6 Ways an Emotional Support Animal Can Improve Your Health

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If you are unfamiliar with the term ‘Emotional Support Animal’ it basically defines any domesticated animal that brings comfort and relief to an individual by offering constant companionship and unconditional love. ESAs are not considered service animals since they lack any specific training for carrying out specific tasks, such as helping a blind cross the road or fetching medicine. However, emotional support animals are recognized by the Air Carrier Access Act and the Fair Housing Act for those individuals who have proper documents stating their dependence on the emotional support animal.
More and more people are turning to emotional support animals as an important part of their treatment due to a number of mental and physical health benefits that they bring along. Let’s take a look at 6 reasons how you can benefit from an ESA.
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A Healthier Heart
If you have a dog for an emotional support animal, there are fewer chances of you getting a heart disease. This is because dog owners walk more and thus have lower blood pressure than people who don’t have dogs for pets.
Studies suggest that people who own pets and already have heart problems survive better than those people who have the same heart problems, but no pets.
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Stress soothing
Petting your dog or cat feels amazing. Not only does it lower your blood pressure, but also helps your body to be calm and stress-free by releasing a relaxation hormone.
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Better mood
Emotional support owners tend to be less lonely, more trusting, and generally happier compared to emotionally disabled people who don’t own ESAs. This is because these animals keep them busy, entertained, and physically and mentally active. When you have a cute, joyful presence around you, it acts as an instant mood lifter and can thus make your entire day more meaningful.
Also, when you have an emotional support animal by your side, it gives you a sense of belonging and meaning, making you feel like you have got your life under control.
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Eased depression
No one loves you more unconditionally than your ESA. This can give a great boost to individuals struggling with depression. Your ESA will listen to you without judging your condition or actions and allow you to talk for as long as you like. You will also probably feel calmer when you pet a dog or cat, and when you take care of him- walk him, play with him, groom him, you will definitely feel better about the way you utilize your time.
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Reduced symptoms of ADHD
Emotional support animals can bring a number of benefits for children with ADHD. This is because when these children handle their pets, they are taught the important lessons of responsibility and planning, and the process gives them practice with different chores. ESAs need to play, which will keep your children busy – all that running around and jumping will sap their energy, and they will be asking to go to bed earlier than usual. And since the connection between a child and a pet is based on unconditional love, pets help children with ADHD learn about self-respect.
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Less feelings of anxiety and improved feeling of safety
Emotional support animals can help their owners relax and avert paranoia. They also encourage them to focus their attention away from their problems and worries thanks to their loving and playful presence.
If you are suffering from any kind of mental or emotional disability, you can qualify for an emotional support animal and take a step toward bettering your life.