which they effect our mental health differ slightly, they share common themes of reducing stress, providing purpose, and fostering connection.
The "Pet Effect"
The human-animal bond triggers powerful psychological and physiological responses such as the following.
1. Reduction of Stress and Anxiety:
· Physiological Changes: Interacting with pets has been shown to lower cortisol (a primary stress hormone) and increase oxytocin (the "bonding" or "love" hormone). This creates a direct, measurable calming effect.
· Physical Touch: Petting a dog or cat can lower heart rate and blood pressure, acting as a form of mindfulness that grounds you in the present moment.
· Routine and Predictability: Pets require a consistent routine for feeding, walks, and care. This structure can be incredibly comforting for individuals dealing with anxiety or depression, providing a sense of stability and purpose.
2. Alleviation of Loneliness and Social Isolation:
-Unconditional Positive Regard: Pets offer non-judgmental companionship. They don't care about your job, appearance, or social status; they provide a constant source of affection, which can buffer feelings of loneliness.
· Social Catalyst: Walking a dog is a well-documented social lubricant. It increases opportunities for conversation with other people, facilitating social connections and reducing isolation.
3. Increased Physical Activity:
· Dog Walking: This is the most obvious example. Regular exercise is a cornerstone of mental health, known to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety through the release of endorphins.
· Play: Engaging in play with any pet, from a cat to a rabbit, gets you moving and out of your head.
4. Providing Purpose and Meaning:
· Sense of Responsibility: Caring for another living being provides a powerful reason to get out of bed in the morning. This can be especially crucial for individuals struggling with depression, as it shifts focus away from their own struggles and onto the needs of their pet.
Horticultural Therapy; The Plant Effect
Human connection with plants, often called "biophilia" (the innate human tendency to seek connections with nature), also has a strong evidence base.
1. Stress Reduction and Improved Mood:
· Natural environments, including indoor plants, engage our "involuntary attention" in a gentle, calming way, allowing our mental resources to replenish.
· Reduced Cortisol: Studies have shown that tasks like repotting a plant or even simply being in a room with plants can lower cortisol levels and reduce stress compared to technology-based tasks.
· Improved Air Quality: While the effect is modest in most homes, plants can remove certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. Better air quality can contribute to better sleep and reduced headaches, which indirectly supports mental well-being.
2. Fostering Mindfulness and Presence:
Caring for plants forces you to slow down and observe. Noticing a new leaf, feeling the soil for moisture, and observing gradual growth are all acts of mindfulness that anchor you in the present moment, reducing rumination on the past or anxiety about the future.
3. Sense of Accomplishment and Agency:
· Successfully keeping a plant alive and watching it thrive provides a tangible sense of achievement and nurturance. This can boost self-esteem and foster a sense of competency.
4. Connection to a Larger Purpose:
· Gardening or caring for plants connects you to the natural cycles of growth, decay, and rebirth. This can provide perspective, a sense of hope, and a feeling of being part of something larger than oneself.
Conclusion
So whether you have a pet or plant, both can provide support and can benefit our mental health.
See who has a pet, plant or both; which are supporting the staff of Reno Counseling Collective?
Please remember that this content is not a replacement for therapy.