Spending just a few minutes with a pet can make a huge difference
Dogs and cats can be so much more than just pets. They're sources of companionship, comfort, humor, and joy! Pets have been proven to boost our mood, and research shows they can have a positive impact on our mental health, helping mitigate feelings of loneliness and keeping us active.
Additionally, caring for a pet creates a strong sense of purpose and daily structure, which can benefit those with depression or anxiety.
Dogs, especially, keep us active and engaged! Even something as simple as a short walk with your dog can boost endorphins through light exercise and socializing with other dog walkers.
In this Mindful Mondays video, Chelsea Waldeck with Pet Resource Center (PRC) shares how a PRC pet can become an integral part of our lives, serving as a source of comfort, nonjudgmental support, and true companionship.
For more information about PRC, visit Animals & Pets
Featured in this series:
- A Look at PRC and the Mental Health Benefits of Pets
- How Volunteering at Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center Uplifts You Too
- Pets Create Community and Companionship
Mindful Mondays
Mindful Mondays promotes different ways you can make your mental health a priority, despite having a busy schedule. From chair yoga virtual classes to tips on how to decompress after a long day, Hillsborough County's Mindful Mondays has various interactive resources for you to access, no matter the day or time. New content is updated on a continuing basis.