SUMMARY POINTS
It’s been a fucking rough day at work. You know the kind we’re talking about.
From the moment you booted up your computer and all the way until you shut down for the day, it’s been nothing but chaos.
Your day is filled with back-to-back meetings, putting out fires, multiple conference calls, arguments with coworkers, computer problems, overdue deadlines - the list goes on.
Then, even after you’ve left the office, you still have to deal with asshole drivers on the commute home.
By the time you pull into the driveway, you’re stressed out to the max.
However, the moment you enter the house, there’s Fido with a full-on body wag, all happy to see you back home.
You reach down for hugs-n-kisses and Fido lays on all the licks. It’s a complete slobberfest and you don’t care. You’re loving it all.
It’s at this moment that you start to feel better.
Little did you know that you just did a dog meditation.
From the moment you booted up your computer and all the way until you shut down for the day, it’s been nothing but chaos.
Your day is filled with back-to-back meetings, putting out fires, multiple conference calls, arguments with coworkers, computer problems, overdue deadlines - the list goes on.
Then, even after you’ve left the office, you still have to deal with asshole drivers on the commute home.
By the time you pull into the driveway, you’re stressed out to the max.
However, the moment you enter the house, there’s Fido with a full-on body wag, all happy to see you back home.
You reach down for hugs-n-kisses and Fido lays on all the licks. It’s a complete slobberfest and you don’t care. You’re loving it all.
It’s at this moment that you start to feel better.
Little did you know that you just did a dog meditation.
What Is A Dog Meditation
There are many ways to reduce stress. And meditation has been proven to be one of the best ways to manage work stress.
But, not everyone is up for doing traditional meditation. For most people, it’s straight-up impossible to just sit and not think about anything.
Unless you’re a monk, it’s fucking impossible to “empty your mind” of all thought. There’s so much going on in your head that for every one thing you try to not think about, ten more new ones show up.
This is because your mind always needs something to latch onto.
And for this reason, there are different kinds of meditation techniques that give your mind a better approach for making it work. These techniques use some sort of target for your mind to connect to. This can be breathing, visualizations, walking, landscapes, etc.
And, guess what?
Your dog can be your ticket to meditation!
The point of meditation is to press the pause button on all the chaos that’s running inside your head. It’s about giving yourself a mental break from all of the anxieties and stresses in life.
It’s about being “in the here and now” and not thinking about shit that happened in the past or what might happen in the future. It’s living in the moment.
And, dogs are really good at doing that and they can help you do that too.
Dog meditations are a popular trend that's been around for years, but now it’s really starting to catch on. Dog meditation helps reduce stress by allowing you to focus on “being in the moment” and not thinking about anything else. And, that’s the key to reducing stress.
In fact, according to this study from Colorado State University, spending time with your dog boosts your oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is the “feel good” or “cuddle” hormone that’s produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.
Dog meditations are meant to provide you this sense of love and companionship by giving you that “nothing else in the world matters right now” feeling. And when you have this feeling, you’re being present and in the moment.
And that, my friend, is what meditation is all about.
But, not everyone is up for doing traditional meditation. For most people, it’s straight-up impossible to just sit and not think about anything.
Unless you’re a monk, it’s fucking impossible to “empty your mind” of all thought. There’s so much going on in your head that for every one thing you try to not think about, ten more new ones show up.
This is because your mind always needs something to latch onto.
And for this reason, there are different kinds of meditation techniques that give your mind a better approach for making it work. These techniques use some sort of target for your mind to connect to. This can be breathing, visualizations, walking, landscapes, etc.
And, guess what?
Your dog can be your ticket to meditation!
The point of meditation is to press the pause button on all the chaos that’s running inside your head. It’s about giving yourself a mental break from all of the anxieties and stresses in life.
It’s about being “in the here and now” and not thinking about shit that happened in the past or what might happen in the future. It’s living in the moment.
And, dogs are really good at doing that and they can help you do that too.
Dog meditations are a popular trend that's been around for years, but now it’s really starting to catch on. Dog meditation helps reduce stress by allowing you to focus on “being in the moment” and not thinking about anything else. And, that’s the key to reducing stress.
In fact, according to this study from Colorado State University, spending time with your dog boosts your oxytocin levels. Oxytocin is the “feel good” or “cuddle” hormone that’s produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland.
Dog meditations are meant to provide you this sense of love and companionship by giving you that “nothing else in the world matters right now” feeling. And when you have this feeling, you’re being present and in the moment.
And that, my friend, is what meditation is all about.
Meditative Activities To Do With Your Dog
This isn’t what you think. It isn’t about getting your dog to sit quietly with you, with their eyes closed and chanting “om”.
This is all about putting a temporary hold on all the bullshit that’s racing around in your head by just hanging out with your dog and “being in the moment.”
Your dog has been a part of some of the best times in your life. They're always there to greet you at the door, lick your face when your guard is down and do silly and stupid things to make you laugh.
Why not spend more time with them?
It’ll give both of you a chance to boost your oxytocin levels.
This is all about putting a temporary hold on all the bullshit that’s racing around in your head by just hanging out with your dog and “being in the moment.”
Your dog has been a part of some of the best times in your life. They're always there to greet you at the door, lick your face when your guard is down and do silly and stupid things to make you laugh.
Why not spend more time with them?
It’ll give both of you a chance to boost your oxytocin levels.
1) Going For A Long Walk
Instead of the short walk around the block for a potty break, take your dog out for a longer walk. There are incredible benefits of walking nature for you and your dog.
Remember, exploring the outside world is a sensory-rich activity for dogs. It’s like the internet for them. They’re always sniffing, looking, exploring, listening and even eating (much to our chagrin).
They are “in the moment” and enjoying things.
And you should too.
Can you feel the fresh air in your hair and on your skin?
Do you hear the snap of a twig underfoot, or at least in your mind?
The tiny pitter-patter of a squirrel climbing up a tree?
A breeze blowing through trees with leaves rustling as if they’re saying "hello"?
Pay attention to what’s happening around you and you’re mind will slowly start letting go of the bullshit.
And when you do this consistently, it clears your head and allows you to recharge your batteries and get in the zone the next day.
Remember, exploring the outside world is a sensory-rich activity for dogs. It’s like the internet for them. They’re always sniffing, looking, exploring, listening and even eating (much to our chagrin).
They are “in the moment” and enjoying things.
And you should too.
Can you feel the fresh air in your hair and on your skin?
Do you hear the snap of a twig underfoot, or at least in your mind?
The tiny pitter-patter of a squirrel climbing up a tree?
A breeze blowing through trees with leaves rustling as if they’re saying "hello"?
Pay attention to what’s happening around you and you’re mind will slowly start letting go of the bullshit.
And when you do this consistently, it clears your head and allows you to recharge your batteries and get in the zone the next day.
2) Slowly Stroke Their Snout And Face
Have you ever stroked your dog's face - like the long version?
You know, it’s when you wrap both of your hands around their nose and stroke gently from their nose toward their eyes then ears and repeat.
All dogs love this.
It’s such an awesome thing to feel their soft fur, floppy ears and the warmth of their breath on your hand.
It’s at this point that you forget about that rude-ass email, the project that’s overdue, the asshole at work, etc.
You know, it’s when you wrap both of your hands around their nose and stroke gently from their nose toward their eyes then ears and repeat.
All dogs love this.
It’s such an awesome thing to feel their soft fur, floppy ears and the warmth of their breath on your hand.
It’s at this point that you forget about that rude-ass email, the project that’s overdue, the asshole at work, etc.
3) Long Strokes Across Their Body
When you’re dog is just chillin’ out and laying across his bed or the floor, sit down next to them and run your hand gently across their entire body from head to tail.
What dog can resist the temptation of having a pat on the back or a tummy rub?
While you gently stroke them from head to tail, look at how much they’re enjoying all that love and affection you’re giving them. You may even actually see them smile or wag their tail without any effort.
During these long strokes, try matching your breathing pattern to it. Do slow and long inhales and exhales in alternating strokes. You’ll see that you get into a rhythmic pace that’s quite relaxing.
What dog can resist the temptation of having a pat on the back or a tummy rub?
While you gently stroke them from head to tail, look at how much they’re enjoying all that love and affection you’re giving them. You may even actually see them smile or wag their tail without any effort.
During these long strokes, try matching your breathing pattern to it. Do slow and long inhales and exhales in alternating strokes. You’ll see that you get into a rhythmic pace that’s quite relaxing.
4) Massaging Their Paw Pads
What human doesn’t like getting a foot massage?
Guess what?
It’s the same for dogs too.
With a few rare exceptions, most dogs love to get their paws and pads rubbed and massaged. They find it soothing and comforting as well as enjoyable. It’s your way of giving them some spa-like “me-time”.
It's not just for them though, massaging your dog's paws can be relaxing for both of you. You'll notice how much more relaxed your pup will be after getting some foot rubs.
Guess what?
It’s the same for dogs too.
With a few rare exceptions, most dogs love to get their paws and pads rubbed and massaged. They find it soothing and comforting as well as enjoyable. It’s your way of giving them some spa-like “me-time”.
It's not just for them though, massaging your dog's paws can be relaxing for both of you. You'll notice how much more relaxed your pup will be after getting some foot rubs.
5) Watching Your Dog Snooze
We all know how relaxing it is to fall asleep in front of a show on Netflix, but have you ever considered what it's like for your dog?
When they're snoozing away on the couch or bed, their body goes through all of the same processes as humans. They relax and digest food while sleeping and release hormones that make them feel happy.
When your pooch is snoozin’ closeby, take a few minutes to just watch them in their sweet lullaby.
Just take it all in.
Imagine the kinds of dreams they’re having - chasing the neighborhood cat, munching on a giant rawhide chewy, playing in a field full of tennis balls, etc.
If you want to take up a notch, brew up some cofftea or java and do a coffee meditation while watching them sleep.
When they're snoozing away on the couch or bed, their body goes through all of the same processes as humans. They relax and digest food while sleeping and release hormones that make them feel happy.
When your pooch is snoozin’ closeby, take a few minutes to just watch them in their sweet lullaby.
Just take it all in.
Imagine the kinds of dreams they’re having - chasing the neighborhood cat, munching on a giant rawhide chewy, playing in a field full of tennis balls, etc.
If you want to take up a notch, brew up some cofftea or java and do a coffee meditation while watching them sleep.
6) Staring Out The Window Together
Whenever dogs get bored and want some simple entertainment, they’ll stare out the window for hours on end. Sometimes it's because there's something outside that has their interest - other times it's just to take in the view.
It’s become something of a thing on Instragram. People are posting photos every day of their dog's head peering out the window or sitting in front of a glass door looking outside for hours.
Here’s one golden retriever that just loves to watch the world go by.
VIDEO: Golden Retriever Loves Staring Out Window
YOUTUBE: ViralHog
LENGTH: 00:27
It’s become something of a thing on Instragram. People are posting photos every day of their dog's head peering out the window or sitting in front of a glass door looking outside for hours.
Here’s one golden retriever that just loves to watch the world go by.
VIDEO: Golden Retriever Loves Staring Out Window
YOUTUBE: ViralHog
LENGTH: 00:27
It might seem strange to us humans why dogs would stare so intently at nothing happening; however, when you think about it, they’re just passing the time by spotting random little things.
When you see your dog doing this, sit next to them and join them, seriously. Just watch the world go by. Or, you can simply zone out and stare out the window to mentally shut down for a bit.
When you see your dog doing this, sit next to them and join them, seriously. Just watch the world go by. Or, you can simply zone out and stare out the window to mentally shut down for a bit.
7) Sharing Thoughts & Emotions
Ever feel like you need to talk to someone but don't know who to go to?
Sometimes, it feels like no one understands the shit that you’re going through. You just need someone to vent to.
Your dog can be your furry therapist, for real.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed and just need someone to listen, then go ahead and share your story with your pup. Studies have shown that dogs have an innate sense of our emotional states - whether we’re pissed off, sad, happy, stressed, frustrated etc.
And it’s this sense of connection that helps you. They know how you feel. And knowing that they know makes you feel so much better.
So, have a sit down session with your pooch and share your thoughts and emotions from the day. Let it all out. Your doggo will sense when something is wrong and will do what they can to comfort you in those moments of need.
It’s too bad that most of us can’t take dogs to work ‘cause everyone needs this kind of daily therapy. It’d sure help all of us get through rough days at work.
Sometimes, it feels like no one understands the shit that you’re going through. You just need someone to vent to.
Your dog can be your furry therapist, for real.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed and just need someone to listen, then go ahead and share your story with your pup. Studies have shown that dogs have an innate sense of our emotional states - whether we’re pissed off, sad, happy, stressed, frustrated etc.
And it’s this sense of connection that helps you. They know how you feel. And knowing that they know makes you feel so much better.
So, have a sit down session with your pooch and share your thoughts and emotions from the day. Let it all out. Your doggo will sense when something is wrong and will do what they can to comfort you in those moments of need.
It’s too bad that most of us can’t take dogs to work ‘cause everyone needs this kind of daily therapy. It’d sure help all of us get through rough days at work.
8) Sit & Watch The Sunset
Ever wondered what your dog thinks about as they gaze longingly at you while you watch the sunset?
The answer is quite simple - they’re just happy being there with you, enjoying the moment.
And that’s the point here - just be in the moment with your dog.
Watch the beautiful colors of the sky as it changes before your eyes. See how the colors radiate in evolving shades of red, yellow and orange on the clouds.
It’s magical.
Thoughts of company reorgs or layoffs, the upcoming project deadline, annual performance review, how much you hate your fucking job or boss, etc all don’t mean shit at this moment.
You’re just simply enjoying mother nature’s light show.
So, go find a spot with your four-legged bestie that’s nice and quiet with open views of the horizon. Sit down together, chill out and take in some deep breaths, and watch as the sun dips below the edge of the earth.
The answer is quite simple - they’re just happy being there with you, enjoying the moment.
And that’s the point here - just be in the moment with your dog.
Watch the beautiful colors of the sky as it changes before your eyes. See how the colors radiate in evolving shades of red, yellow and orange on the clouds.
It’s magical.
Thoughts of company reorgs or layoffs, the upcoming project deadline, annual performance review, how much you hate your fucking job or boss, etc all don’t mean shit at this moment.
You’re just simply enjoying mother nature’s light show.
So, go find a spot with your four-legged bestie that’s nice and quiet with open views of the horizon. Sit down together, chill out and take in some deep breaths, and watch as the sun dips below the edge of the earth.
Happier You & Happier Dog
It’s another crazy day of work. You’re up to your eyeballs with work and you’re stressed as fuck.
It's not always easy to find the time in your busy life to take care of yourself. But no matter how demanding your job or how packed your schedule, it's important for you to take time out of your day to get all the bullshit in your head cleared out - even if it’s only temporary.
The good news is that you’ve got the perfect way to do it.
Hanging out with your four-legged BFF is your ticket to some great stress relief, decompression and relaxation.
Don’t just go through the motions of a piss-n-shit walk in the backyard or neighborhood. The both of you deserve more than that.
When you spend meaningful time with your dog, all of life’s bullshit starts fading away. It’s just you and your dog living in the moment, being happy and content.
Take care of your pooch and your pooch will take care of you.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]
It's not always easy to find the time in your busy life to take care of yourself. But no matter how demanding your job or how packed your schedule, it's important for you to take time out of your day to get all the bullshit in your head cleared out - even if it’s only temporary.
The good news is that you’ve got the perfect way to do it.
Hanging out with your four-legged BFF is your ticket to some great stress relief, decompression and relaxation.
Don’t just go through the motions of a piss-n-shit walk in the backyard or neighborhood. The both of you deserve more than that.
When you spend meaningful time with your dog, all of life’s bullshit starts fading away. It’s just you and your dog living in the moment, being happy and content.
Take care of your pooch and your pooch will take care of you.
Feel Better,
[Cubicle|Therapy]