How to add your pet to your daily routine: 8 tips for better health together

Focus: Simple, actionable strategies to weave pet care into your everyday life in ways that benefit both your pet and your mental health.

Why It Matters

• Mutual Well-being: Establishing routine not only supports your pet’s physical and emotional needs but also reinforces your own mental resilience.
• Consistency Reduces Overwhelm: When mental health challenges make maintaining structure difficult, small, incremental habits can still make a significant difference.

The 8 Core Tips

1. Start Small: Begin with manageable, bite-sized habit changes (e.g. setting an alarm to walk or feed your pet).
2. Add to What You Already Do: Embed pet care into existing habits, mealtimes, walk breaks, groceries, TV time, or chore routines.
3. Swap and Substitute: Instead of routine screen time, engage with your pet - walk, play, or quietly observe them.
4. Make a Plan: Integrate pet-related tasks into your calendar or set reminders for feeding, meds, vet visits, etc.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge efforts; did your pet learn a new trick? Did you keep the routine during a tough day? Reward both you and your pet.
6. Keep Going: Acknowledge that some days are harder. Don’t beat yourself up, it's okay to restart tomorrow.
7. Make Time for You: Self-care matters. Staying hydrated, getting rest, eating well, all support your ability to care for your pet.
8. If You Need It, Find Support: You don’t have to go it alone. Look for pet-owner communities, friends, trainers, vets, or online groups to help you build and maintain routines.

Takeaway

Incorporating your pet into your daily routine isn’t just about caring for them, it’s a two-way street that supports your mental health, too. By starting small, being consistent, and allowing for flexibility, you’re not only nurturing your furry companion; you’re supporting your own resilience and well-being.