A former pet-products marketer explains how owning a pet cuts stress through four ways: petting comfort, non-judgmental companionship, boosted self-esteem (per the American Psychological Association), and mindfulness. His cat Leo forces him to stop working and cuddle. If you're unsure about commitment, try fostering from a shelter.
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Many years ago, I did some digital marketing work for a pet products company. I had so much fun being creative and less conservative in my messaging versus my business-to-business experience. One thing from this industry that I learned was that many pet owners spend more money on their pet's health than they do on on their own health. At first I was surprised, but then when I thought more about it, I wasn't surprised at all, because having a pet can provide many benefits, including the following: Comfort. There is something very soothing about petting a cat or a dog after a long and stressful day. Companionship. Whether you're an empty nester or live on your own, having a pet in the house gives you a companion who provides you love and can listen without judgment if you need to get something off your chest. Pets increase your self-esteem. Studies from the American Psychological Association have shown that pet owners have higher self-esteem and can rebound from rejection better. And pets also help us live in the moment. My cat Leo is a master at this. He seems to know when I'm working hard at my desk, and he comes and jumps on my lap, even during live podcast recordings, and he wants to snuggle. This is a great reminder that I should be grateful for this time with him and that my work can wait a few minutes while I take a much-needed break. If you're not sure whether you can commit to having a pet full-time, consider being a foster parent for an animal shelter. That gives you the opportunity to test drive whether having a pet is right for you and whether or not caring for a pet provides you with much-needed stress relief.
