Time to get touchy feely with your pet
Scientific research shows that every human being needs four hugs a day to survive, eight to maintain strong emotional levels and 12 to become a better person.
Touching and hugging have powerful and positive psychological effects on both the giver and the receiver. According to Bonitas Medical Fund, recent studies have clearly documented the emotional and physical health benefits that come from touch, which is now being seen as fundamental to human communication, bonding and health.
Whether you are in the arms of your partner, greeting your dog, or comforting someone, a hug has the ability to make you feel protected and loved. And, believe it or not, that warm fuzzy feeling you get from a hug is not only good for your body and mind but might even help you avoid getting sick this winter. Dr Shelden Cohen of Carnegie Mellon University, who’s work focuses on the roles of stress and social support systems in health and well-being, conducted a study of more than 400 healthy people, interviewing them about their perceived social support over a two-week period. Researchers exposed the participants to the common cold virus.
They found that the people who perceived themselves as having good social support and received frequent hugs and love from their pets had less or no number of symptoms and signs of infection.
The people who received fewer or no hugs, however, exhibited signs of infection. Hugging can decrease the stress hormone which inhibits the immune system and increase the hormones and peptides that regulate the functioning of immune cells. The “squeeze” increases your oxytocin levels (oxytocin is a neuropeptide) which are responsible for producing a calming effect.
Hugs don’t only make you feel good but lower blood pressure, are good for your hearts and are natural stress relievers. Owning a pet is also good for your health. The proven benefits for people are varied but include enhancing social skills to decreasing the risk of a heart attack. Pets are an ideal way to beat the blues and lift the spirits as they offer unconditional love and also give their owners a sense of purpose. Pets also combat feelings of loneliness by providing companionship, which can boost your mood.
Studies show that having a pet can improve the overall health of the heart too. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention conducted heart-related studies on people who have pets and the findings showed that pet owners exhibit decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels – all of which can ultimately minimise the risk of a heart attack. For heart attack survivors, your pets help you recover better.