Walking on Sunshine
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” —Lao Tzu
A few years ago, while walking with my dog, Roxy, I had a powerful aha moment. The words Dog as My Doctor came to mind. When I arrived home, I lay down for a nap, an invitation my two cats, Jester and Cody, used as an excuse to pounce on my back. Cat as My Nurse, whispered a thought as my cats settled into their respective spots along my aching spine.
These two moments gave birth to the title of my first book, Dog as My Doctor, Cat as My Nurse; A book about how our animal friends can powerfully benefit our health and wellbeing, sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
That day with Roxy showed me how walking can help spark ideas and inspire creativity. Walking also houses a plethora of health benefits. And, if you are fortunate enough to share your life with a dog, you have a powerful wellness ally in your very own home.
7 PAWSITIVE BENEFITS OF WALKING WITH YOUR DOG
1. Bring on the Happy Juice: Did you know walking in nature is a powerful mood booster? Spending twenty minutes or more outdoors can decrease stress and benefit cognition. Dogs live in the present moment; something humans tend to forget when we worry about future events that haven’t occurred or dwell on the past. Walking with a dog and watching them explore their environments with wonder and excitement can be a great reminder to leave concerns we have no control over, in the rear-view mirror.
2. No Fido, No Fitness: According to the National Institute of Health, Dog guardians log in about 200 more minutes of walking per week than non-dog people. If you’re aiming for some weight loss, better sleep, and exercise to benefit your bone health, consider getting out more often with your animal wellness buddy.
3. Whole-Hearted Living: Walking can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease. And when you’re feeling low, a dog’s affection can be great comfort for a wounded heart. If you’re looking for whole-hearted health, both physical and emotional, look to your dog doctor to show you the way.
4. Need Some D? According to researcher Dr. Michael Holick, as many as 75 percent of Americans are at risk for vitamin D deficiency, due in large part to our failure to get enough sunshine. Optimizing your vitamin D levels aids in your body’s ability to fight infection and helps with cancer prevention. Taking a thirty-minute stroll with a four-legged companion is a great way to get some much-needed Vitamin D.
5. Build Your Ships: Scientific American reports the healing benefits of animals take place when they and their person are emotionally connected. This is why it’s important to strengthen your connection with your animal friends by nurturing your “ships”– your relationship, your friendship, and your guardianship. Walking with your canine friend and tuning into them can create a stronger partnership and unmatchable bond with your furry friend.
6. Meet & Greet: Did you know socializing with others can add years to our longevity? Here again, dog lovers benefit because they often strike up conversations and make friends with other dog lovers. Want to live long and prosper? Then grab your leash and your canine buddy and get ready to fill up your social schedule.
7. Scents & Sensibility: Humans usually walk to get exercise. Dogs go for the experience of walking. For our canine friends, walking is a powerful sensory adventure. Through their senses, dogs see a world that we humans often overlook. The feel of a breeze, different shades of green and blue, the scents of different trees you pass on your morning walk - these are experiences we often take for granted. Take a cue from your animal friend by tuning in to your sensory palette and savoring the moment. Right here, right now, is the only moment that really matters.
If your dog is having some behavioral issues, if they seem bored, or if you are wondering how you can bond in a deeper way with them, do something that will benefit you both – walk more. It’ll be great exercise and mental stimulation for you, for them, and you’ll make me very happy too!
Stay pawsitive and stay healthy,
Carlyn MDO
PS: How does walking with your dog benefit you? Please share your experience in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to embrace a healthier and happier lifestyle with our animal friends!
I’ve read that taking a tiny moment of awe in nature every day can increase the happy juice in your body significantly. So when my dog is pooping on our walk every morning, I take the extra moment to notice the breeze, a bird song, a plant, or a tree or a sunrise. This week I’m admiring a pink flower called prairie smoke. So cool!