17 Lessons My Dog Taught Me About Mental Health
Self-care tips brought to you by a three-year-old shih tzu named Bertie.
While we're all at home, waiting out a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to look after our mental health.
I don't know about you, but I've felt anxious, scared, sad and disoriented for weeks — and one of the only things getting me through is my ridiculous shih tzu, Bertie.
If you also look to dogs for their unexpected wisdom, then you may find these 17 self-care tips from my dog helpful.
1. There are some days you just won't be able to get out of bed...and that's okay.
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Stay right there under the covers, if you need to.
2. Get outside for a dose of fresh air, even when your instinct is to hibernate.
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Nature therapy is a real thing. It helps.
3. Meditating (or just lying back and dreaming of cheese) can make you feel calmer.
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Snoring is acceptable at these times.
4. Go easy on the substances, especially if they only make your anxiety worse.
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Hot chocolate > beer.
5. Moving your body can actually help, if you're feeling up to it.
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Those endorphins are pretty great.
6. Surrounding yourself with friends is a very good idea.
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Even if it's only over Zoom.
7. Watching something silly on the telly will remind you what it feels like to laugh.
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Even if you're not feeling capable of joy, it can be a very effective way of passing the days until you can.
8. Allow yourself to be cared for by someone you love.
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They can help carry some of your worries, if you let them.
9. Get in some cuddles for that oxytocin hit — even if you're hugging your pals via a laptop.
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Physical affection can be so comforting, but it's also very important to maintain social distancing.
10. Tell your friends you'd still like to be invited to parties (virtual or otherwise), even if you don't have it in you to always show up.
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It's a cute reminder that you have somewhere to be when you feel better.
11. Remember to have a shower every now and then.
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Personal hygiene can be a real chore when you're sad, but it can make you feel like you've accomplished something.
12. Sometimes putting on your favourite outfit can cheer you up.
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It's superficial, yeah, but sometimes that works for an afternoon.
13. It's never shameful to ask for help when you need it.
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Reach out to your support network and let them know what you need.
14. Comfort eating can be an effective coping mechanism.
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Carbs are not the devil.
15. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with people.
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It's helpful for your friends and family to know how you really feel.
16. Daytime napping can be wonderfully restorative.
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Being depressed is exhausting, so get that rest in.