Walking the dogs to ease burnout

Earlier this year, I found myself dreading going to work every morning thinking I was stuck in a never-ending loop of the same old routine. I would park my car and stare blankly at the building that had become the epicenter of my growing discontent. Each morning felt like I was gearing up for battle, mentally plotting my escape plans and dreaming of a life where I could catch up on sleep and dive back into the things that made me genuinely happy. As time passed by, the weight of my emotional rollercoaster felt heavier, and then it hit me...I needed to shake things up before I got swept away by the waves of anxiety and despair that were creeping in (this might sound a bit dramatic but at the time this is how it felt).

Well, as if I didn't have enough on my plate; I decided to get a second dog haha. I know what you're thinking...

why add more chaos to an already busy life?

But I figured that having another pup around could be just the distraction I needed from the daily grind. With two pups to care for, I was hoping to kickstart a more active lifestyle that would help ease my stress. I started planning for regular walks and stumbled upon a nearby trail that I had totally overlooked in my routine. Excited for a new adventure, I packed up my pups for our first outing. But because the little one was too little, she was struggling to keep up with her older brother. Still, I was determined to make the most of our outdoor time and promised myself we'd be back to the trail soon.

A month later, after the little puppy was a bit more grown and my older dog didn't hate her as much; we decided to hit the trail again.

As the days passed by, the more walks we went on, the more it looked like my first dog was starting to warm up to her little sister. They started engaging in all sorts of playful games, chasing each other through the grass and rolling around in the dirt, which honestly melted my heart. Our trail walks quickly became the highlight of my day, a sweet escape from work stress. At first, the trail itself seemed a bit rough around the edges, often overgrown and desolate. But as I kept walking, I began to notice the hidden beauty around me, the delicate wildflowers peeking through the underbrush and the tiny critters scurrying about, adding life to the otherwise quiet path.

Now, I'm not telling you to get a dog (or two) but what I'm really trying to say is to go outside and stare into the void (I mean nature). I often use an app called AllTrails (not sponsored) to plan our outings, which is one way to discover new trails to visit. Depending on your location, this app might be useful, or simply taking a leisurely walk around your neighborhood might give you the zen moment you need.

I'll leave some actionable steps in case you want to try:

• Download AllTrails: Start by downloading the AllTrails app on your smartphone. It’s user-friendly and packed with options.

• Set Your Preferences: Once you have the app, set your filters and choose your desired difficulty level. I set mine to "Dog-Friendly". This way, you can find trails that match your needs.

• Plan Your Adventure: Pick a day and time to explore. Check the weather forecast to ensure a pleasant outing. Don’t forget to pack some water and snacks for both you and your pups!

• Invite a Friend: Nature is better with company! Invite a friend or family member to join you on your adventure. It’s a great way to catch up while enjoying the great outdoors.

• Take Your Time: When you arrive at the trail, take your time to soak in the scenery. Stop and take photos, breathe in the fresh air, and enjoy the moment.

• Track Your Progress: Use the app to track your hike. It’s rewarding to see how far you’ve gone and how many steps you’ve taken!

• Share Your Experience: After your hike, share your experience on social media or with friends. You might inspire someone else to get out there!

  
  

In my neck of the woods, it’s pretty common to see pine flatwoods and a ton of squirrels. So naturally, every time we spotted a squirrel, the dogs would get so excited, and they would take off like rockets, tails wagging like crazy. In those moments, as I tried to keep up with my whirlwind companions, I couldn’t help but laugh and shout, "Be careful!" Meanwhile, I felt the weight of my anxiety start to lift. The exhilarating chase, mixed with the sheer joy of watching my dogs embrace their natural instincts, let me forget about the fatigue and worries that had been dragging me down. The trail transformed from just a physical escape into a sanctuary where I could reconnect with nature, my dogs, and, most importantly, myself.