DURING stressful times, cat owners source their comfort from their cats, and several of these owners claim that cats do provide them solace when needed.

A study on the psychological health of Australian cat owners revealed that these individuals scored lower in general psychological health assessments, indicating fewer psychiatric disturbances. 

This suggests that cat owners may enjoy better psychological health compared to those without pets.

Photo Courtesy: FOX | Pexels

Cats aren’t just adored for their enchanting toe beans and their saucer-like eyes that can transform into the narrowest of slits or widen into black pools. It is also because of their adorable and charming demeanors that often make you wish you could be more like them.

Here’s what cats can teach us about self-care:

Cultivate curiosity

Cats’ curious nature is why they’re referred to as the animal with nine lives. Curiosity sometimes leads to danger, but often it directs us to a sea of experiences and wisdom.

According to Emily J. Campbell, a doctor in Human Development and Education, a study has shown that curiosity is linked to high scores of positive emotions, low scores of anxiety, satisfaction with life, and greater psychological well-being.

Try exploring the world or surfing the internet about things that have always sparked your interest.

Keep your playful spirit

It’s always recommended to maintain the playful spirit you had as a child. Find joy even in the smallest things, so you’ll find it easier to navigate life when you become aware that despite its challenges, there will always be something that can make you laugh.

Practice gratitude

Always offer gratitude for the beauty that life has to offer. It’s not necessarily about thanking your problems; rather, it is about recognizing that despite the battles, you still have something to look forward to, and trust that with perseverance, tomorrow will be better.

Make time to rest

Humans need enough sleep, and sometimes a minute-long power nap in the middle of the day.

A study found that brief naps, lasting five to fifteen minutes, enhance mood, short-term memory, alertness, and response time.

So don’t deprive yourself of much-needed rest; this way, your body can function longer with efficiency, especially as you step into the realm of responsibilities: adulthood.

Bask in the sun

Don’t hate the sun all throughout the day. Five to thirty minutes of daily exposure from early in the morning until 9 AM or 4 PM onwards is safe.

According to scientists at Brigham Young University (BYU), the days with the most sunshine bring the most positive impact on our well-being.

However, it’s best to wear sunscreen while receiving the sun’s Vitamin D.

Stretch often

Stretching helps reduce or manage stress. Additionally, it improves your posture, promotes blood circulation, boosts energy, lowers muscle tension, and more.

According to Harvard Health, stretching maintains the muscles’ flexibility, strength, and health. When you take care of your muscles, you’re maintaining a range of motion in your joints, which gives you overall well-being.

The next time you see a cat enjoying the sun or giving in to curiosity, take a pause and adopt some of their habits to add to your own self-care routines. 

With reports from Naomi Viehl D. Politico