Self-care pet apps combine virtual pet care with personal wellness routines.
It sounds out-there but not totally off base. After all, many people are aware that pet therapy can help improve various mental health—and physical health—conditions.
So, what are self-care pet apps?
Do they really work? Let’s take a closer look.
The Benefits of Self-Care Pet Apps
Self-care pet applications combine many of the engaging aspects of gaming with practical self-care lessons—creating an interactive experience that might be doing more than just providing entertainment.
Basically, a self-care pet app is one where you take care of a virtual pet or companion, often engaging in self-care exercises for yourself at the same time.
Here are some of the potential benefits!
Gamification of Mental Health Practices
One of the most significant advantages of self-care pet apps is their ability to transform mental health practices into engaging, game-like experiences. When users care for their virtual pets, they often mirror these actions in their own lives.
For instance, when reminding their virtual pet to stay hydrated or get enough sleep, users are subtly prompted to consider their own habits.
Or, in some apps, as you check off your self-care habits for the day, this gives your own pet energy or resources to survive. In other words, you don’t only take care of you but you take care of your virtual pet as well.
And this gamification may make mental health practices more approachable and less daunting—particularly for individuals who might resist traditional mental health interventions.
Emotional Connection and Reduced Loneliness
While these digital companions can’t replace human interaction, they provide a form of consistent emotional support that’s available 24/7.
Some experts even suggest that forming bonds with virtual creatures can trigger the release of oxytocin (often called the “bonding hormone”) similar to interactions with real pets, albeit to a lesser degree.
Related Article: 5 Tips to Help You Ease Loneliness During the Holidays
Routine Building and Accountability
Self-care pet apps excel at helping users establish and maintain daily wellness routines.
When the well-being of a virtual pet is tied to regular check-ins and care activities, users are more likely to stick to their own self-care schedules.
This accountability system is particularly effective because it operates on emotional investment rather than guilt or external pressure. Users want to care for their virtual pets, and in doing so, they develop beneficial habits for themselves.
Stress Relief Through Play
The playful interactions offered by these apps serve as effective stress-relief mechanisms.
Simple activities like petting a virtual animal or watching it play can trigger a relaxation response in users.
This aspect is particularly valuable during high-stress periods when traditional meditation or relaxation techniques might feel too demanding. The casual, low-pressure nature of these interactions makes them accessible stress management tools.
Self-Care Pet Apps You Should Try
So, where should you start? The most popular option is Finch.
Finch has gained a loyal following for its unique blend of self-care and companionship.
The app allows you to care for an adorable virtual bird while also encouraging you to engage in daily self-care routines.
Each day, users check in with their Finch, completing tasks like:
- journaling
- reflecting on their emotions
- setting personal goals
In return, their Finch grows, explores new areas, and gains personality traits based on the care it receives.
The app’s strength lies in its ability to combine cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles with playful interactions. Instead of feeling like a chore, mental health activities become part of a game, helping users stay consistent and motivated.
Finch also provides gentle prompts for mindfulness, gratitude practices, and emotional check-ins, making mental health support feel more accessible and less clinical.
For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, the app might suggest a quick breathing exercise or encourage you to write about your feelings in a journal.
Apps, like Finch, offer a way to slow down and reconnect with yourself.
They provide structure, reminding you to prioritize self-care, while also offering the emotional comfort of companionship. Whether it’s through guided mindfulness practices or simply watching your virtual pet flourish, these apps encourage consistent engagement, which is key for forming healthy habits.
In particular, Finch is available for both Android and iPhone users.
There’s also Amaru, which works very similarly as Finch. Many claim this app has genuinely helped them improve their habits and life.
Related Article: 9 Things That Aren’t Helping Your Mental Health
Should You Try It?
Self-care pet apps represent an innovative intersection of gaming, mental health support, and digital companionship.
While they shouldn’t be considered replacements for professional mental health care when needed, they offer valuable supplementary support for daily wellness practices.
Their success in engaging users and promoting better self-care habits suggests that they’re more than just a passing trend in the mental health technology landscape.
In fact, many people have attributed improved mental wellness to these types of apps. The only way to find out if it works for you is to give it a try!
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Photo by: @noelle-designs on Canva
