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Five Ways Pets Support Total Well-being

Pets provide numerous benefits for our health. For many, they’re not just animals; they’re family members that bring joy and comfort. Operations Project Manager Shine Nufable knows this all too well. Her two-year-old dog, Kenny, is her pride and joy.

“Kenny is my heart,” she said. “He unknowingly regulates my emotions, brightens my day after coming home exhausted from work and reminds me to continue appreciating the simple things in life.”

Keep reading to learn how pets can support our total well-being:

1. Emotional Support
   Having a pet can reduce feelings of loneliness. Pets are great listeners, and they don’t judge or hold grudges like some humans may. Their unconditional love and companionship provide comfort during difficult times, and research shows that having a “strong attachment to pets, especially dogs, is associated with lower anxiety and depression symptoms.”
   
   Not to mention, their gratitude for the smallest things is a great reminder to stay grounded. “If Kenny can appreciate the little things, such as the treats we give him or the walks we go on, then somehow, whatever I'm experiencing in life is minuscule,” Shine said. “We can all appreciate the simple things in life if this little guy can do it.”

2. Stress Reduction
   Spending time with pets can help us relax and cope with daily pressures. “I’m mentally exhausted when I get home,” Shine said. “Seeing Kenny wagging his tail every time I pull up to the driveway gives me a boost of serotonin that erases all the exhaustion from working.” Interacting with animals triggers our bodies to release oxytocin, a happy hormone, and lower cortisol, a stress hormone. These simple interactions have enormous power over our mood.

3. Routine and Structure
   Caring for pets helps us create a routine, because they require daily feeding, grooming and exercise. Having a routine can offer a sense of purpose and responsibility, which is especially helpful for anyone struggling with their mental health. And on days when the unexpected happens, Northrop Grumman makes it easy to find pet care. Employees can create a free Sitter City account to seek pet sitters[1] in their area or log in to ComPsych to find pet sitters and groomers that meet their animal’s unique needs.

4. Increased Physical Activity
   Some pets need regular exercise, which encourages us to move. Shine admits that she doesn’t always want to leave her house, but seeing Kenny stare at her with puppy dog eyes inspires her to get up. Luckily, she never regrets her decision. Exercise releases endorphins, which make us feel happier, so being active with pets can boost our mood.

5. Social Interaction
   Pets can help us meet new people. Owners often talk to one another when out and about with their pets, and these interactions contribute to a sense of community. “There are regulars at the dog park,” Shine said. “They tell me their life stories, and I'm more than happy to listen. It’s opened a few opportunities with different walks of life that I wouldn’t otherwise approach.”

Northrop Grumman recognizes the importance of total well-being, which includes emotional, financial, physical and social health. “If one of those pillars are not up to par, the other three might tumble down along with them,” Shine said.

Pets can be expensive, which is why we offer resources to help you give them the best life possible at the lowest cost possible. Beneplace offers discounts on a range of pet products, including food, pet sitters and subscription boxes with treats and toys. Employees also have the opportunity to enroll in My Pet Protection through Nationwide, which offers customized pet insurance through payroll deductions to cover a variety of accidents, illnesses and hereditary conditions.

A happy, healthy pet is more likely to have a happy, healthy owner. Northrop Grumman’s benefits can support both.

[1] This process may take three to five days.