New Year Resolutions Our Pets Can Teach Us

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!