For as long as we have been around, human beings have existed in groups. We depend on each other for many key aspects of daily life. While this dependence was much more pronounced in our ancient ancestors whose literally survival depended on sticking close to their tribe, we still require social interaction to function properly.

Make no mistake; enjoying some alone time here and there is a healthy experience. It is when this aloneness becomes the rule and not the exception that problems can arise. In this article, we will discuss five ways in which loneliness has a direct affect on mental health.

Increased Stress

Feelings of loneliness and isolation negatively affect our mental health by increasing levels of stress. More specifically, loneliness ramps up the hormones in the body responsible for the “fight or flight” response, as described by a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Continue reading →

Whatever stage you are in life, having pets can be beneficial to you. They’re known to help boost the mood and overall well-being. If you have a cat, dog, or another companion animal already, that’s great! Spending more time with them when you’re feeling low can lift your spirits. If you don’t have a pet yet, it may be time to consider getting one.

Here are some ways a lovable pet can help lift your mood:

They Provide You With Companionship

When you’re always on your own, it’s natural to feel lonely. Isolation and loneliness can lead to depression and even physical illnesses. With pets, you have loving companions, so you feel less isolated.

Pets are also good listeners! You can share your worries and thoughts with them. As you take care of them, they keep you occupied, so you spend less time thinking about your problems. Continue reading →