The only people who think that pets are “just” animals are the ones who have never had a pet! At the end of a long workday, there is nothing better at melting away the stress than your dog’s excited jumps of greeting or the loud purr from your cat as it winds its way through your legs the moment you get home. Our pets bring more than unconditional love and laughter to our lives – they also offer comfort when we need it the most and add rhythm to our routines that help to improve our health. 

5 Ways that Pets Motivate You to Stick to a Healthy Routine

1) Encourage You to Exercise 

Exercise is the cornerstone of any healthy routine, but it’s also the one that often falls by the wayside. Regular exercise is linked to a significant decrease in risk for several common health problems, especially diabetes, which has become one of the most common lifestyle diseases. Unlike most diseases that have clear warning signs and symptoms, diabetes can go undetected in the initial stages while still damaging your body. This is why it is important to understand the risk factors as well as the ways to prevent diabetes, which include exercise, diet, and other lifestyle changes. Between juggling work, home, and other responsibilities, we never run out of reasons to skip workouts, which is why no matter how motivated you feel at the start, you find yourself back at square one within a few months or even a few weeks. Having a pet encourages you to exercise regularly because you know that your furry friend needs their routine and should NOT skip exercise. To make the most of this daily activity, a guide to training your dog can help improve their behavior during walks and play. With consistent routines and basic obedience, you’ll both enjoy a healthier and more enjoyable lifestyle.

2) Reduces Sedentary Behavior

Most of us relax in front of the TV or scroll through our phones, and we get so lost in the virtual world that we often stay seated in the same position for hours. Several studies show that this kind of sedentary behavior is linked to a wide range of health problems, ranging from minor issues like back pain and muscle aches to increased blood pressure and a higher risk of heart disease. This is where our furry bundles of energy come in! They want to play with us or simply spend time with us, which reduces our sedentary behavior. Even if you don’t get up to play with your pet, research on movement behavior shows that even micromovements – small changes in your position can help to reduce the negative health effects of sedentary behavior. 

3) Nudges You Toward Better Eating Habits

It’s easy to see how having a dog would help you get and stay active since you would need to walk your dog on a daily basis and play with them. However, it’s not as easy to see the connection between having a pet and eating healthier. Studies on how physical activity influences eating behavior found that people who have higher levels of physical activity are less likely to indulge in emotional eating, such as unhealthy snacking.  

4) Helps you Stick to a Regular Sleep Schedule 

There’s something incredibly soothing about falling asleep cuddled up with your pet – it truly is one of life’s simplest yet greatest comforts. Whether it’s your dog curled up by your side or your cat snuggled near your neck, their steady breath, warm bodies, and soft fur bring you a sense of peace that eases your stress and lets you gently drift off to sleep without any thought of your worries and cares. In addition to helping us go to bed early, our pets also make sure that we wake up on time, whether it’s because they are ready for their walk or breakfast! 

5) Make Exercise More Fun 

Walking in the park can get monotonous and make you feel like you’re on a hamster wheel! However, going on a hike with your dog or even running with him is something that both of you can enjoy, and it helps to strengthen your bond. It’s not quite as easy when you have a cat since most of them don’t take to the leash, especially if they have not been trained with it when they were kittens. However, a great way around this is to use a cat stroller so that both of you can enjoy the park together. Cats are curious by nature, so they will enjoy all the sights and smells that a park offers.