Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18th to 24th May this year and is hosted by the Mental Health Foundation.
Taking care of your mental health is vital to leading a full life and it is widely known that spending time around animals can help boost endorphins in your brain that help promote a positive mental state.
The companionship that a pet offers is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress.
Pets such as rabbits can be a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners. In many ways they can help us to live mentally healthier lives.
We have made a list of the top five reasons why rabbits help improve mental health.
1. Companionship
Rabbits are fluffy little balls of happiness who love nothing more than to follow you around in the hope of extra treats, sit for hours demanding extra head pets and absolutely love snuggling with you someplace warm and quiet for that all important daily nap.
You'll be hard pressed to feel lonely sharing your space with a bunny! They just love your attention.
2. Socialising
As well as socialising with your rabbits, there are so many people out there who want nothing more than to make friends with other rabbit pet owners!
Joining groups on social media to discuss tips on getting your bunny to eat more hay or volunteering at a rabbit charity are great ways to get you meeting like minded people who want nothing more than to hear about you and your furry friends!
Talking and making friends makes a massive positive impact on mental health.
3. Motivation
Sometimes it can be difficult when you feel low to push yourself into your normal daily routine. With a bunny, getting into a routine is essential for their wellbeing.
Rabbits love routine and will be demanding their breakfast nuggets and hay just the same as the day before. If you don't feel like getting up for you, you'll want to push yourself for your bunnies. They are your biggest cheerleaders and will be waiting happily for you in the morning. It will be worth getting up for... We promise!
4. Exercise
Keeping bunnies are a lot of work, but very rewarding. Making time to keep their home clean and tidy is a daily job and it will certainly get you moving.
Exercise has been linked to improved positive mental health. Bond and play with your bunny whilst being active and you and your pet will feel the positive results.
5. Unconditional Love
No one will love you like your bunny. You are their whole world. All their needs are fulfilled by you. No one else knows exactly that spot on their ears to scratch. No one else knows their favourite food. That is all you. And they love you for it.
Our volunteers are not trained, mental health practitioners or advisors so if you're struggling with mental health, then please seek the professional advice and support of your GP or call an external, free advice service from The Samaritans on 116 123.