Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/news-year-resolutions-inspired-by-pets/

As the year comes to an end, most people take some time to reflect on the past year and make goals for the upcoming one.

While exercising, losing weight, and eating better usually top the majority of lists, we have come up with some resolutions inspired by our furry companions (ones that you will actually want to follow through on).

Plus, several involve your dog or cat.

New Year’s Resolutions

Drink more water.

Have you heard of the 8×8 rule?

Health experts recommend adults drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day. Studies have shown that people who get less than half a gallon of water a day can suffer from headaches and a decrease in energy and concentration.

Just like your pet, you should always have fresh water available and drink throughout the day.

Fun Fact: dogs should daily drink 1 ounce of water for every pound that they weigh, the same is true for humans.

Play more, worry less.

The best way to eliminate stress is to spend more time with your pet. Simply petting your dog or cat releases the “love hormone”, oxytocin.

Aside from the joy they bring us, they literally keep us on our toes by encouraging us to play with them. How many times a day does your cat bat at you or race up and down the hall?

Take more walks.

Have you noticed how excited Fido gets when you say the word “walk”? Do you feel the same?

Walking is good for you and your dog. It helps you lose weight, improves heart health, strengthens bones and muscles, boosts energy and the list goes on.

Start by increasing the length of your walks a little bit each day until you reach the desired 10,000 steps a day or 5 miles.

Live in the moment.

Cats and dogs don’t worry about what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow, instead they enjoy each and every minute of every day. Sounds nice, right?

Put your phone down and take time to smell the flowers and enjoy the little things in life.

As American writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr. said, “Enjoy the little things in life because one day you’ll look back and realize they were the big things.”

Love Unconditionally.

There are no better examples of how to love unconditionally than cats and dogs. They love their humans with their whole heart and are quick to forgive. They don’t hold grudges and never go to bed angry.

As you can clearly see, we can learn so much from our furry pals.

We wish you all a happy and healthy New Year!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog