Most people prefer to spend time and de-stress with pets over partners, new research finds
A majority of pet owners would prefer to spend time with their fluffy friends when they are stressed rather than with their partners, according to new research.
A global survey of 30,000 pet owners found that 65 percent of people would prefer to de-stress in the company of their dog, cat or other household pet – significantly more than those who said their partners (37 percent), family (24 percent), children (22 percent) or friends (21 percent).
More than half of pet owners – 59 percent – said their pets provided company without the need to talk during stressful times, while nearly a quarter said their pet provided a space for them to express worries or concerns without expecting a response.
But for most pet owners – 90 percent of them – the simple presence of their pet is relaxing, offering a sense of calm that doesn't require words or actions.
The findings, commissioned by pet care business Mars and mental health company Calm, also revealed how pets can reinforce other good mental health habits, such as encouraging us to step away from screens, spend more time outdoors and take a break from work and chores.
Almost eight in 10 said their pet reminds them to pause and take a break from work, chores or tasks, while 77 percent said their pet encourages them to take a break away from screens.
The heartwarming results make it no surprise that nine in 10 Aussies surveyed said their pet had positively impacted their mental wellbeing.
'While we love our pets, we often don't realise how much they give back,' Dr Tammie King, a specialist in human-animal interaction and senior research manager at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute said.
New research reveals that a majority of pet owners prefer to spend time with their pets over their life partners when they are stressed out.
yurakrasil – stock.adobe.com
'Reframing your pet's daily 'interruptions' as loving reminders to pause, breathe and be present can be a powerful wellness tool.'
'Research shows that touch-based pet interactions can boost oxytocin levels in humans.'
'The findings of this survey will help more people reflect on and acknowledge the little wellbeing moments pets nudge us towards on a daily basis.'
The survey marks the launch of a partnership between Mars – which produces pet care brands including Pedigree, Royal Canin and Whiskas – and meditation app Calm.
The survey conducted by Mars and mental health company Calm, reveals that 65% of 30,000 pet owners would rather de-stress in the company of their household pet over their partner, family, children, or friends.
tonefotografia – stock.adobe.com
The businesses have joined forces to shine a light on how our furry friends can boost our mental health through a pet-inspired content series.
The content is designed to help users relax, reflect and recharge.
In addition to the content series, Mars and Calm have launched a social media campaign to find stories from pet owners of their pets, to explore how they help our mental health.
The stories will become inspiration for Calm content later in the year.
'We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall wellbeing, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there,' Dr Chris Mosunic, chief clinical officer at Calm said.
'A quick dog walk or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen, can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge.'
'We're proud to partner with Mars and bring this data to the forefront to highlight the potential of our bond with pets and help more people discover the wonderful wellbeing benefits our relationship with pets can bring.'
For more information on the Mars x Calm partnership, visit: kinship.com/petsandwellbeing
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fast Company
15 hours ago
- Fast Company
3 tiny behaviors that make you the calmest person in the room
In high-stakes meetings or chaotic team moments, the person who stays grounded often becomes the one others follow. And this outcome isn't about status or rank—it's biological. Human groups are wired to seek cues of stability. In uncertain situations, people scan for behavioral signals of calm, control, and composure. Those who project these signals can influence group dynamics in powerful ways, whether or not they hold formal authority. In my work on Leadership Biodynamics, a biology-based approach to executive presence, I train leaders to tune their behavioral signals intentionally. The goal is not to fake confidence, but to engage practices that create real calm in the body and broadcast it to others. This is rooted in the biology of behavior. When your nervous system signals stability, others' systems start to regulate in response. Here are three tiny behaviors that can make you the calmest person in the room. 1. Slow Your Exhale One of the fastest ways to regulate your nervous system is through your breath. Specifically, focus on extending the exhale. A longer out-breath activates the parasympathetic nervous system, signaling to your body and brain that you are safe and in control. In stressful moments, most people unconsciously shorten their breath, which heightens physiological arousal. By contrast, slowing your exhale lowers heart rate variability and helps maintain executive function under pressure. Neuroscience research supports this. Controlled breathing patterns are shown to downregulate the amygdala, the brain's threat detection center, and improve prefrontal cortex performance. In leadership terms, this allows you to think clearly and signal calm even when tension is high. 2. Master the Neutral Face Facial expressions are among the most contagious signals in any room. Subtle cues of tension—tightened jaw, furrowed brow, compressed lips—trigger mirror neuron responses in others, escalating stress contagion. One of the simplest yet most powerful techniques is to practice what I call a neutral face. Relax your facial muscles, release tension from the jaw and brow, and let your gaze soften. This sends nonthreatening signals that calm others' nervous systems. A recent story on how fighter pilots maintain calm in high-stakes situations echoes this principle. Pilots are trained to maintain neutral, composed facial expressions because they know crew members will mirror their affect. The same applies in leadership settings. 3. Use Stillness Strategically Movement is another powerful signal. Rapid, jittery gestures broadcast anxiety. Deliberate stillness, on the other hand, projects control. In tense meetings, practice purposeful stillness. Rest your hands lightly on the table, slow your gestures, and allow silences to stand without rushing to fill them. This creates a grounding presence that helps regulate group energy. Behavioral research confirms that leaders who demonstrate controlled stillness are perceived as more composed, credible, and trustworthy. The effect is amplified when combined with calm vocal tone and centered body posture. Why Projecting Calm Matters at Work These behaviors may seem small, but their effects are anything but. In group settings, emotional states are highly contagious. The person who maintains composure can anchor the emotional tone of the entire room. This is especially critical in hybrid and remote environments, where subtle behavioral cues carry more weight. In my work with global leadership teams, I often see that those who can project calm consistently gain disproportionate influence, not through dominance but through stabilizing presence. In Biohacking Leadership, my book of science-based techniques for better leadership, I emphasize that influence is not about charisma alone. It is about biological signaling. When your own system is grounded, you help others self-regulate. That is what builds trust and followership in high-stakes moments. The bottom line is this: if you want to become the calmest person in the room, start with these three behaviors. Slow your exhale. Relax your face. Use stillness strategically. These tiny actions, grounded in the biology of behavior, can shift not only how you feel, but how others respond to you. And in leadership, that is the signal that often matters most.
Business Wire
3 days ago
- Business Wire
CalmWave Named to Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces List
SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- CalmWave, creator of the Calm ICU™ and leader in eliminating non-actionable alarms through healthcare data science and Transparent AI, announced today that has been named to Inc.'s 2025 Best Workplaces list honoring companies that have built exceptional workplaces that support their teams and businesses. 'This recognition reflects the integrity, grit, and heart of our team and reinforces our belief that meaningful innovation begins with creating an exceptional place to work,' said Ophir Ronen, founder and CEO, CalmWave. 'We share a singular mission to transform healthcare by redefining and optimizing hospital operations, enabling clinicians to focus on what matters most: patient care. The entire CalmWave team is driven to make an impact, united by a shared commitment to improve healthcare for both clinicians and patients.' CalmWave is the first effective solution to address the endemic problem of alarm fatigue in Intensive Care Units (ICUs). Alarm fatigue occurs when the constant stream of alarms overwhelms both clinicians and patients, often due to a flood of non-actionable alarms – alerts triggered by monitoring systems that do not require immediate intervention or clinical response. These alarms account for 80–99% of those in ICUs and are the primary cause of alarm fatigue. This cacophony not only increases the risk of negative outcomes such as ICU delirium but also places significant strain on healthcare staff, ultimately impacting overall patient care. CalmWave is redefining hospital operations, starting by eliminating alarm fatigue in ICUs and expanding to deliver enterprise-wide operational intelligence that enhances clinical workflows, optimizes clinical engineering, and supports system-wide staff well-being. The Calm ICU™ is a signal-led critical care environment powered by CalmWave that reduces alarm burden using data science and allows clinical teams to focus on patient care, accelerate ICU throughput, improve patient safety and enhance hospital operations. It enables hospitals to align teams, technology, and time – informing decisions where they matter most: at the bedside. 'Inc.'s Best Workplaces program celebrates the exceptional organizations whose workplace cultures address their employees' welfare and needs in meaningful ways,' says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. 'As companies expand and adapt to changing economic forces, maintaining such a culture is no small feat. Yet these honorees have not only achieved it – they continue to elevate the employee experience through thoughtful benefits, engagement, and a deep commitment to their teams.' This year's list, featured on is the result of comprehensive measurement and evaluation of American companies that have excelled in creating exceptional workplaces and company cultures, whether in-person or remote. The Best Workplaces award process involved a detailed employee survey conducted by Quantum Workplace covering critical occupational elements such as management effectiveness, perks, professional development, and overall culture. Company benefits were also audited to determine overall score and ranking. CalmWave is honored to be included among the 514 companies recognized this year. To view the full list of winners, visit About CalmWave CalmWave's mission is to objectively improve healthcare, starting with safely eliminating non-actionable alarms. Alarms triggered by bedside monitoring systems that do not require immediate intervention or clinical response comprise 80-99% of all audible alarms in intensive care units (ICUs). They contribute to a well-recognized and widespread issue known as alarm fatigue, endemic to every hospital worldwide. Alarm fatigue, rampant in the modern healthcare system, causes great stress for clinicians and patients, ultimately impacting patient outcomes and staff retention. Using Transparent AI, CalmWave outlines the rationale behind each optimized setting, empowering a hospital's clinical staff to evaluate and implement optimized alarm limit recommendations in the bedside monitor at the patient's bedside using the CalmWave Operations Platform, which integrates seamlessly with the hospital's EMR. Doing so remediates alarm fatigue and can improve staff retention and patient outcomes. Visit for more information and follow us on LinkedIn and X. About Inc. Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit About Quantum Workplace Quantum Workplace, based in Omaha, Nebraska, is an HR technology company that serves organizations through employee-engagement surveys, action-planning tools, exit surveys, peer-to-peer recognition, performance evaluations, goal tracking, and leadership assessment. For more information, visit
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
$4.50 Woolworths buy hailed as solution to common ‘struggle': ‘Noticed real changes'
Breakfast. It's a surprisingly controversial meal. Not everyone can stomach food first thing in the morning, but research shows that making the right choice can set you up for the day ahead. According to Dairy Farmers, 85 per cent of Aussies say they feel more energised and productive after a high-protein breakfast, but 40 per cent still skip it - and it's likely because finding convenient and tasty protein options can be tough. But what about dairy-based protein drinks? If you look at TikTok right now, it's fair to say they're having a moment. The category has grown a whopping 88 per cent in the past three years, and there's a heap of videos of creators sipping protein milk post-workout or testing out new flavours. Dairy Farmers' Senior Nutritionist Rachael Adams says getting just 30g of protein at breakfast can help you stay fuller for longer, support energy and mood, and reduce snacking later in the day. 'Protein is the most satiating nutrient – meaning it's the best at keeping us feeling full and nourished,' the expert tells Yahoo Lifestyle. "It helps to regulate appetite by increasing our satiety hormones, reducing the hunger-related hormone, ghrelin, and slowing how fast food leaves your stomach.' And Rachael says that dairy protein, in particular, can be a top choice. 'Dairy is one of the highest-quality protein sources available – it's not only a complete protein (containing all nine essential amino acids our bodies can't produce on their own), but also highly bioavailable, meaning our bodies absorb and use its protein more efficiently,' she says. 'In addition to being an excellent protein source, dairy is also nutrient-dense – providing important nutrients including calcium, B vitamins (B2, B5 & B12), iodine, phosphorus and potassium.' The key, Rachael says, is to tune into your body's 'natural hunger cues'. 'If you're not hungry first thing in the morning, forcing yourself to eat breakfast isn't necessarily the right thing to do,' she advises. 'What matters more is making sure your first meal of the day is packed with healthy and nutrient-dense foods, especially protein to help keep you feeling fuller for longer and reduce cravings. 'It's less about the time of day and more about what you eat for your first meal – whether it's at 7am or 11am depending on your lifestyle and hunger levels,' Rachel adds. That's where Dairy Farmers' new Protein Smoothies come in. They're a grab-and-go option for those wanting to get their 30g of natural dairy protein at any time of day, with no added sugar and without chowing down on anything too heavy. The smoothies, which retail for just $4.50 at Woolworths, are designed to fuel busy mornings or satisfy that post-workout chocolate milk fix, and come in three delicious flavours: chocolate, banana honey and mixed berry. The flavours are certainly proving a hit on TikTok, with content creator Namrita Nikita declaring the banana honey smoothie tastes like 'a liquid banana paddle pop' and telling fans the mixed berry version was 'really, really nice'. The chocolate version got her top marks, with the TikToker giving it a '10 out of 10' for taste. You can get your 30g of protein in many different ways, and Rachael says that a 400ml serving of your favourite Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie is one option. Other suggestions from the expert include three eggs scrambled on toast with a dairy milk or soy milk coffee; 200g of Greek yoghurt topped with muesli, fruit and natural peanut butter; a baked bean and cheese toasted sandwich made with seeded bread with a dairy milk or soy milk coffee, or a smoked salmon and spinach three-egg frittata. The good thing about milk? Rachael says it's 'naturally rich in the good stuff'. 'It's a wholesome, no-nonsense option for people who care about real food that works hard for their health,' she says. 'And compared to other high-protein options like steak or protein powders, milk is also affordable, making it an accessible, everyday way to get high-quality nutrition.' Sydney gym-goer Xander Cross, 33, is one of those who's been embracing 30g of protein at breakfast for the last six years and he credits it for changing him mentally and physically. 'I've always had a smaller frame and found it challenging to gain muscle and size. On top of that, consistently eating enough protein throughout the day to support my fitness goals has been difficult,' Xander tells Yahoo Lifestyle. 'As someone who's very active in the gym, increasing my protein intake became a key priority to support muscle growth and help me reach my goals.' Xander admits that before making the change, he 'didn't have a structured or balanced diet'. 'I would often skip breakfast or grab something convenient, usually with little to no protein. This then carried through to the rest of my meals for the day,' he explains. 'After shifting my focus, especially at breakfast, I began making much more conscious and healthy decisions about what I was eating, starting by choosing a protein and building my meals around it. 'Physically, I noticed real changes,' he adds. 'My energy levels at the gym improved, and I started seeing more positive results from my workouts. 'Mentally, I felt more clear-headed throughout the day, along with the peace of mind that I was fuelling my body. But the biggest mental benefit has been knowing that I'm taking care of myself properly – our bodies are like machines, and we need to fuel and maintain them to function at our best.' When Xander finds himself running late in the morning, he now grabs a Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie and some fruit on the go. 'I recommend this to anyone who struggles to get organised in the morning,' he says. 'When you build your breakfast around a protein source, it becomes much easier to ensure you're starting your day with a balanced, nourishing meal.' Learn more about the Dairy Farmers Protein Smoothie range, here.
