Since May of 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the United States to help to bring media and public attention to mental health through local events, new coverage & the encouragement of professional screening.

Mental Health America, a national non-profit organization helps to coordinate and promote the need for mental health awareness. Each year this organization selects a theme for Mental Health Awareness Month, with 2019’s theme being “#4Mind4Body.”

Exercising with Your Dog

Owning a dog is a guarantee that you will be headed outside at least three to four times per day. They hold you accountable for exiting your home and getting out into the great outdoors by taking them for a walk. Exercising with your dog will help you to have an overall mood boost that otherwise would not be provided by simply staying indoors.

Snuggling up with your dog provides a better night sleep due to the increase and decrease of certain chemicals in the brain

Eating a Good Diet

We all know that sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging. So challenging that owners even have a hard time with keeping their pets on a diet, not to mention themselves. The U.S. currently has roughly 53% of its dogs falling into the overweight or obese category according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

Taking the time to research proper nutrition for your dog will also help you to gain valuable information regarding your own nutrition. There are many healthy snacks that you and your pet could benefit from. Here’s a brief list of foods you both could enjoy:

  • Bananas
  • Popcorn, no salt or butter
  • Apple slices, no seeds or core
  • Cantaloupe
  • Green Beans
  • Zucchini, Carrots

Getting a Restful Sleep

In a world where we are constantly connected and bombarded with information 24/7, it’s understandable that getting a good night's sleep is a luxury when it should be a necessity. Lack of sleep prevents the body from re-energizing its cells and affects mood, ability to learn and make memories as well as changing hormone release.