It’s a feeling we’re all familiar with: you’ve just spent time with a loved one or a friend, and it feels like a weight has been lifted. What is the deal with that? Are they just terrific friends? As it happens, there’s a science to explain how much better you feel when you have an active social life.
It’s not even just other people that can make us feel this way. Spending time with animals can have a very similar effect. It turns out companionship, in general, helps. But why?
Keep reading to learn how companionship from friends of ESAs can be vital for your health.
What is an ESA?
Short for ’emotional support animal,’ the science of companionship has confirmed it: animals can do wonders for our mental health. So much so that the power of the ESA has risen; if you suffer from mental health problems such as anxiety or PTSD, you can get prescribed an animal to help you get through life. That’s how vital companionship is!
If you’re wondering how to get an ESA letter from a doctor, you’ll want to start with your state requirements. You’ll likely need to schedule a face-to-face appointment with a mental health professional. The process should be quick. Get in touch with your local clinic to start the process!
The Power of Friendship
Of course, we couldn’t leave out friendship when talking about companionship. There’s a reason why best friends exist.
However, it’s not always easy to make time for the most cherished people in our lives. When we’re younger and at school, ‘hanging out’ is easy and happens with minimal effort. But as we become adults, it becomes more challenging. We have to pencil in those social appointments.
But science doesn’t lie: the benefits are incomparable. Spending time with friends reduces stress and promotes positive health behaviors. What they say must be true: a problem shared is a problem halved.
Human Beings Are Social Creatures
None of this should be new information or even surprising. Being social is in our genes. Much like most other animals, we are social creatures. We have always worked together; there has always been cooperation. From forming families to communities such as religion, and even when it comes to government: we work together.
That’s because our brains are wired to work better together. That’s why it feels so good: it’s how it’s supposed to be. Keeping that in mind should make it easier to remember that seeing your friends is almost guaranteed to make you feel better: get that next catch-up booked now!
Your Social Life: Your Greatest Asset?
With work and other obligations so high on most of our to-do lists, it’s easy to pass off spending quality time with friends, family, and even pets, as trivial and unimportant. But even glancing at the science will dispute this quicker than expected.
An active social life will improve your mental health and general well-being massively. And that includes pets! Spending time with others should always be a priority: try it out and see how much happier you feel!