Big Peace December Day 2

  I got a dog last April – a beautiful little black cocker spaniel called Oscar – and he has changed my life! I’ve lost a stone (have to walk him once a day, rain or shine and it’s the only time I’ve ever stuck to a exercise regime because I have no choice), I’m getting out every day in the light – usually I’m depressed and gloomy as soon as the clocks go back so feel happier, and I’ve never known such unconditional love. I’ve got a new machine (called an emwave machine) which measures stress levels but turns green when you’re happy and unstressed and all I have to do is think about Oscar and it turns green immediately! Oscar is my ultimate de-stress secret.

I’ve made new dog-walking friends (a whole new social circle) and have whole new topics of conversations on everything from castration to the best poo bags!

There was a piece in the paper this week which said that a dog charity is urging GPs to prescribe puppies and not just pills.

A study from the University of Warwick has showed that owning a dog gives you a robust immune system and over a 10 month period have reduced levels of loneliness and depression.

“Dog owners visit their doctors less, respond better to medication, have fewer heart problems, higher self esteem, lower blood pressure and cholesterol and are less likely to suffer from depression," says Dr Roger Mugford, animal psychologist at the Animal Behaviour centre in surrey. 

Ok, Ok, I'm not suggesting you all go and buy a dog for Christmas (because we all know dogs are for life and not just Christmas - ha, ha!) But what struck me is that despite having quite a challenging year, I have felt calmer and happier than I have for a long time.

And what I've realised is that many of my new habits I've formed from owning Oscar...tie in to what William Bloom recommends. 

William Bloom is one of Britain’s top holistic teachers and author of The Endorphin Effect.

I interviewed him recently. Here's the interview if you missed it.

William studied and taught meditation for years but was thrown when people in his meditation classes said they felt just as good stroking their cat (dog/riding their motorbike/going for a lovely walk) as they did meditating.

This led Bloom to research what is now known as the ‘endorphin effect’ – that flood of natural feel-good hormones that relax you, anaesthetise pain and are responsible for a feeling of well-being.

Bloom’s research showed that are five ways you can trigger these endorphins – without meditating – to feel good instantly, no matter what is going on in your life.

So today's Big Peace task is to try one of the below and trigger some feel-good chemicals.

1. Think about someone you like or do something you like. (Make a list of things you genuinely enjoy and do more of them – this will naturally trigger a flood of endorphins)
2. Making napping your greatest skill. Or at least allow your body to slump and your body language to sink into napping body language. A 3-4 minute slump will release that flood of feel-good hormones.
3. 20 minutes of movement – it doesn’t have to be aerobic but any sustained movement for 20 minutes or more will release endorphins.
4. Connect with nature  - be it staring at a blade of grass or going for a walk in the woods. This is proven to release endorphins into the body.
5. Monitor how your body feels and give it a break – treat it as you would a hurt animal or child and gentle relax , and think loving, kind thoughts about your poor, old body. Apparently, every time we do this, endorphins flood to the rescue.

www.williambloom.com

Comments

[caite]

I wish all this "good dog" stuff applied to the bully in my road who has a pitbull and is very aggressive (both he and the dog);-D !!
The other suggestions I have tried to great benefit... I only have to think of being on a racing yacht and I am so relaxed I'm as fluid as the character Olive Oil......This is a great "advent calendar" much more rewarding than the little chocky ...thank you Suzy

Love Caite

[Jacqueline]

Sitting in my local park definitely gives me the same benefit as meditation does. I didn't go today as the weather is not great but looked out the window at the garden and trees, which I find calming, grounding and somehow clears my head.

[Kate]

I have a dog and he is wonderful. Just stressful having to manage work and having a pooch. There should be more dog-friendly work places. I've gone part-time to allow me enough time to enjoy having a dog but am poorer as a consequence (but happier!). Kate

[David]

You are right on the nail about the relaxing effect of a dog. We have just fostered a dog (via the Dogs Trust, domestic violence, dog goes back when the family are re-housed) and yes there are a few hassles (a lot of dirt too) but she INSTANTLY relaxes me when I am with her...a real pleasure, you soon forget your (often unnecessary) niggles and get some perspective when the important things in life are food, stroking and a walk.

Dogs' happiness at the simple things is refreshing, grounding and relaxing!

[Mandy]

Jack Russells or Prozac? For me there was no choice. I have had seven years of complicated chronic health problems with the added 'cherry on top' of surviving breast cancer. I owe a huge amount to my wonderful dogs. Their unconditional devotion is immeasurable. They were with me when I received my cancer diagnosis and licked my tears away. They give me gentle attention when I return home from (many) hospital visits. Once I have regained my strength their attention becomes far more boisterous. I urge anyone who possibly can, to share their lives with a dog. Especially those who are not so well. The benefits are HUGE. Thank you also to Suzy - I can bearly walk, let alone leap, but Oscar caught my attention and I will read your December dailies with interest as we close out another year.