5 Ways To Relieve Stress with Your Pet This Holiday Season

Meditation is a great way to recharge, find a sense of inner calm and deal with stressful emotions.  

Know what else helps to promote a sense of calm? Our pets.  

A 2019 Washington State University study found that 10 minutes of cuddling or stroking a pet can lead to a decrease in the stress hormone cortisol. 

Follow these instructions for a pet-friendly meditation sesh from Josephine Atluri, a certified meditation teacher and host of the podcast “Responding to Life.” 

1. Pick a place that is free from as much distraction as possible. 
2. Have your pet lie next to you or on your lap to increase the combined mood-boosting effects of your pet’s presence and the meditation. 
3. Begin your meditation by focusing on your breath: Taking a deep inhale and then exhale, expanding your belly and releasing any tension held in your body. 
4. Gently and rhythmically pet your bestie while focusing on your breath to deepen both of your relaxation.  

Start with short sessions and build your way up to longer ones. If your pet wants to get up at any point, let them. This should be an enjoyable experience for both of you! 

You don’t need to be a master yogi to enjoy the relaxing benefits of yoga. What makes it even more fun for pet parents is that many of the positions are inspired by the animal kingdom.  

Start with these three easy poses, recommended by Brie Mazin, a registered yoga teacher based in Boynton Beach, Florida: 

• Downward-facing dog: Begin on your hands and knees and spread your fingers wide, pressing firmly through your palms and knuckles. Next, tuck your toes and lift your knees off the floor, and press the floor away from you as you lift through your pelvis. Hold for 10 seconds. 

Additional benefits: This is the foundation of all yoga poses, using all parts of the body and especially benefits your shoulders, arms, legs, and feet. 

• Cat-cow: Start on your hands and knees. For “cow,” inhale as you drop your belly toward the mat, lifting your chin and chest as you gaze up at the ceiling. Slowly move into “cat” by exhaling, drawing your belly in, rounding your back to the sky, and lowering your head. (If you have a feline, you know this classic move!) Oscillate back and forth three to five times. 

Additional benefits: This gentle flow between two poses warms the body and brings flexibility to the spine. It also stretches the back torso and neck and softly stimulates the abdominal organs. 

• Butterfly: Start in a seated position, bringing the soles of your feet together and as close to your pelvis as you can without much strain. Your knees should fall out to the sides. Lengthen your spine while holding onto the outsides of your feet, and press the soles of your feet toward each other. Next, begin to fold forward from the hips, keeping your spine long and your collarbones spread. Stay for five breaths. 

Additional benefits: This deep stretch works your inner thighs and may aid in healthy digestion. 

This DIY foot mask and dog “pawdicure” treatment contains shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax pellets, and vitamin E oil to soothe, soften, and nourish both your feet and your pet’s paws. 

If you feel like a facial, whip up this DIY blueberry facial. Simply combine the ingredients until smooth and then apply to your skin. It can also be used as a brightening pre-shampoo treatment for your pooch! 

Too busy to DIY? Try these ready-made grooming products for your dog: 

Preparing and eating yummy treats can be a great way to de-stress—and don’t forget to make some for your furry love, too. 

Whether you’re cooking for a dog or a cat, our DIY dog and cat Christmas breakfast recipes have something for every furry foodie. Dogs will love a “bacon,” cheddar, and egg frittata muffin, while cats can enjoy a breakfast inspired by a lox and bagel sandwich, made with tuna, salmon, and catnip. 

For especially anxious pets, you may want to consider talking to your vet about calming treats and supplements, with ingredients that may help both cats and dogs relax.  

Massaging your dog may help promote circulation and relaxation, says Sally Morgan, PT, CST, a holistic physical therapist for both pets and people in Northampton, Massachusetts.  

“A dog that is in physical balance is likely to be in emotional balance, so massage can provide many layers of benefit for your dog,” she explains. 

Use a delicate touch and stick to techniques approved for pet parents to complete at home. The effleurage technique, which uses a circular stroking motion, is a good place to start.  

In a calm environment, place your flat hand over your dog’s skin and move over the muscles using light pressure. Spend about two minutes on each part of their body, making sure to tend to their paws, legs, head, ears, and tail. 

Spending time with your pet will truly help make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year—but be sure to watch pets closely for any behavior that seems out of the ordinary. Changes in mood, appetite, and behavior should be taken seriously. Contact your vet if anything seems unusual. With their guidance, everyone in the family can have a relaxing holiday.