When thinking of ways to relax in life, usually things like yoga. jogging and music come to mind. These are great, to be sure. But getting a friend can also have many benefits. While human friends provide great social support, furry friends like cats and dogs can come with some great benefits.
Pets can improve people's mood. For those who love animals, it's actually impossible to stay in a bad mood when a pair of loving puppy eyes meets yours, or when a super-soft cat rubs up against your hand. The study found that people with AIDS were less likely to suffer from deep sadness if they owned a pet.
Pets also encourage people to get out and exercise. Whether people walk their dogs because they need it, or are more likely to enjoy a walk when they have companionship, dog owners do spend more time walking than non-pet owners.
While we all know the power of talking about your problems with a good friend who is a good listener, research shows that spending time with pets may be even better! People actually experience less stress (压力) when their pets are with them than when a supportive friend is present! A recent study performed by Washington
State University (WSU) has proved that petting cats and dogs for just ten minutes is an effective way to reduce stress levels. The team chose 249 students and put them into four groups. The first group was provided 10 minutes to play with dogs and cats.
The second group waited in line while observing the first group. The third group watched a video of the same animals, while the fourth group was just waiting. "What we wanted to learn was whether this exposure (接触) would help students reduce their stress, and it did, "said Patricia Pendry, a professor in WSU.
It's important to realize that owning a pet isn't for everyone. It does come with additional work and responsibility, which can bring its own stress. However, for most people, the advantages of having a pet outweigh the drawbacks (缺点), Having a furry best friend can reduces stress in your life and bring you support when times get tough.
