Well that is something to think about!
How much better is our day having a dog at home.
You have a bad day at the office, commute for an hour on a train, drive in traffic from hell (in the rain) and when you arrive home, who is beside herself with joy to see you...your wife? Your kids? No...they might be happy that you are there, but not wriggling in absolute ecstasy at your feet, eyes shining with unconditional love...Oh well if your wife did that, you would think she had totally lost it, but you get my drift!
But imagine what that welcome does for your mental health...!
And then the walk that follows, with this same loving dog, makes you feel even better. Exercise and relaxation...no pill or treatment can ever replace that combination.
I have often heard that the reason to get a dog is to keep the kids happy. But how often does that change to "the dog is keeping me happy". Exercising in a controlled environment, such as a gym, takes mindless dedication. Walking and playing with your dog can be just as beneficial physically, but much more so, mentally.
We often hear about the problem of obesity and the demand to get more exercise, which is focused on the physical aspect of health, fitness and weight loss.
Mostly, mental health is either not considered in relation to exercise and the mental relaxation it brings, or it is considered a minor side effect. Realistically physical and mental health ride together, making for complete health.
So...enjoy your walk with your dog and feel good about saving the Health Service all that money...!
Nancy Lavender http://www.your-dogs.com is a Family Dog website - have a browse! http://www.squidoo.com/a-dogs-world I have a passion for animals and the countryside and all it offers. I feel a responsibility for the preservation of what we have in our world for the generations to come. |
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