Adolescence and the resulting transition into young adulthood is a stressful, confusing, and often frustrating time. You tend to develop habits that you grow to resent: overeating, oversleeping, overcaffeinating, or overestimating your ability to finish an essay before the turnitin.com deadline. You tend to sink into learned helplessness with each day spent balancing your education, health, friendships, more-than-friendships, family relations, occupations, and obligations.

In the midst of all of this stress and monotony, you may even lose sight of what’s really important: remaining mentally sane, and harboring a place where you can be at peace with yourself and your circumstances. Here’s a pro tip: amidst all of the chaos, you will always be able to rely on your pets. (Since they rely on you for what gives them life, they can’t really afford not to like you.) Fluffy, feathered or scaly, your pets are ready to cuddle and listen to anything you have to say. They don’t care how far behind you are on your deadlines. They won’t point out your weight gain.

My cat is especially good at reminding me of what’s important in life. He goes out of his way to climb into my lap when I need his support. Imagine tackling a challenging assignment, or arguing with your dad. Your blood pressure shoots up, your tolerance plummets downwards—and a furry creature hops into your lap, seeking your love. How could you be anything but pleased? Giving and receiving affection is one of the most effective ways to diminish stress and gloom. You can bask in these benefits simply by investing in any animal that fits your liking, whether it’s a Great Dane or a chinchilla. Engaging in the responsibilities that come with these animals also allows you to exercise a rare measure of control amidst all the areas of your life that seem uncontrollable. If you don’t already have a pet, or if your current pet will probably die soon, hit up Craigslist or the nearest Humane Society. It’s in your very best interests!!