Healthy Habits for Busy Dog Moms

You’ve got a lot on your plate.

All busy dog moms do. Plus, we tend to put everyone else’s needs before our own. That can get draining. Caring for your family, your home, your job, your social life… it’s a lot, especially because those to-do lists are never ending! It’s critical to take care of yourself so that you can bring your best to all those areas of your life.

Sounds easier said than done? Not at all! With your pup by your side, focus on these five healthy habits to put yourself at the top of your to-do list:

Simplify

Take an honest look at your various roles and responsibilities. You might be an employee, a boss, a wife, a mom to kids as well as pets, a volunteer, a friend, and any number of other roles women fill. In each area, figure out where you can simplify. Maybe it’s signing up to have groceries or pet food delivered. Perhaps you need to quit one club or group, de-clutter your kitchen, or take your pup to get groomed rather than going mano-a-mano in the bathtub. Figure out how you can make your life a little simpler by cutting the unnecessary--and then, most importantly, don’t add! Cultivate the practice of saying no to those things that don’t add to your life.

Connect

Friends matter. Friends provide an ear and advice. Friends give support. No matter how stretched thin you get, friendships are super important. It’s hard to find time to connect, though. Use your daily dog walk! Gather up a group of dog-loving gals to do your stroll together. Or, if that’s just not geographically possible, do a virtual walk. Using a headset (so your hands can stay steady on the leash and pick-up bags), chat with your bestie while she’s out walking her dog. You make the most of the time while forging important connections!

Stay Positive

Everyone gets overwhelmed. A positive outlook is one of the healthiest habits you can cultivate. In fact, studies prove it. The good news: Spending time with your dog helps create positive emotions!

Embrace Health

You feed your dog the best… then scarf down a granola bar on your way to the office. Shift your mindset around your health. Rather than think about the workout grind or eating as fast as you can to save time, focus on living a long and active life. Think about enjoying the things you love, like taking long hikes with your dog or swimming together at the beach. Embrace your health!

Have Fun

Finally, make sure you put “fun” somewhere on that to-do list! Enjoy a bit of the day every single day. Whatever you find fun works: Cuddle your pup with a good book before bed, head out for a long walk (see above!), anything that brings you joy works!  

None of these five healthy habits add too much time to your day, but each will add tremendous value to that to-do list of yours! Plus, since each one can be checked off with your best furry friend by your side, you’ll both reap tons of benefits to your overall wellbeing.