You just returned from your appointment with your primary physician and she told you exactly what you didn’t want to hear, but you knew that it was coming. Since you got laid off from your job you’ve become depressed and sedentary. You’ve gained weight, you’re not exercising regularly, your blood pressure is through the roof and the depression has you physically and emotionally shackled.
She prescribed a laundry list of drugs – most of which have side effects and warnings that sound worse than the ailments themselves. Clearly, something has to change. You can’t continue to live like this and you certainly aren’t thrilled about the alternative if nothing changes. You need a change of scenery. You need to get out. You need to be needed again.
You need…to go walk a dog. That’s right, go walk a dog.
Call it therapy or call it a business. Dog walking is a way to get you off your duff, out of the house and doing something that will benefit you, your neighbors, and, oh yeah – a dog.
Here are some dog-walking benefits:
Exercise – Getting out and walking a dog gets you moving. It’s likely just the kind of moderate exercise you need without the costly gym fees or the sweaty towels. Walking helps your metabolism, so you’re burning calories and losing weight; it helps your cardiac function, so, while you’re losing weight and getting the blood pumping, you’re also improving your blood pressure. You’re starting to feel good about yourself again.
Accomplishment – Getting the word out about your dog-walking business gives you something to focus on other than beating yourself up for not working. It gives you something to strive for – pardon the pun – and keeps your mind, hands – and feet – occupied. Put together some simple fliers on the computer. Get your mind and creativity going. Make an appointment or just stop by local pet shelters, veterinarians and pet stores. Talk with the managers and see if they’ll let you post fliers. Hey, this is really fun!
You’re needed – When you get that first phone call from someone, meet them, their dog and book that first appointment, you’re going to feel really good. Wait, did you catch that? You feel really good! When’s the last time you felt really good about yourself? And, it’s not only the humans who are happy. You see the tail on that dog going a mile a minute? That furry friend is thrilled at the opportunity to get out of the house and be a dog. You’re needed. You feel good. You’re looking good. You’re not on medication. And, oh yeah, you’re making a few bucks too!