Many of us have been using this time to reflect on our current lives: our loved ones, jobs, health, and much more.

I now work from home. And at first, the introvert in me was ecstatic. Then working from home went from days to weeks to months, and now there is the uncertainty of when we will be back in the office. I realized how much I missed in-person human connection with my co-workers and listening to my podcasts as I commuted to work.

My husband is an ‘essential worker’ and still needs to be in the office. So, I found myself feeling lonely at home. When my husband comes home from work, I talk a hundred miles an hour to make up for my loss of human connection.

Then he said the words.

“I think we should get a puppy.”

The day we brought Kona home. She is 7 weeks of age in the picture. 

 

Dogs and cats are known to reduce stress, minimize anxiety, and ease loneliness. We knew this would ease the loneliness of working from home.

We have been putting off this decision because we both work and have long commutes. Others warned us about the work involved in owning a puppy and wanted to adopt when the time was right. With me working from home and needing some connection, we thought this would be a great time to adopt a puppy.

We are excited to have Kona, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, join our family. She keeps us busy and is full of energy. I enjoy my mental breaks with her. She is what we needed during this time, and we are grateful to have her in our lives.

Mental health is a serious topic. Understand what you need and take baby steps to make it happen. It does not have to be adopting a puppy. It could be a simple as walking outdoors. Whatever that means for you to create a sense of calm and reduce risks of depression or anxiety.

 

Want other self-care ideas? Check out my Top 3 Favorite Self-Care Activities.

Happy self-care to you.

 

With gratitude,
Tara