Let’s face it, life is challenging. The endless juggling of work, family, community, and responsibilities towards our dogs, can leave many of us spent. The politics and economics of our time are at best anxiety-provoking and can test the most optimistic amongst us.
In all this, we have an obligation towards ourselves first, knowing that unless we’re well looked after, we can’t fulfill our responsibilities. We can’t develop the resilience to take on the stresses of our time and the demands of a life well lived.
Writing my book alongside my many other responsibilities has been both rewarding and demanding, leaving me with little energy for the dogs who are the very inspiration for this book. Sometimes, I’ve had to force myself to prioritize myself, knowing it was to their benefit. Still, there are many ways to relax and involve the dogs. Here are 10 self-care tips, which your dog can also take part in, enjoy, and benefit from!
- Take a Bubble Bath: Deep clean your tub, take out that fancy bath bomb, and draw yourself a warm bath. Bring your dog in and close the bathroom door. Involve your dog in the experience by allowing him to smell the salts, watch the bath bomb fizzle in the water, and hang out with you while you both relax.
- Take an Earth Bath: A bath of an entirely different kind is the “earth bath,” in which direct skin contact with the earth heals us physically and psychologically. Lie down on the ground with your dog at your side and absorb the earth’s healing power, as you watch the sky, clouds, sun, and stars together.
- Take a One-Song Break: Working from home doesn’t change the fact that we’re also working crazy hours. One way to break the monotony for both you and your dogs who are watching and waiting, is to get up regularly and take a one-song break with your dog, during which you can sing or dance.
- Diffuse Essential Oils: Diffuse essential oils around the house, using different herbs or blends depending on the need or season. During the holidays, I have a woodsy blend I love (Woodland Walk, by Now Essential Oils). If I can enjoy the scents from the diffuser, I can only imagine what the dogs must be smelling!
- Play Music: Lately, I’ve been conscious of playing more music, instead of just podcasts or audiobooks – music like classical, jazz, soft rock, or instrumentals that I and the dogs can enjoy. It’s fascinating to see how their bodies and moods respond.
- Take a Nap: When things get a little hectic and we’ve accumulated a few nights with less-than-optimal sleep, a power nap of a few minutes to an hour can feel very restorative, especially with one of our dogs snuggled next to us.
- Follow a Guided Meditation: Meditation is the last thing that needs to be complicated. Find a comfortable position with your dog next to you, close your eyes, bring your attention to your breathing, and feel your dog join you in the meditation.
- Read Feel-Good Literature Aloud: Pick a light story, a motivational book, or some poetry. Find a comfortable spot, bring your dog next to you, and read aloud to yourself and to your dog. Reading aloud helps you focus on what you’re reading while having a soothing effect on your dog.
- Whip Up Something Tasty: Whether baking holiday cookies or preparing your signature stew, appreciate being around food and preparing a meal. Bring your dog into your kitchen with its mat, block off the space, and enjoy this activity together, letting your dog smell and taste your ingredients and watch you work.
- Make a List of Your and Your Dogs’ 20 Best Qualities: Grab a pen and notepad and find a comfortable seat with your dog next to you. First, write down 20 positive things about you, including your best qualities and accomplishments. Now do the same for each one of your dogs.
Let’s make this holiday season and new year a time for radical self-care, remembering that we can only be there for others if we’re there for ourselves. Love of self, others, and life means prioritizing self-care.