Got troubles? Dozens of studies (including this and this) have proven what you probably already know from first-hand experience—pets are just great listeners. It’s likely you chat them up from “good boy” to “good night” on a regular basis throughout the day, but have you taken advantage of their capacity for listening by sharing what’s really on your mind? “Loneliness is a huge thing right now in America,” Conlon says. “Yes, we have social media, but that actually lends to the problem; now you’re looking at Instagram and seeing people’s perfect lives and thinking, that’s how their life is and that’s how mine should be.” Replacing those scrolling sessions with some quality chats with your pet can make a huge difference. Sit, stay, lie down and just talk to them. Whether or not they understand exactly what you’re saying is up for debate, but when you think about it, does it really matter? Both you and your pet are making a connection that’s satisfying to both species.,There’s no doubt that we love our pets. Most of us can hardly remember what our lives looked like before they moved in and took over. But we’re also so busy, bustling and on-the-go that we can miss opportunities to have more meaningful moments with them. Perhaps now’s the ideal time to make that change. If circumstances are leaving you stressed and anxious, a bit of furry (or feathery depending on your pet pal) therapy can go along way to help you get centered and find some calm. “The thing with pets is that they’re consistent,” says Prairie Conlon, LMHP (Licensed Mental Health Professional) and Clinical Director of Therapetic, an online tele-health platform. “Whether you’re moving, changing jobs, get a new boyfriend or girlfriend, they’re always there. The consistency can be really grounding for people.” That’s especially true in these times of social distancing, she adds. “One of the things I’ve been telling clients is to reframe things. How about you look at this from your animal’s perspective? How is your dog feeling about the quarantine?” Chances are, she says, that your pet loves spending extra time with you. “So, let’s look at it from that perspective: This is amazing!” When it comes to your mental health, pets really can be some of the best medicine. Here are five science-based ways to connect with your pets AND slow your roll.