Calm & Mars partner to celebrate the wellbeing potential of pets
People aren’t always aware how pets can positively impact their wellbeing. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Mars, the leader in pet care, and Calm are teaming up to celebrate the powerful connection between humans and pets.
Many people struggle to prioritize their mental health — but what if part of the solution is right at your feet (or curled up on your couch)?
Dogs and cats offer companionship, but they also have a remarkable ability to soothe anxiety, support relaxation, and improve your overall wellbeing.
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’ve partnered with Mars—the people behind some of your pets’ favorite products including Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas, and Cesar—to create our first-ever collection for pet lovers, inspired by new research into these powerful relationships.
“Taking my dog, Coco, for a walk can immediately melt away the stress of a difficult day,” says Loïc Moutault, President of Mars Petcare. “That’s the power of the human-animal bond I’ve been experiencing and I’m sure it is something many pet owners can attest to. At Mars, we know the role pets play in people’s lives, that’s why we are dedicated to our Purpose: A Better World for Pets.
This partnership with Calm strengthens our mission to ensure more people across the world recognize the role of pets in our mental health and wellbeing. Through this collaboration, we want to celebrate the amazing ways our pets improve our daily lives.”
The connection between wellbeing and pets
Many of us know that pets help protect against loneliness and can make us feel more understood, but from a wellbeing perspective, they can also help to create a sense of purpose, improve your self-esteem, and decrease stress and anxiety.
You probably love spending time with your pet, but research shows that you may not realize the multiple ways they’re supporting you, mentally and emotionally. For example, caring and interacting with pets can become a form of permission to take better care of yourself — encouraging you to take breaks you might otherwise skip and carving out time for rest, reconnection, and self-care.
In a global survey of over 30,000 pet owners by Mars and Calm, conducted by YouGov, 83% of respondents say their pet has had a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, and nearly 60% of pet owners say they prefer to spend time with their pet when they’re feeling stressed. That’s more than their partner (32%), family (23%) and children or friends (18%).
If you aren’t already a pet owner, it’s important to ensure you are able to take care of a pet responsibly so that both you and your future pet can have a great relationship. Think about your lifestyle, circumstances, time, and even your personality. What are your other long-term commitments? It’s a big commitment.
By taking the time to consider all these factors, you’re better able to make sure you and the pet are just the right match for each other — then get on with a truly magical mutually beneficial relationship.
How Calm & Mars are partnering
“Yet another reason to love our pets: the data shows they have a profound impact on mental health. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mars, the global leader in pet care, to celebrate how pets enhance wellbeing for millions worldwide and to highlight diverse approaches to mental health support. Together, we’re helping more people – and their pets – experience the proven benefits of the human-animal bond through real stories, science-backed tools, and supportive content,” said Greg Justice, chief content officer at Calm.
“Together, we’re helping more people experience the proven benefits of the human-animal bond through new content, real stories, and science-backed tools.”
To support that connection and give pets the recognition they deserve, we’re launching a brand new collection featuring pet-inspired Sleep Stories, meditations, and mindfulness tools designed to remind pet lovers to pause, be present, and embrace the simple moments of connection with their pets. It’s also been vetted by experts, as the collection has been developed in collaboration with researchers and academics studying human-animal interaction.
Pet-Inspired Moments of Relaxation collection
Pets are natural wellbeing gurus that remind us to take care of ourselves. Which is why we’ve created our latest Pet-Inspired Moments of Relaxation collection, helping everyone everywhere reflect on and embrace the positive impact their pets have had on them and their lives.
Our new in-app collection offers free-to-access breathing exercises, mindfulness tools, Sleep Stories, and brand new guided meditations with beloved Calm instructors, Mel Mah and Chibs Okereke.
Pets and Their People Sleep Story
“Pets and Their People” is a brand new Sleep Story highlighting three heartwarming stories of how pets influence the lives of the people who love them.
Narrated by actress Alicia Mason and written by Alex French and Sarah Grace Welbourn, “Pets and Their People” will remind listeners of how loyal and faithful our furry friends are — and of course, help listeners drift off to sleep peacefully.
Work Break Buddy meditation with Chibs Okereke
Research shows our pets are often nudging us to take a break. It’s time we took notice!
Join Chibs and his canine companions for a guided meditation to tap into the joy you feel with your pet.
Rest like your Pet meditation with Mel Mah
Join Mel and her cat Stanley for a gentle stretch and some deep breaths.
This short practice explores how our pets can inspire us to rest when we need to in order to support our overall wellbeing.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
