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Having a pet is a truly rewarding experience in countless ways. Although humans often think they are the most intelligent beings on the planet, there is so much to be learned from the little critters we share our homes with. Scroll through this gallery of just some of the many ways animals teach us about what matters most in life.

▲Animals take several naps throughout their day, and it isn't just out of boredom. A NASA study found that pilots and astronauts who take a 40-minute nap every day saw a 34% improvement in performance and a 100% improvement in alertness.

▲Getting out for a daily walk has tremendous health benefits. Dr. Melina B. Jampolis, author of 'The Doctor on Demand Diet,' affirms that walking can lower stress, reduce excess weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

▲Another amazing lesson that animals teach us is to never hold a grudge. Researchers at Hope College found that holding onto anger and resentment is actually harmful to our health. Consequences can range from depression to chronic cardiovascular diseases.

▲Animals are very good at interpreting body language, but humans leave something to be desired. We all reveal thoughts and emotions through our posture, gestures, and eye contact, but it's important to pay closer attention to those cues when interacting with others.

▲A poodle will never wish it had been born a golden retriever. Comparing yourself to others is a toxic behavior that decreases motivation and damages sense of self, according to an article on HuffPost.

▲It can be tempting to interrupt others as our own ideas, experiences, suggestions, and opinions come rushing into our minds. Try taking a lesson from an animal who never fails to pay attention while you speak and sit patiently until you finish.

▲Humans may not have a tail to wag, but we can smile and express our gratitude verbally. One study from Northeastern University found that gratitude can improve patience and our ability to make sensible decisions.

▲Cats love their fish and so should you. Fish contains important omega-3 fatty acids that aid in healthy heart function, according to WebMD.

▲Water is the best way to stay hydrated, and it's critical to healthy body functioning. Every cell in our body needs water to perform properly, so lap up!

▲Curiosity may kill the cat, but it's beneficial to humans. Research studies have demonstrated that curiosity can improve our ability to learn and retain information, among many other benefits.

▲Our pets do best with a consistent schedule, and studies show that humans do as well. WebMD states that those who stick to a consistent daily routine improve their quality of sleep.

▲When the sun is blazing hot overhead, your dog will most likely head to the shade. To avoid the harmful affects of UV rays, you should also seek out shady spots when spending time outside between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, according to dermatologist recommendations.

▲The Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine found that touch has significant benefits for human health, including lowering anxiety and boosting the immune system.

▲Your cat doesn't care about your fashion taste or your intellect before curling up in your lap. Animals don't understand superficial labels and biases; their language is kindness.

▲Animals have a knack for making the best of their situation. They will always find joy in a patch of freshly mowed grass or a walk on a sweltering hot day without dwelling on the negative. Susan Nolen-Hoeksema from Yale University found that people who ruminate and focus on the negative are more likely to be depressed and stay depressed.

▲Play is not just for animals and children. Dr. Stuart Brown wrote in his book, 'Play,' that playing is a basic human need that enhances intelligence, creativity, and social skills.

▲Animals always make time to clean themselves, and you should too. Good hygiene is not just important for making you look and feel your best, it has also been found to have positive effects on self-esteem and to improve your chances of getting a job, according to WebMD.

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Researchers from Ohio State University found that skipping meals may help you lose weight in the short term but then when you eat normally again, you gain all the weight back, and sometimes more. Additionally, weight loss will come from muscles instead of actual body fat.

▲Many of our pets are social animals, and so are we. Australian researchers from the Centre for Ageing Studies at Flinders University studied 1,500 people over the course of 10 years and found that those with a larger network of friends lived 22% longer than those with fewer friends.

▲Laughter really is the best medicine. Cardiologists from the University of Maryland Medical Center found that people with a stronger sense of humor have a lower risk of heart disease.

▲Dogs give 100% in everything they do. They are focused only on the task at hand. Researchers at Stanford University even found that people who are constantly multitasking can suffer attention and memory loss.

▲Animals mastered the art of mindfulness before humans were even aware of it. In a study by Harvard University, researchers found that people are happier when focusing their mind on the activity in front of them and staying fully in the present moment.

▲Spending time in nature is reported to relieve stress, calm the mind, improve vision, and increase longevity, among many other benefits.

▲Not caring about what other people think does not come as easily to us as it does to a cat, but studies show that we can experience far more joy in our lives if we stop worrying so much about how others perceive us.

▲A dog will never play hard to get. In fact, according to research, playing hard to get can actually be harmful to your relationships. Biologist and journalist Mairi Macleod stated that playing games can lead you to attract the wrong kind of people.

▲Most people tend to think of stretching as an activity strictly performed after exercising. However, according to Health Fitness Revolution, daily stretching has many benefits, including increased flexibility, higher energy levels, and reduced cholesterol.

▲Animals and humans all have an inborn need to work. When animals are bored, they can develop aggression and anxiety. Humans can also develop psychological difficulties when we don't have purpose or goals in our lives.

▲Finding a crumb on the floor or digging up an old ball in the yard could make your pet's entire day. Remember to pause and find joy in the small things, like eating your favorite dessert or watching your favorite movie.

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It is easy for humans to lose touch with their instinctual nature and the little voice of caution buried deep inside of them. However, trusting your gut has some surprising hidden benefits—according to Psychology Today, listening to your intuition can help you make better decisions.

Sources: (Sleep Foundation) (WebMD) (HuffPost) (Time) (Neuron) (Prevention) (Health Fitness Revolution) (American Heart Association) (Stanford University) (Ask the Scientists) (Psychology Today) (Insider)