How Animals Can Improve Your Mental Health
It’s been a wild two years, and coming out of the long and dark days of winter has mental health on my mind. Needless to say, I think the last little while has been hard on all of us! In times like these, it’s especially important that we learn to take good care of each other, but also our own mental health. I know, for me, going out into the barn and just being with the horses has an incredible effect on my mood and wellbeing.
And who among us hasn’t had their day brightened by a cute animal video on the internet?
There’s even science that backs up the idea that the animals in our life have a tremendous and positive effect on our mental health.
The Science Behind Animals Positive Impact on Mental Health
Dopamine and Serotonin - two things we’re all chasing, all of the time.
These are the “feel good” chemicals in our brain that help fight anxiety and depression. Turns out that our relationship and interactions with animals actually help to boost both of those in humans.
A study done by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) actually showed that 97% of patients showed improved mental health after interacting with animals. I’ve seen the first hand effects myself, and I’m sure after a day spent in the barn with the mini’s, you’ve noticed a bit of a skip in your step as well.
Lower Your Stress, Hug a Horse
Although this is a relatively new area of study, the role of animals as part of therapy and mental wellness is something that can really help a lot of people. Beyond just dopamine and serotonin, studies have also shown that animals help to reduce cortisol levels as well. Cortisol plays a part of our stress response. Not only does animal contact lower your cortisol levels, but it also helps to lower your blood pressure.
Boosting feel good chemicals and lowering stress? Sign me up!
In fact, these benefits have proven so effective that hospitals and treatment centers are beginning to start animal therapy as a routine part of their care plans for chronically ill patients.
Animals Teach Us Responsibility and Get Us Moving
So I’ve already outlined how animals can have an effect on our brain chemistry, but we all know that mental health and wellness is a lot more than just your brain.
The benefits that animals provide to us are endless - whether it’s getting out of the house to enjoy time spent on the trails with horses, petting our dogs, or watching our cats get into something they shouldn’t have (yet again!), our relationships with these creatures bring immense joy to our lives. From increased physical activity to feelings of calmness to a good hearty well needed laugh, there is a wide range of benefits.
There’s no one size fits all answer to our needs and mental wellness, but our relationships with animals can present a multifaceted approach to self care. As humans, we’re hardwired for the need for companionship and touch, and our animals provide for these needs in spades.
Reward of Responsibility
To take care of something other than ourselves is such a rewarding experience, and connects us to a larger view of community and care that are integral to keeping ourselves and loved ones healthy, and happy. Pets don’t worry about the future, or the past, they worry about what’s going on right now in the present (and what sort of snacks and love are available, right now!). And this sort of attitude can help remind us to ease our anxiety and live in the moment, to enjoy what’s in front of us and the task at hand. This mindfulness can have a huge range of benefits even beyond our relationships with the animals, as we carry it into other areas of our lives.
They teach us to slow down, to stay active and to care for one another. Most importantly, they teach us compassion - for them, and for ourselves.
Children and Animals - a Winning Combo
Adults know that animals can help us out, but what about our children?
Teaching Kids Responsibility
More and more, horses in particular are being used with children and adolescents to help build confidence, and deal with emotional issues. The range of help they can provide is huge, and any child would absolutely benefit from a relationship with our horses.
The caretaking routine can help to teach kids responsibility, and give them the self confidence they need to apply those skills in other areas of their lives. Neurodivergent children have shown more focus, regulated moods, and less anxiety when they have animals as a part of their regular routines. There’s even been studies that show that kids who read to animals increase their ability to share, and improve their social skills with their peers.
Not only that, there have been preliminary studies to show that early exposure to animals can help reduce the chance of allergies and asthma. Who knew those dusty old barns would come in handy?
With such a huge range of positives, it’s a no brainer to get your children involved with animals. Our mini horses in particular are a wonderful way to begin a lifelong relationship with animals, especially for children. After all, who doesn’t want to hang out with goofy horses that are your size! It allows the kids to be really hands on with the animals and truly develop those skills in an active and respectful way. If they’re nervous, or have never been introduced to horses, we wrote a bit of a primer on the best way to introduce children to horses here. Whatever the goal may be for you and your kids, we think the lessons and benefits of interacting with animals can help to achieve them.
Visit the Farm… For Your Mental Health!
Here at Beloved Miniature Horses, we’ve seen first hand the joy that animals can bring into adult AND children’s lives. We’ve watched them flourish, and develop skills that will help them for the rest of their lives. Developing a passion for caring for animals can open up so many doors for kids and adults, and it provides them with capabilities they can draw on in so many other situations. Empathy and compassion are some of the biggest takeaways from caring for animals, and those mindsets can help us tackle just about anything the world throws at us. It’s one of many tools in a large toolbox of ways we can improve our and our children’s mental health, and well being, and one we’re incredibly excited to share with you.