Find a furry friend
Interacting with a dog increases levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which is the same hormone that bonds mothers to babies. Don’t have a pup? Set up a visit with a friend who has a dog or offer to pet sit. You can also go for a walk outside (which provides its own benefits) and hope to pass by a neighbor walking their dog. If you have a cat, you can reap the benefits too! In one study, cat owners claimed to feel happier and more confident than non-pet owners. Another study concluded that the typical temperament of cats may have a positive impact on owners’ physiological and psychological health.