This has been an insane week, work- and appointment-wise. Not a bad thing necessarily, but whenever my schedule gets like this, I struggle with concentration and, of course, stress management.
Yet, in these instances, I always find myself thinking, “Thank goodness for these dogs!”
So, in keeping with that theme, here are my 10 5 reasons dogs are great for mental health:
- They are always happy to take a break from their busy playing and napping schedules to let me scratch them for a bit. Scratching them is good for me, and their willingness to pause their work reminds me of the importance of pausing my work.
- They remind me every single day to get out of my chair. Cooper’s great at this task because whenever I hear something being ripped or shredded, I get to launch out of my chair, find him somewhere in the house, and clean up whatever he destroyed. Or when they’re telling me they have to go to the bathroom. I get up then, too.
- There is something ridiculously soothing about puppy snores. Husband snores… not so much. Puppy snores? It’s like having an adorable white noise machine that sheds.
- Picking up poop is a grounding experience. You have to focus on the job lest you accidentally touch it. A being-in-the-moment sort of thing.
- They require walks. Walking is good for clearing your head. (Also, see #4.)
That’s all I got for now. This was originally going to be a list of 10, but apparently I need a little more mental health… Off to go scratch a snoring Emmett!
What would you add to this list?
They’re so beautiful. When we spend our days under artificial lights and in front of a computer, a little beautiful is mentally healing.
Perfect point, Pamela!!
They make us laugh. I mean seriously, who can look at that picture of Emmett doing indoor agility and not crack up?
Haa! Love it, Amy! But you’re so right: You can’t underestimate the power of a good laugh, and they always seem to provide!
This is a valid and wonderful list!
Also, that mental clarity picture is definitely good for a moment of zen.
Sometimes I find myself just looking at Elka doing whatever she’s doing, and I think “Wow, that’s some dog.”
Aww! That’s so sweet! Elka is so cute, I can totally see her bringing a moment of zen!
I think this is a great list. I think just the fact that they love you is huge for mental health. You can have a horrible day at work, forget to stop for groceries, and get in a fender bender, and you come home to a whole-butt-wag and puppy kisses.
So true, Kelly!!
What a great list 🙂 Cali is always here to tell me that I’ve been on the computer too long! It cracks me up when she comes over and head butts my arm so my hand flies off the mouse! Then she puts her head in my lap as if to say, “it’s time to play mom!” .. .what would we do without them? (I don’t want to know!!) Have a great weekend!