Although we humans (or as my dog Pharaoh refers to us–huMINES) like to think that we’re the most evolved animals on the planet, we’re actually kinda crappy about taking care of “evolved” selves. In fact, we suppress many of the self-care behaviors and habits that other animals perform on instinct. But animals don’t experience our pressures and pace of daily life, right? Sure, your dog or cat probably isn’t particularly worried about paying the mortgage, but we know animals do experience stress.
And even with their low-level stressors, animals are waaaay better than most humans at balancing that stress with habits that feel good and rejuvenate them. So today, Pharaoh is offering up ten lessons for how to care for yourself better–during this time of pandemic and afterward.
1. Stretch
Have you ever noticed that a dog will stretch pretty much every time he stands up after lying down? Pharaoh is a big fan of a little downward dog and then a dragging toe stretch that I like to refer to as “aw big stretch.” Yet after lying in bed all night or spending a day hunched over a computer, humans expect our bodies to perform perfectly for us. Maybe you’re not one of the ka-jillions of sedentary workers in the world, but you still likely repeat and hold certain body positions. How do you allow your body to reset and recuperate? Let your back and the rest of your body tell you what it needs in the way of movement. If you pay attention, your muscles and body parts will communicate their needs to you!
2. Get some sun
Boy, do dogs know how to bask in the sunshine. Pharaoh trots out into the yard, finds a bright spot, circles, and claims it as his own. Sometimes, he stretches out on his side and simply relaxes. Other times, he’s totally alert, head up, sniffing the air and scanning the environment. Sunshine serves as a battery recharge, and you don’t have to stay out long to get a little Vitamin D and some rejuvenation. Try it and see how your mood changes after just five to ten minutes of exposure, even if you’re observing the sun from a shady spot.
3. Play
In dog years, Pharaoh is 49, a mere two years younger than I am. But guess what he does multiple times a day? Yep, he grabs a toy, wags his tail, and encourages us to play. He takes a break from his otherwise packed schedule (snort!) and takes time out to enjoy himself. Is play a daily part of your life? Most adults would probably say no. Play can take you outside your crowded thoughts, release tension, and remind you that everything in life doesn’t have to be serious. If you allow yourself some play time, it’s likely you’ll find yourself more energetic for whatever you plan to tackle next.
4. Savor food
Pharaoh is a golden/lab cross, and if you know anything about retrievers, you’re well aware that they loooooove food. So it would be a lie for me to tell you that he nibbles his way through a five-course candlelit meal. You probably have a little more impulse control around your food, but if you take the time to truly savor every bite you put in your mouth, it allows you the opportunity to really connect with the dishes you love, to taste every flavor, and make the cooking effort so worth it. Take mindful pleasure in eating and rediscover its sensual and nourishing power.
5. Be social
So I don’t suggest that you literally model dogs here because humans get a mite weird when you try to sniff their butts. And since we’re currently in a time of social distancing, butt sniffing wouldn’t be healthy for so many reasons. Keep your six feet of distance, please. But we can still be social in a way that feels (almost) as good as face-to-face contact. Skype or Facetime friends and family. Throw a party on social media. Text or call people you haven’t touched base with in a while. Send out good old-fashioned cards or letters! The options for connection are available if you’re willing to be creative.
6. Get excited about shit
One of the miracles of this world is that dogs are as crazy-excited to see us after we’ve run to the corner store as they are if we took an extended vacation. They press their noses against the window when visitors stop by. A (dog) cookie makes them lose their minds. A new toy is cause for unbridled joy. Dogs simply get excited about and are grateful for the small, day-to-day things that make life good even when everything isn’t perfect. Are you looking for those small daily joys in your life? Or do you allow the things that go wrong to dominate your mind and keep you in a perpetual state of frustration and discontent? Consider celebrating ordinary things that you might normally take for granted.
7. Walk
It doesn’t matter how many walks he’s taken in a day, Pharaoh is overjoyed every time I put on my tennis shoes and grab his leash. Dogs instinctively know that moving their bodies is a good thing and that strolling (or clipping) along also allows you to see, smell, and experience some cool things. It’s a way to recenter yourself during a stressful day, it can inspire new ideas, and you’re moving your bod, making taking a walk at least a three-fer!
8. Stop and sniff the flowers
While on the above walk, my pup is avid about sniffing all manner of things (butts notwithstanding). Mailboxes, flowers, sidewalks, ant piles. Now, I’d never suggest you get intimately acquainted with an ant pile, but the point is to take the time to truly enjoy the things you do instead of just rushing through and calling them done. Look at the flowers and trees in your neighborhood. Really feel your pet’s fur. Enjoy the breeze on your face. Inhale the scent of your favorite spice.
9. Rest
Pharaoh is the absolute king of this one. It’s probably true that none of us can or should sleep as much as our pets, but rest–both physical and mental–is critical self-care. Many of us, especially in the Western culture, see lack of sleep and rest as some sort of weird badge of honor. Are you one of those folks who claims you only need a few hours of sleep? We are all different, but your body and mind don’t have an infinite threshold that you can take advantage of. Expecting them to take care of you when you don’t take care of them in return is unfair and unhealthy.
10. Love and cuddle with the ones you love
I never second guess whether or not my dog adores me. He shows me with every wag of his tail, with every smile (yes, he totally smiles!), and with every flop of his furry body against mine. Do the ones you love most know just how much you care about them? You might not be able to snuggle up with them, but it’s pretty easy to send a text. Leaving folks guessing about how much they mean to you is a source of pain that can so easily be mitigated. Reach out and (virtually) touch someone!
Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, but I’d argue that they’re actually self-care mentors if we would only learn a little something from the way they live and love. Feeling stressed, anxious, or tired? Return to the basic self-care lessons above.
All you gotta do is just ask yourself WWPD (What Would Pharaoh Do?)!