January 1st is when many people decide to try something new—a new diet, hitting the gym or setting aside more time with family.
Unfortunately, many people don’t stick with their new lifestyle for very long. In fact, one survey found that most people gave up on their resolutions by January 19th—less than three weeks later.
How do you make your plan to eat right, be mindful and exercise stick? Well, with the help of your four-legged life coach, of course! Here’s how:
Walk it out — Regular, low-intensity exercise is good for humans and pets alike. Taking your dog for a walk around the block helps to build endurance and makes exercising more enjoyable. There are larger benefits to getting out for a stroll with your pup too—studies suggest that dogs can significantly lower your risk of obesity and heart disease.
Healthy eats and treats — A lot of people go on a New Year’s diet after months of holiday sweets and celebrations. When you’re cutting back on snacking, try connecting your snack times to your pet’s treat routine to help encourage mindful eating and prevent thoughtless grazing.
Brush and floss — Getting into the habit of regularly flossing isn’t always easy. Regular care is important for both humans and pets alike. When you reset your own dental hygiene routine, set reminders to brush your pet’s teeth regularly as well.
Learn new tricks — Trying something new isn’t always easy. Fortunately, the old adage about old dogs and new tricks doesn’t always ring true—in fact, pets often welcome the new challenge (and so will you)! Consider taking a class for yourself or a training course for your pet to explore new adventures and stay active together.
Make better financial decisions — Cutting down on trips to the café is one way to save money but anticipating costs and reducing reliance on loans and credit cards are equally important. Pet insurance is one way to help manage costs, so you don’t get surprised by unexpected vet bills later on.
Focus on what matters — It’s easy to lose sight of the big picture when life gets stressful. Sometimes your pet’s zoomies are actually the best sign that it’s time to slow down.
Your pets are invaluable partners when it comes to refocusing on the everyday things that matter the most—be it a snuggle break on the sofa or a little time outside in the sun.
How are you getting your pets more involved in the New Year? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter at @NationwidePet!