You may not be thinking about enhanced alpha and beta oscillations in your brain when walking or petting your dog, but that’s precisely what’s happening and it’s good for you.

To measure these neural activities, scientists connected study participants with mobile EEG electrodes to measure brain activity while they spent time with their dogs. The big reveal: spending time with a dog delivers notable decreases in feelings of fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

When you’re playing with your dog or walking it, for example, your alpha-band oscillations increase, leaving you feeling relaxed and happy. When you’re petting or grooming the dog, the beta-band oscillations enjoy an uptick, helping you feel more concentrated.

So persuasive is the evidence that researchers believe they can create animal-assisted programs for individuals in therapy.

Click here to learn more about the study.