4 Reasons Why Pets Are Good for Highly Sensitives

As Highly Sensitives, life can sometimes be challenging. What a shocker, right?

We can focus on ourselves too much at times and get wrapped up in our problems and our feelings.

Sometimes we feel like we are misunderstood.

Even if someone has known you for a long time, it is still hard to make a connection if one or both parties feel misunderstood.

We can feel lonely at times. Maybe a lot of times.

It can consume us, this feeling of loneliness.

So having a companion to remind us of the joy in life is important.

Here are 4 benefits for Highly Sensitives when it comes to caring for animals.

Relieve Loneliness

With a pet, we can direct our focus on them rather than on ourselves all the time.

This will take a lot of pressure off of us. Instead, it will fill your time with activities that bring you joy.

Caring for pets is not only good for the soul but our health as well.

Animals can fill that void of loneliness. They allow us to play, help with our mental health, and get us outside for fresh air and exercise.

They are always there to remind us that we are not alone.

If you want to get some exercise or go for a walk, they are at your side, ready to go. These days all kinds of animals walk on leashes, so taking your pet with you has become so much easier.

Having a pet means having someone there for you all the time.

When you wake, when you get home from work, and when you go to bed.

Some pets are snuggle bunnies which helps with feelings of loneliness as well.

They may even comfort you when you feel down, easing that feeling of loneliness.

Help Us Feel Calmer

They are good for the health of your heart, both physically and emotionally.

Having a pet helps lower blood pressure and releases feel-good chemicals such as dopamine into the body and brain.

And best of all they help to relieve stress. Making you feel calmer and at ease.

Dogs and cats are perfect for that. But you may like something more scaly or feathery.

Whatever type of pet it may be, the health benefits are undeniable.

There are so many advantages to getting a pet.

Studies show that older people who have pets have fewer doctor visits—up to 30 percent less.

Engaging with a pet can raise serotonin levels in your body. A calming and “feel good” chemical.

Stroking an animal has the ability to lower blood pressure and make you feel less stressed and calmer.

Caring for an animal can help children grow up more secure, responsible, and active.

Pets also provide valuable companionship for older adults. Perhaps most importantly, though, a pet can add real joy and unconditional love to your life.

Most Highly Sensitives are animal lovers. Not just the domestic kind but all kinds. From birds to whales, horses to elephants, and kitties to lions. We love them all.

Not only do they bring joy into your world, but they also bring a sense of purpose to our life.

They lift our spirits and give us such pure love. They remind us of the beauty in the world.

Having a pet feeds the soul, the mind, and the body.

Caring for a pet helps give you that sense of purpose we were discussing; what better thing is there than fulfilling a purpose?

Improve Mental Health

Did you know that Sensory Processing Sensitivity (also known as the HSP Trait) is found in animals too?

Most likely, they’ve been chosen and trained to be Emotional Support Animals.

For example, A therapy dog is taken to visit people in institutions, like hospitals or nursing homes, or individuals’ homes, allowing others to give and receive affection.

They can sense fear, anger, happiness, love, and many more emotions.

They know when to cuddle and play with you. They feel what you are feeling and respond accordingly.

They are so sensitive they can even sense illness and disease.

Most animals are so loving. They hold no prejudice and harbor no hate.

They don’t judge you or try to make you feel bad. They are just accepting of us through and through.

They love us for all that we are.

“Animal Whisperer” is a term I have heard many times when referring to HSPs. We easily connect with animals. So much so that you may find animals are drawn to you.

They sense the good in you. They know they’ll be safe with you. They know if you are sensitive too.

They are more aware than you could imagine. They are in tune with the world around them as well as with you.

They know what love is, what affection is. They know those parts of you and so freely give to and receive that from you.

Encourage Us To Play

We can get rigid at times. Life can get so serious that we forget to bring play into our lives.

What better way to bring playfulness into our life than by caring for a pet.

They are so playful that they will bring that energy to us. Encourage us to be in that state—the state of play.

I’ve recently learned how important play is in the lives of HSPs.

It feeds our imagination and our souls.

With pets, they can remind you to incorporate play into your life, especially if it’s a baby—meaning kitten, puppy, piglet, and so on.

Play is so important to the positive development of the heart, brain, and soul.

To have an emotionally happy life, be sure to include play in your days.

There are so many benefits to caring for a pet. As you can see, these benefits are not only physically beneficial but mentally and emotionally too.

Sadly some of us are just not in a position to own a pet.

In this instance, you could look into volunteering at an animal clinic or shelter or perhaps fostering a pet in need of a temporary home.

This way, you can give and receive some wonderful pet love. The purest of love. I wish that for you.

My sweet fur babies have gotten me through so much—bouts of depression, anxiety, stormy weather, sickness, and more.

I’m so grateful to share my life with them.

Do you have a pet? How has it affected your life?