I love animals. There is just something about looking at them that brings me great joy. Maybe that’s one of the reasons we have four dogs, and a bearded dragon. But, it turns out that there’s more to my joy than I originally thought. Science has proven that all those fuzzy critters aren't just here to steal our hearts, but they're actually doing something amazing to our health and happiness. Now, you might think I'm just tying to get you to own as many animals as me so I don’t feel like such a weirdo, but it’s true, just looking at cute animals can have some amazing effects on your body and mind.
I know, it’s a cliché, women and their obsession with cute kitty pictures, and I’ve never gotten into that, until now, but the more I find out about the effect of looking at all that cuteness, the more I’m thinking of making it a part of daily routine. So, in case this is new to you as well, here are 5 benefits of taking time out of your day to look at the cuteness that is animals:
A Joy Infusion
Want to treat your brain to a mini-vacation? Scientific studies show that just looking at cute animals, especially babies, can trigger the release of dopamine, the "feel-good" hormone, that is as beneficial as eating delicious food, listening to uplifting music, or having a good laugh. It's like a mini happiness explosion right in your brain!
A Boost to Productivity
Believe it or not, taking short breaks to indulge in some adorable critter content has been proven to supercharge your productivity. It's like hitting the reset button on your brain, allowing you to come back to tasks with renewed focus and energy.
A Stress Reducer
Scientific research has shown that gazing at cute animals can have a legit calming effect on your mind. It's like a virtual spa day for the brain – stress hormone levels drop, and you're left feeling as relaxed as a an otter floating in the sun.
A Concentration Generator
Who would've thought that cute animal pictures could make you better at stuff? Studies have actually shown that after gazing at pictures of adorable puppies and kittens, people tend to perform better on tasks requiring focus and concentration. It's like these packages of joy are secretly helping us become superhuman multitaskers!
A Connection Maker
In a world where opinions can clash and debates can get heated, there's one thing we can all agree on: cute animals are the best! Sharing adorable animal content is like a universal language that transcends borders and brings people together. Whether you're bonding with a co-worker over a shared love for fluffy bunnies or making new friends in online communities dedicated to adorable creatures, cute animals are the ultimate icebreakers.
“Our task must be to free ourselves... by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature and its beauty.”
- Albert Einstein
My next new thing is to include a daily viewing (or two) of cute animals pix in order to remember my joy, reenergize myself, to focus, and maybe I’ll even pass some of them on to you so we can bond over the beauty. What a wonderful peak these animals are into the playful and creative side of a God who would care enough to give us these packages of joy for our emotional health, productivity, and connection. 🐾 Hope these bundles of joy make your steps a little bit lighter and your smile a little bit brighter today!
“A righteous person cares for the life of his animal.” (Proverbs 12:10, NET)
So true!!!! Thank you Hayley.