How your pet can be your greatest mental health helper during lockdown
Dogs, cats and fish can all help your mindset.
Having a pet is always good for company and bringing a smile to your face, and never more so than in lockdown. An animal companion can boost your mood, give you a sense of purpose, as well as something to hug if you live alone.
Here’s why a pet can be just what you need when you’re living through the uncertainty of isolation…
They give you routine and balance
Routine can be hard to manage at the moment, even if you’re able to work from home, and so need to check in with your boss or team. On days off or weekends, minutes can either drag or speed by, so you have no idea how it got to 4pm without you being dressed, again.
But a pet gives you a reason to get up and structure your day. Everything from feeding to playing with them gives you little pinpoints during the day that can help you keep going, and stay occupied.
To boost your mental health on this 16th day of lockdown, here is Boomer being a model cat. #QuarantineLife #QuarantineCats pic.twitter.com/ukNUVxDEk9
— Dara Howley (@dididrama) April 8, 2020
They induce mindfulness without even doing anything
Studies have shown that petting an animal can help reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of peace – whether you’re staring at your cat as it sunbathes, watching your fish swim around, or stroking your dog’s head, there’s something so mindful about having an animal by your side.
They’re a reason to communicate with others
WhatsApp-ing mum and dad has become a regular occurrence – and you make sure to do it more often because you know you’ll also see the dogs, right?
The goldfish in @KingsSchoolOSM have survived the last few weeks of lockdown, even though their social distancing needs some practice. They are all healthy and hoping to see you all soon #student support #mindfulfish pic.twitter.com/e5tQjsHofE
— @TheKingsPastoral (@TheKingsPastor1) April 14, 2020
Daily pics of your pet can be a great way to reach out to friends you might otherwise feel you are ‘bothering’ with catch-up texts.
They’re someone to talk to…
No, you’re not going crazy if you talk to your pet! If you live by yourself you may well do this anyway, but having a pet around can be a good way to get some emotions out that would otherwise stay buried.
You can chat to your bird about your coronavirus fears, tell your cat that you love them, and have huge hugs with your dog, of course.
They bring joy to your Zoom meetings
Because everybody loves a cat walking across the screen to distract from talking about budgets and deadlines, or a hello from a gecko.
They get you outside
Of course, a dog is the ultimate ‘outside’ friend, as you need to take it for a walk. But if you have outside space, letting your pet out can mean you remember to go outside, too – it’s good to be reminded to get your quota of fresh air.
Nigel & Nell taking something spring sunshine pic.twitter.com/SiKpLW5TVW
— Monty Don (@TheMontyDon) April 14, 2020
And exercising…
You don’t need to go outdoors with your pet to exercise all the time though. From playing with your cat, to dog yoga, a pet can become part of your indoor lockdown exercise routine, too. Who needs a gym class when you’ve got your pet to stretch with?
The Press Association
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