Outdoor Mindfulness for You and Your Dog This Spring
At Unleashed Counseling, our mental health professionals help clients with stress reduction techniques and other mindfulness tips. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and need to center yourself, the solution could be as simple as heading outdoors with your dog. Learn more in this helpful guide.
Take Advantage of Being Outside This Spring
Spring has officially sprung. Flowers and trees are in bloom, the sun stays out longer, and warmer weather makes it easy to head outside for your favorite activities. While the season marks a time for new life, mental health challenges remain a concern for many people.
Heading outdoors, especially with a four-legged friend, may help alleviate the stress and anxiety you experience. Exploring nature lets you unwind and focus on things that make you happy. Bringing your dog can further boost your well-being and strengthen the bond you share.
Don’t let your mental health concerns fester. Enjoy your natural surroundings and engage in mindfulness practices in nature with your four-legged friend by your side.
How To Mindfully Enjoy Being Outside
There’s no denying that taking your dog for a walk helps your physical health, but it may also provide mental clarity. Most pups love heading to the dog park or playing a game of fetch in the yard. However, there are plenty of other activities you can engage in to reap the mental health benefits of being outside with your dog.
If you’re looking to enhance your present-moment awareness, bring your furry companion outside and participate in the following mindfulness practices:
Observe wildlife: Reflect on your thoughts by watching birds flying overhead, ants crawling up trees, and butterflies floating near flowers. Make non-judgmental awareness your goal when thinking about your emotions.
Watch the clouds: Lie on the grass with your dog beside you and watch the clouds paint the sky. Engage in mindful breathing exercises to make the activity even more calming.
Take your meditation practice outside: Grab some headphones and listen to a body scan meditation in the comfort of your own yard. With your pup by your side, you can unwind and feel rejuvenated at the end of the practice.
Pack a picnic: Improve your mental health by putting some treats for you and your dog in a picnic basket and enjoying them in a peaceful, sunny spot.
Journal your thoughts: Sit under a tree with a journal and pen, and pour your emotions onto paper. Keep your dog nearby for emotional support and loyalty.
Plant a garden: Your dog will keep themselves busy finding sticks in the yard as you tend to a garden.
Seek Mental Health Support Through Unleashed Counseling
Achieving mindfulness can be much simpler when you have a loyal dog by your side. Follow the tips above to become more aware of your emotions and stressors this spring. If you need additional mental health support, turn to Unleashed Counseling.
We offer traditional talk therapy along with companion animal programs and animal-assisted therapy. To learn more about our services, email us at [email protected] or schedule an appointment online.
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