The Met Gala is always a glamorous event that showcases some of the most creative and outrageous fashion statements. This year, however, there was one guest who stole the show with his feline-inspired ensemble – none other than Jared Leto. The Oscar-winning actor and musician arrived at the event dressed as Choupette, Karl Lagerfeld’s beloved pet cat.
While some may have found Leto’s outfit to be eccentric, we at WellBeings believe that it’s important to recognize the joy and companionship that pets can bring into our lives. From cats to dogs, birds to fish, pets can provide a range of benefits for our mental and emotional wellbeing.
One of the most obvious benefits of having a pet is the unconditional love and companionship they offer. Whether we’re having a bad day or feeling lonely, pets are always there to lend an ear or a paw. Studies have shown that spending time with pets can lower our stress levels and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. They’re also great for promoting a sense of responsibility and routine, as pet owners are often required to feed, walk, and play with their pets on a regular basis.
But it’s not just our emotional wellbeing that pets can improve – they can also have physical benefits too. Taking a dog for a walk or playing with a cat can be a great way to stay active and get some exercise. Pets have also been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease.
So whether you’re a cat person, a dog person, or an all-around animal lover, let’s take a moment to appreciate the joy and positivity that pets can bring into our lives. And who knows – maybe we’ll even be inspired to dress up as our own furry friends at the next big event.
Some bits of research to back this up:
- Pet owners are happier humans
A study conducted by the University of Otago in New Zealand found that pet owners had better mental health and well-being than those who didn’t own pets. The study surveyed over 6,000 participants and found that pet owners reported higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, and social connectedness. The study also found that pet owners were less likely to experience symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Pets help to develop social and emotional skills in kids
Another study conducted by the University of Auckland found that pets can have a positive impact on children’s social and emotional development. The study found that children who had pets were more likely to exhibit pro-social behaviors, such as sharing and helping others, and were less likely to engage in anti-social behaviors, such as bullying and aggression.
- Pet owners are less stressed and work and like their jobs more
According to a study published in the International Journal of Workplace Health Management, employees who brought their dogs to work had lower levels of perceived stress and higher levels of job satisfaction than those who didn’t bring their pets.
- Pets impact self esteem
In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, pet owners reported having greater self-esteem and were less likely to feel lonely than non-pet owners.
- Pets are good for your heart
A study published in the American Journal of Cardiology found that dog owners had lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, and were less likely to have heart disease than non-dog owners.
- Pets are good for your social life
According to a survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association, 63% of dog owners and 56% of cat owners reported that their pets helped them meet new people.
Overall, there is a growing body of evidence supporting the many benefits of pet ownership, from improved mental health to reduced risk of heart disease. Experts in the field of human-animal interaction continue to explore and uncover new ways in which pets can enhance our lives.
