A good way to conquer stress is to take the dog for a walk.
When we see how excited our doggies are to go for a walk, before the walk has even begun, the stresses of the day start to melt away.
Pets Improve Mental And Physical Health
Stress often tops the list of workplace grievances that affect people in a negative manner on a day to day basis.
It is no surprise that on the way home from work, our thoughts often turn to our plans for when we actually arrive home, to our safe haven.
Some form of relaxation is usually at the top of the list.
Owning a pet has positive health benefits for owners, as shown in numerous studies.
Pet ownership can help reduce blood pressure and improve general and mental health. It is no wonder that pet ownership is increasing.
According to the US Census Bureau
Over the decade ending in 2017, sales of pet care services doubled, to a total of $5.8 billion, according to the latest Economic Census statistics.
Conquer Stress And Take The Dog For A Walk
If you have a pet, and that’s about 60 million American households, caring for the pet and exercising the pet is a priority.
As a dog owner that means taking Fido for a walk after work even on those days when you may not feel like heading out the door again.
And…the dog knows, it’s walk time. They have an inbuilt time clock for walks.
Are any dogs actually called Fido?
No Ordinary Dog Walk – How To Change The Route
Taking the dog for a walk after work is what millions of us do when we get home.
Think about this though – how often do we just grab the lead and other dog walking essentials and head out the door on automatic pilot?
Often it can seem more like a chore. Just something to get and done with before collapsing on the couch. Well we are all human, so it’s normal to feel like that.
You can make a change though, that will make a big difference to the daily dog walks.
Why not change the route? Pretty easy to do!
When you are in a relaxed state of mind, make a list of nearby places that would be great to walk the dog.
Once you start thinking of places to visit, the ideas do tick over easily.
What about that cool coffee shop you keep meaning to visit, or the park that looks super inviting with shady trees, or the lake with the walking path?
Sometimes these places are so close to home, and yet we still stick to the familiar route out of habit.
If you have friends or family nearby, pop in to visit them, even if it’s just to say hello and have a glass of water before returning home.
Take a note of your stress levels when you have taken the dog for a walk. Taking the dog for a walk is a great de stressor.
Visit some of new places you have identified.
Instead of just going through the motions of walking the dog, you will both enjoy a change in routine and come home de-stressed.
You may just find a new favorite walking route.
Make The Day Of An Elderly Person
Pets also make excellent de stressors for elderly people.
This has recently and will continue to be shown in numerous retirement centers by including pet visits for the elderly.
We automatically think of dogs in this scenario but I did read an article where chickens had been introduces successfully into a retirement home. People took responsibility for caring for the chickens and collecting the eggs.
Beat stress and take the dog for a walk to visit an elderly neighbor or someone you know who may be lonely and would welcome a visit from you both.
Pets are great icebreakers. Often, it is easier to have a chat if a pet is there to fuss over.
You will de stress by talking to someone who will really appreciate a visit from you and your pet.
The visit does not need to be long.
This one may be as easy as popping next door to visit an elderly neighbor or may require a little forward planning.
Be The Person Your Dog Thinks You Are
This would have to be one of my favorite quotes of all time.
Be the person your dog thinks you are
This sums up what your dog thinks of you and of course your dog loves and adores you and thinks you are the most special person in the world.
It is not a bad motto to live by.
Spending time with your pet each day is a special time, and just look at those adoring eyes.
