So far on my blog, I have focused on the importance of communication between you and your pupper. Yet, another big topic I want to discuss is how to improve your mental health. And how your dog can help with depression, anxiety and through the hard times in life.
This is a tough subject for me to cover as it is so personal. But I want to be transparent with you and let you in on some of the issues I deal with. My hope is that my experiences in personal growth and mental health will inspire others to do the same.
As a dog mom, it is important to work together with your pupper to achieve a loving and healthy lifestyle. I want you to take the time to learn how your dog can help relieve some of your stress and anxiety. But also how you can help relieve their stress and anxiety as well.
January can be a great starting point for a fresh start. It is a great time to create routines to better your mental health. Having a good outlook and working through any insecurities is key to living a happier life. Working with your dog is a great way to tackle life in a better light. When you have a healthy mental grasp on life, you can work through problems easier. This makes you feel more empowered to tackle the future.
Doing something for ten days straight can train your brain to make it a routine. With the new year around the corner, it is a great time to say goodbye to the past and look to the future. Ryder is my number one source of calm and positivity. But I am going to share how creating a routine for mental health can be very beneficial!
Start Creating a Daily Routine to Improve Your Mental Health Today
Get Enough Sleep
Living off minimal sleep it can increase anxiety. It can also make your brain foggier, and you will struggle more on a daily basis.
I am a big believer in sleep. one of the best life hacks is making sure you get enough sleep each night. Try to set a bedtime that allows you enough time to fall asleep, and still get adequate sleep.
If you know that it takes you awhile to fall asleep, allow yourself some wind-down time.
Sleep is a necessity, not a want. I don’t know about you and your pup, but Ryder sleeps with me almost every night.
Most of the time he is fine and is not a bother. Yet, some nights he wants in and out of the covers.
Too hot. Too cold.
Sometimes he is a bed hog and sprawls out as if he were a 200 pound St. Bernard.
On those nights, I tell him to go sleep in his bed. It is more important for me to get good sleep for my day ahead. I mean, he can sleep all day if he wants (and he usually does).
Plan in Exercise
Making sure you exercise on a daily or even a few times a week can have a positive effect on our brains.
Regular exercise can decrease any anxiety. It will help boost your health and improve your self-image. Even taking your pooch for a walk for a half an hour is enough.
I like to take Ryder to the dog park. When I’m there I try to keep moving around with him instead of sitting and watching him socialize.
To get more of his zoomies out, I like to run a couple of feet here and there. Ryder thinks it’s a fun game and Mom gets her heartbeat up a bit. Even few more steps a day can add up.
Have a Grateful Attitude
I make time to count my blessings. Having a grateful heart is great for your mental health.
Try to find at least one good thing about all everything in your life. Practicing looking at things with a thankful and grateful heart is a great way to get rid of any negativity.
Sit down each day and write down 5-10 things you are grateful for each day. It doesn’t have to be big things. It can be little ones like coffee, a good parking spot at the store, or a smile from a stranger.
Writing things down and seeing the list grow is a great way to remind yourself how lucky you are.
Eat a Rainbow Diet
I have a hard time with this one myself. I always feel rushed or busy or too tired to make sure I have a proper diet. But make sure you eat wholesome and nutritious meals is key to mental health.
If you live off of processed foods and sugar it can cause you to feel more anxious and nervous and even depressed. Your body needs good healthy fuel to combat your stresses.
The one thing I remember about a nutrition class I had to take in high school is to eat colorful. Think about it, most fruits and veggies are colorful.
If you stick to eating a range of colors in a day, you will opt towards a healthier diet.
Eating a rainbow of foods that are nutritious can help improve your outlook on life. Plan ahead. Try making sure you eat well-rounded meals and snacks.
Make Time for You
This is a big one for me. I am very introverted. Being around a lot of people for extended periods of time drains me. Just having to socialize or talk on the phone seem like climbing a mountain sometimes.
Is it the same for you? Take a time out!
We tend to neglect ourselves. Taking time for us is important. Do something that makes you happy. Find something you enjoy like watching birds, singing or painting.
[bctt tweet=”Do something that makes you happy!” username=”frontseatryder”]
I have Ryder. He is the main source of my joy in life. I will take some time to bond and play with him. Or even to just sit around and talk to him. He has NO idea what I say. But it is a good way to get out all my thoughts.
I find I do better if I have something I can look forward to. Try to do something small for yourself a few times a week or even each day. This is a great motivational boost. Put it on your calendar so you can see it coming up.
Whatever you do, don’t overcrowd your schedule. Always save some time for you improve your mental health.
Plan & Schedule
I find that I have a better “grip” on life if I keep a planner. I like to Bullet Journal. It is a great outlet for my creativity, but it is also very practical.
Take a look at your schedule and make sure it isn’t jam-packed all the time. Having too many things going on at once can make me feel anxious. Find things to drop into your schedule so you don’t feel stressed non-stop.
When we learn to say no to things, we find it frees up time. We won’t feel so pressured each day and we will have more peace in our daily lives.
[bctt tweet=”When we learn to say no, we find it frees up time. We won’t feel so pressured each day and we will have more peace. ” username=”frontseatryder”]
Ryder plays a big part in my daily mental health. Whether it be through companionship or exercise.
What are some things that you do to better your mental health? Does it involve your four-legged? Is there some way that you can incorporate your pup more into your mental health routine?
Start a howl and let me know what you think. I would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.
38 Responses
sometimemom
These are really helpful tips! Thank you for sharing ?
Front Seat Ryder
I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. ?
Christina @ Hugs and Lattes
These routines are SO important for mental health! I’m personally trying to work on my rainbow diet – cutting out processed foods and sugar & eating more fruits and veggies. My husband and I have started a workout routine, but now it seems like we don’t get enough sleep because of the workout routine! Balance is hard sometimes.
Front Seat Ryder
I completely understand. I get the same way. Balance is something I have struggled with too. But it sounds like you both are on your way to healthier living! That is awesome! I wish you the best. Feel free to check in anytime. ?
Katie Mongelli
I struggle with the getting enough exercise step in these winter months. In the other 8-9 months of the year it is easier since I like to take my 2 pups for walks. I love these 6 steps!
Front Seat Ryder
I hear ya!! Me too. Living in Washington is hard sometimes for me. I’m very glad you liked my post. ?
Renee
Such good tips! I love the rainbow diet! It makes healthy eating so simple!
Front Seat Ryder
Thank you. Glad you liked my post! ?
Leslie Nichole
These are great ideas. I plan to shake up my routine a little this year. It would be a lot funnier if I had a pup to take on walks but it’s just me and the cat.
Front Seat Ryder
Cats can be great too! I have had many cats in my day. My last kitty had a harness and would walk and hang out in the yard. ?
I’m glad you enjoyed my post!
Denise Smith
these are great habits, I personally have been working on me time and exercise. happy New year.
Front Seat Ryder
That is wonderful! I wish you all the best! 2018 will be our year! ?
spoonfulofcarolin
Taking care of my body and my mental health can be a real struggle sometimes. There is always so much to do that I often forget to take a breath. Sleep and exercise are going to be my top priorities this year.
Front Seat Ryder
I completely agree. If you ask my boyfriend, I often forget to even eat sometimes.
We got this! 2018 will be a great year. ?
Marya
Great list..I do all of these and enjoy my doggie time as well. They’re the best therapy!
Front Seat Ryder
So true! I’m glad you enjoyed my post. ?
Bailey
Getting enough sleep is so importnat for my mental health! The holidays really need a number on me but thankfully, I’m back to my routine.
Front Seat Ryder
Yeah, me too. The holidays can be difficult. I’m glad you are back on it!! ?
Leah
This is an amazing post. I need to incorporate a lot of these into my daily routine.
Front Seat Ryder
So happy you enjoyed my post! ?
Samary
These are all so true ? working on most of these, so I can keep sane!
Front Seat Ryder
I’m so glad you enjoyed reading my post!
sarah fabol
I love planning and scheduling. I do have a morning routine that I really try to follow. This post is awesome!
Front Seat Ryder
That is wonderful!! Planning really takes the stress out of things. It allows my brain to calm down and focus on one task at a time. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. ?
leahismay
Thank you for this great post, it shreds such light and positivity and is something that we should all implement into our lives. Setting aside “me” time is so important to allowing ourselves to de-stress and can also give us something to look forward to. This post is very similar to My “Journey to Self-Care” post, I would love it if you could check it out and maybe offer some feedback too?http://behindtheblogger.blogspot.co.uk/2017/12/the-journey-to-self-care-2017.html
Front Seat Ryder
I’m so glad you like my post! Me time is super important. I will most definitely check out your post. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
davinadevine
With all the posts around the web of goal setting an future planning for the entire year, I love that you’ve brought us a wonderful counterpoint that focuses on caring us. You can’t pour from an empty cup! I’m going to share this on Pinterest!
Front Seat Ryder
So true. I always think of the flight attendants and how they instruct you to put on your oxygen mask before helping others. Same goes in life. ? I’m so glad you enjoyed my post!!
Jenna
Awesome post! I love how you related the tips to your pup! For me I find exercise and sleep to be my biggest mood relievers. And diet of course. When I don’t exercise everyone in my family wants to kill each other. It’s always great to get out of the house and move our bodies. Thanks for the great post! ❤️
Front Seat Ryder
Thanks, Jenna! I’m so glad you liked my post. It’s funny how one little chance can trigger such big results. ?
Bee
These are some fantastic tips, really like the rainbow diet suggestion, it really makes such a huge difference when you’re eating whole foods and a balanced diet.
Thanks!
Front Seat Ryder
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It is true. I know my head is a lot clearer when my diet is right. ?
The Break of Dawns
Exercise is my #1 at helping with my mental health. When I was at my worst with depression, my cousin told me to try working out and it did wonders for me! Enjoyed reading this!
Front Seat Ryder
That is great to hear! And I’m glad you enjoyed my post. ❤
daraward15
Exercise is something I definitely need for my mental health. If I am having a bad day and then I exercise, even if it was just for 15 minutes, I feel better right away! More self care is definitely something I am bringing into 2018!
Front Seat Ryder
I agree. It can be a vicious cycle for me sometimes. I don’t feel like exercising, but I feel better when I do. I’m so glad you enjoyed my post. ?
Yvonne
All great points to living a healthy and stress free lifestyle. And dogs also help relieve stress by their unconditional love and companionship. Of course if you are like me with 3 dogs, you get in the exercise too with daily walks and hikes!
Front Seat Ryder
I’m glad you enjoyed my post! Ryder loves hiking. ?
3 pups!! Awesome! When I have more room, I’ll be adopting another. ?