New Year Resolutions Our Pets Can Teach Us
It’s a brand new year! For many of us, it’s a time of new beginnings and ambitious goal setting. As a proud pet parent, you may have even written down some new year resolutions to take your pet’s health and happiness to the next level. We’ve got a great blog to support your goal planning for your pet here.
While we’re always seeking the best life for your fur babies, this blog is all about YOU and your goals! After all, a happy pet requires a happy owner!
Let’s start this New Year with a new perspective and goal to live life to the fullest! And who better to inspire us than our own pet? Our dogs and cats are the best examples of how to live a great life. So, what New Year Resolutions can we make inspired by our pets to ensure a rocking year ahead?
Here are 10 pet-inspired resolutions that could truly enrich your life:
1. Make Exercise Fun!
Every year, exercising more makes it to the top of our new year resolution list. We endlessly talk about enrolling in the gym or taking yoga classes but for some reason, we don’t get to actually doing it.
Have you seen your pet doing an activity and getting bored while doing it? No!
That’s because our furry friends give that activity their all - whether it is going for walks or jumping or playing with their favorite toy; they truly enjoy it. And so should we!
So without any further ado, take out your sports shoes from the cupboard and find an exercise that interests you! Perhaps it’s enrolling in a dance class, going for a swim, cycling, hiking, kayaking, running, or even just committing to walking more. Pick whatever activity you truly love to do. Where possible, invite a friend to join you; and don’t forget to take along your excited four-legged pal for that extra motivation.
2. Stay Focused - Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
When we play a game of Toss & Fetch with our companions, we often applaud them on their concentration. They have an amazing ability to focus on any activity; catching a ball, chasing a laser, playing tug-of-war, etc. But oh yes, of course they know what’s in store for them! Our smart friend knows if they perform the task well, they will be get a treat.
Therefore, we need to do the same when it comes to us!
Whatever your goal is for this year - write it down, put a picture of it on a vision board, visualize yourself getting it, and keep reminding yourself of it. If it's a long-term goal, plan for small rewards along the way to keep you motivated. Above all, give it your best, seize the opportunity, and celebrate your wins (no matter how small)!
3. Socialize and Make New Friends!
The best lesson I’ve learned from my dog is how easily and quickly they bond with everyone, irrespective of their age, breed or size. They just need a little bit of time to sniff and familiarize themselves with a person or a new four-legged pal and then there is no stopping them. A few minutes in and it’s a beginning of a new long lasting friendship!
This year, challenge yourself to reach out and make new friends. None of us are one dimensional and we all need different people in our lives for different aspects of us: some are friends you meet once a week in a park, some are friends you'd share a meal or a confidence with, some are friends you work on a team or a volunteer project with, some are people that inspire you, some are those that you inspire. Whether in person or across the miles, don't be afraid to reach out to another person and share a bit of yourself. You never know when you’ll find a new buddy for life that will support you and help you live your best self.
4. Live in the Moment!
Pets are a perfect example of living in the present! We may feel like we have lots to worry about - home loans, work, family, weight loss, and much more - which are all important, but the most important thing is to try not to take life so seriously! Our pets don’t have a care in the world, unless they’re unwell, and they always seem at peace.
Remember, "worrying does not take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace".
This year, ask yourself some hard-hitting questions like:
- What will make me happy today?
- What do I want to gain from this very moment?
- What do I have control over?
Do that instead of stressing yourself about the future!
Don’t you see your pup in pure bliss when you are simply stroking their neck or patting their back or giving them chicken for dinner? Similarly, take pleasure in doing small things. Life is precious. Enjoy the moment!
5. Care Less About What Others Think
Yes, this is easier said than done especially in the age of social media. It’s so much easier now to stop living for ourselves and become caught up in what others think about us. Grab a couple pages out of your pet’s book and the way in which they carry themselves.
Your sweet feline and super pooch don’t care what people or other animals think of them. Like them, let this year be more about you! Reading this blog is already a great start.
Do what makes you happy and work on discovering and expressing yourself.
6. Just Chillax!
It’s undeniable; dogs and cats sleep when they’re tired, and even when they're not!
Like them, you should also rest when you’re tired in order to avoid over-exhaustion. You may not sleep 50% of the day like they do, but it’s important to get your zzz’s in, or even take a cat nap once in a while.
Being sleep deprived or stressed impacts your mental and physical health and overall fitness. To help you fall asleep faster or feel more relaxed at night, create a night time routine for pet cuddles; it’s guaranteed to put you in a relaxed mood. Spending some quality time with your pet not only lowers your blood pressure and cortisol levels which lower your stress, but it also releases serotonin, prolactin and oxytocin - known as the "cuddle hormone" because it's what helps mothers bond with their babies.
So go ahead, cuddle up to your four-legged pal. Not only will they love it, but it will relax your mind and body so you can all get that good night’s rest.
7. Drink More Water
Water is life! Our pets cannot live without water just like humans. It’s essential for digesting food, absorbing nutrients, regulating body temperatures and ensuring every organ is functioning well.
Once you’ve provided your pet with water in their bowls, they will instinctively drink the recommended amount of water required for their age, size and activity levels. Here’s a big question for you: Have you been drinking the right amount of water your body needs?
Let your pet be your prompt! Next time you see your pup taking a sip of water, you should too!
8. Look at Things From a New Perspective!
Are you sometimes stuck in a tricky situation or feel like you don’t know which way to go? Take a walk with your dog and let them take the lead of where to go. Be present. Try to pay attention to the things they notice and you may discover something you never paid attention to, but that was there all along.
Or take a lesson from a cat and simply flip your head upside down. Voila!
Doesn’t that prompt you to look at the situation from another angle? Try it!
9. Love Unconditionally!
If pets teach us one thing in life, it’s how to love others unconditionally. From happy greetings at the door when you come inside to sitting up close without any demands; the outward display of their love for you is always a total mood changer.
The world could be a much better place if people loved each other the way animals do! You’ve got 365 days of the year to share your love! Do it without condition and do it passionately like your pals do.
10. Get Regular Check-ups
It’s rightly said, “Health is Wealth!”
As a responsible pet parent, you understand the importance of scheduling appointments yearly to ensure your dog or cat is in their best state of health. Physical exams and blood work ensure that any serious issues can be attended to in a timely manner.
The same way you would schedule a doctor’s appointment for your pet, you should be doing the same for yourself. In the year ahead, pledge to look after your own health - and that includes going for those annual check-ups! It’s important for long term health for you and your pet.
Be inspired by your furry pal: Do more! Give more! Love more!
There is no question that the bond between humans and animals is strong and amazing.
Let us make this year count for you and your pet.
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