8 New Year’s Resolutions Inspired By Therapy Dogs

Start the new year off on the right paw! These eight New Year’s resolutions inspired by therapy dogs will help motivate you to set meaningful and achievable goals. After all, who better to teach us than loveable and comforting, therapy dogs?

Listen Like A Therapy Dog

While dogs can be vocal with barking, they can also be active listeners. Therapy dog visits often encourage individuals to open up and voice their worries and concerns. This is especially true of people that may not usually feel comfortable talking; as therapy dogs can simply sit by their side and offer comfort. This year, we should take a cue from therapy dogs and lend a listening ear to a person who may need it.

Live In The Moment

Another New Year’s resolution inspired by pets is to be present in the moment and enjoy the world around you. There is no sense in worrying about the past, future, or what you can’t control. Stop to smell the roses, or the fire hydrant, and do your best to try to live in the moment.

Hydrate

A popular New Year’s resolution is to drink more water. This tends to be because people know about the amazing benefits of a glass of water, but many of us reach for a coffee or soda instead. Next time you fill up your dog’s water bowl, make sure to grab yourself a glass as well! You will both appreciate that drinking water is vital to prevent dehydration and to help cleanse your palate.

Make Time To Play In The New Year

While therapy dogs do important work, they also make time to play. Whether it’s chewing on a stuffed toy or playing fetch with their favorite human, canines understand the importance of having fun. Playing with your dog can also help strengthen the bond you have with them, so be sure to make time for fun with your furry friend this winter!

Show Unconditional Love Like A Therapy Dog

Dogs are the embodiment of unconditional love. They offer companionship and comfort regardless of any traits, words, or actions. Humans can learn from this behavior and work to be accepting of others and practice showing our unconditional love to those we care about.

Stay Active

While going to the gym is a common New Year’s resolution, it doesn’t always stick. But you can aim to stay active by getting your dog involved! Start by taking them for daily walks, which may eventually turn to runs. This is an achievable goal to start your exercise routine, and it benefits both of you. Regular exercise can help with weight loss and decrease blood pressure. It also improves your mental well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Be Curious

Dogs are curious creatures. During outdoor outings, they sniff out new scents and explore their surroundings. As a New Year’s resolution, take time to look up from your phone and explore new things. Engaging your curiosity has many benefits, including improving cognitive function. Like a dog excitedly exploring a new area, the pursuit of discovering something new can be fulfilling and rewarding.

Take Care of Yourself

Dogs don’t hesitate to nap when they’re tired or eat when they are hungry. They know the importance of self-care! Making time for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is crucial. Whether it’s saying no to plans, or treating yourself to a spa day, self-care can help us lead happier, healthier, and balanced lives.