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This pet post was created in partnership with Sunny Bay. I was not financially compensated for this post but did receive a sample for review purposes. As always, all opinions are entirely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support me!
Pandemic anxiety is real, and it affects not only us humans but our pets too. Although they’re unaware of the details, they’re extremely sensitive to their owners’ feelings and stress.
If you and your fluffs have been struggling through anxious thoughts and feelings together, we have some tips for you on how to relieve pandemic anxiety for you and your pets.
#1: Learn Together
One of the greatest keys to overcoming anxiety is knowledge. Do some research on what you need to do to stay safe, make some notes or lists, and take steps to put measures in place.
Remember that there’s a ton of fake news out there! Make sure you’re researching on reputable authority sites that have a scientific or medical basis. We also recommend not watching the news!
Your pup or kitty cat won’t understand what you’re learning about, but they’ll be a willing companion as you navigate information and learn what you can.
They can help with the next step, though!
#2: Create a Routine Together
A large part of beating anxiety is having a routine. Knowing exactly what you’re going to be doing at what time adds a tangible sense of relief and stability.
You can get your pet involved in this one!
Set up a roster. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Wake up at 8, go for a short walk together or play together for a bit, come home and have breakfast together, then clean the house.
It can start as simple as that. As you go, you can add in other activities.
Perhaps you have to work, cook, or shop (you may not be able to take your pet with you here, but going at the same time every time you need to shop will help keep that routine going).
It’s important to get your pet into a new routine as well. That way, you can support each other along the way!
#3: Exercise Together
Science has proven that exercise relieves stress and anxiety!
The good news is that the fitter and healthier you are, the better your immune system can fight off infections. So even in a world with a virus, exercising will serve you exceptionally well.
It’s far more fun to exercise with your pet, too! If you have a cat, you can invest in a wand toy that you can flick around while they jump after it or have a gentle wrestle or chase.
If you have a pup, a daily walk or run is great exercise. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, walk around the back yard, or do laps of the passage.
Get creative! Dogs love yoga, too!
#4: Eat Healthy Together
Exercising is a great step, but it needs to work with your diet. Eating junk will depress your immune system, making exercising lose its effectiveness.
Create a healthy meal plan. This helps your routine too, as you know precisely what you’ll be eating on a given day or week and can shop in advance and efficiently.
Because you’ll be doing this with your pet, it’s a good idea to reevaluate their diet too!
Could they perhaps go onto healthier food?
Consider your pet’s health and if they may need special dog food or healthier cat food.
#5: Talk To Each Other
This may sound ridiculous, but don’t brush it off! Your pet is an ever-present, always-willing listener. They may not give you advice, but sometimes just expressing your fears out loud and talking yourself through it can help.
Besides, who wouldn’t feel better after having a conversation with a fluffy, lovable pet who thinks the world of you?
#6: Invest In Calming Aids
To supplement some of the things above, invest in things that will calm you and your pet.
It can be as simple as chilling on the couch with a lavender-scented heating pad around your neck and another wrapped around your back while Fido sits comfy next to you in his thunder jacket.
Lavender has many calming benefits but remember it can be toxic to pets if ingested. So, keep the lavender heating pads to yourself and let your fluff snack on some calming chews instead.
Sunny Bay Lavender Infused Heating Wraps and Pads
Anxiety and stress often go hand and hand with muscle tension. This is why a lavender microwaveable neck heating pad and body wrap is great to have in your arsenal.
It’s super easy to pop these heating pads in the microwave (or freezer, depending on what you’re going for) and be relaxing on the couch before you know it.
They both come with a removable fleece cover and are packaged in plastic to keep the lavender scent in, so it’s nice and strong when you open it up.
It makes the perfect gift during these crazy times!
Pandemic anxiety doesn’t have to ruin your day or your life. With your pet by your side, everything is easier!
Now is the perfect opportunity to spend time together, bond, and support each other through these difficult and anxious times.
Tell us how your pets bring you joy below!
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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