With darker mornings, darker evenings, and the cold setting in, the autumn and winter months can be really tough, especially here in the UK where it gets particularly grey! Low mood, lack of energy, and a desire to hide away and disconnect are common at this time of year.
I'm hugely passionate about mental health and the positive effects that animals can have on us. My award-winning university dissertation was all about this relationship, and, in 2018, I also volunteered alongside a not-for-profit group that helped train "Guides for the Mind": assistance dogs that perform specific actions for those struggling with their mental health. All this, plus achieving my L3 Counselling Skills Diploma, has allowed me an inspiring insight into the profoundly positive effects animals can have on our state of mind.
If you notice shifts in yourself during winter (often known as the "winter blues"), you are not alone! I know I can really struggle during this time, and having pets to care for is my saving grace. My own pets have been incredible companions through those darker days, offering comfort, motivation, and laughter that makes the season more manageable.
Here is how our furry and not-so-furry family can help us get through the winter months with a little more ease.
Emotional support
Pets often sense when we are struggling. Sitting with a dog, cat, rabbit, or other animal companion can provide a presence that feels grounding. Watching them relax, nuzzle, or simply be around us can remind us that we are not alone. Sometimes it is not about cheering up instantly, but about having a companion to share the day with.
Helping us stay present
Pets live fully in the moment. Watching them enjoy simple things like a new toy, a stretch, or a sniff of the air can help us notice the world around us. When our thoughts feel heavy or spiraling, their presence can pull us back to the here and now and remind us to focus on what is actually happening, not just what we are worried about.
Encouraging movement
When energy is low, moving can feel impossible, but most pets encourage activity! Whether it is a dog nudging us to go outside for a short walk, a cat batting a toy across the floor, or a rabbit following you around the house or needing their area or litter box cleaned, these small interactions can break the inertia and give us a subtle lift, both physically and mentally.
Creating calm
Simply being with a pet can slow down racing thoughts. Stroking a cat’s fur, feeling a dog’s heartbeat, or listening to a soft purr can help regulate our stress and create a sense of stability - it's scientifically proven! These quiet moments can feel surprisingly restorative when our mood feels low or scattered.
Playtime lifts the mind
Even short play sessions with a pet can interrupt negative thinking. A quick game of fetch, a tug session, or watching a rabbit explore can make you laugh or distract your thoughts, offering mental relief and reminding us that small pleasures still exist, even during tough days.
Connecting with others, even indirectly
Pets give us loads of reasons to reach out. Sharing a photo of a funny moment with friends, talking about a silly habit, or posting a cute clip online can create social interaction and connection. These small snippets of engagement help us feel less isolated when the winter months can make it easy to withdraw.
Routine that supports mental wellbeing
Caring for a pet, even in small ways like feeding, brushing, or giving a treat, gives moments of accomplishment. These acts remind us that we are capable and needed. Seeing our pets respond with happiness or trust can be grounding, especially when everything else feels overwhelming or difficult.
Pets depend on us, which naturally gives us structure. Feeding, caring, and checking in with them helps maintain a rhythm in our days. This routine can be just another day during summer when the blues might not be around, but it can be stabilizing when everything else feels heavy, reminding us that it's a new day, life continues and giving us purpose even when motivation is low.
Quiet companionship
Sometimes the best support is just their presence. Their non-judgmental state of being (yes even cats!) can make difficult feelings more manageable and help us feel less alone with what we are experiencing.
Our pets are not a cure for seasonal depression, but they can be anchors, motivators, and companions through the darker months.
Their presence has the ability to give reassurance, grounding, and little sparks of joy when life feels heavier, helping us navigate this challenging season with support, whether we speak their language or not!
