More and more people find themselves falling down the abyss of depression or loneliness, especially with the new normal of 2020 social distancing. There is a wide variety of reasons for the source of emotional change, and your doctor’s advice might be warranted. Healthy lifestyle changes can ease depression, stress, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and even PTSD. The prescription from your doctor just might include adding a dog into your life.
Healthy lifestyle changes that often occur when a dog is added to your life include some notable aspects you might not have considered.
Move It
Dog owners are more likely to meet or exceed daily exercise requirements. Fitting exercise into your schedule is more straightforward when you can take your dog for a walk, run, or even a hike. Daily walks are excellent for the dog’s fitness and can help with possible behavior issues in dogs. The way dogs explore, even when just strolling, can make your laugh.
Companionship
Did you know that companionship helps prevent illness and adds years to your life? It counters depression caused by isolation and seclusion. The simple tasks of caring for a dog help a person feel both wanted and needed, especially if they live alone. Owners will often connect with their dog and pour out all their troubles and even work through problems as the dog’s eyes are engaging in the conversation’s tone. A wagging tail and lick counter loneliness like nothing else.
New Friendship Opportunities
When walking around your neighborhood or a nearby park, a dog can be the initial cause of social interactions. Admiring someone’s dog in passing is often the case. “Oh, what a cute puppy you have and so well behaved.” “My, your puppy sure is friendly; perhaps she might like a play date with Duke here, then we could chat.” This simple activity can help you connect with someone and gain a new friend. Opportunities to meet people when you own a dog run the gambit from pet stores, dog parks, veterinarian offices for wellness checkups, or training classes.
Increase Confidence
Dogs tend to forget about past events or worry about the future; they live for now. When a person worries, anxiety can build to the point where they venture outside less and less. A dog can help teach you to enjoy the moment, look for the joy of the here and now. Enjoying today every day is like stopping to smell the roses and appreciate the world all around you.
Routine
People on routines are more likely to not focus on the negative moods. Dogs are all about the schedule of when they eat, go outdoors, play, and rest. They do best when they have a dependable routine, even if you sleep in a little extra on Saturday. This routine can help the owner as much as the dog. One look in the eyes of your furry buddy can get you out of bed and moving forward.
Today is the Best day to start that Healthy Lifestyle!
Attributions in order of appearance
French Bulldog – Image by Mylene2401 from Pixabay
Walking Two Dogs – Image by pasja1000 from Pixabay
Companionship – Pixabay courtesy of Joenomias
Friendship – Image by TheOtherKev from Pixabay
Fall Confidence – Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels
Sleeping Child – Image by Luigi Rocca from Pixabay