One of the most effective ways to lower stress levels may be to pet cats or dogs.
In a new study in the journal “AERA Open”, researchers examined 249 college students before and after spending time with cats and dogs. After only 10 minutes of petting the animals, dramatic reductions were observed in the stress hormone cortisol.
Conclusions
Spending time with cats and dogs may be one of the fastest, most effective methods for mitigating the harmful effects of chronic stress.
References
Pendry, P., & Vandagriff, J. L. (2019). Animal Visitation Program (AVP) Reduces Cortisol Levels of University Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial. AERA Open, 5(2), 2332858419852592.