It’s November and the days are getting much shorter; it’s been cloudy and rainy for days; it’s getting cold outside. The switch to daylight savings time is around the corner so it will get dark much earlier. You can feel it start to creep up on you – the winter blues when you don’t want to go outside and you value any morsel of sunshine you can get.
Beat the winter blues by going outside with your dog on a long walk
Sure, you need to bundle up against the weather, and maybe put a coat on your dog, but it will be so worth it in the end. I find the best way to beat dreary days is to actually go outside and do something – just being outside for twenty minutes once or twice during the daylight can help—a LOT.
The trick is being outside during the daylight which can really boost your mood, even if it’s cloudy or rainy. Things you can do outside include:
- Walk your dog at least once during the daylight hours, plus a few more times when it’s dark.
- Play with your dog in the park.
- Bicycle to work – yes, even when it’s cold (rain and snow may put a damper on this). My limit is 20 degrees Fahrenheit. I love to ride my bike.
- Go hiking in the woods with your dog, or to the beach.
- Rake the leaves – your dog may love being out in the yard with you.
- Once the snow arrives, shovel it (which is great exercise) instead of snow blowing.
- Learn to cross-country ski or snowshoe. Some places will allow you to bring your dog – you might want to use booties so snowballs don’t stick to his paws.
The main thing is to be outside every day and preferably with your dog – no matter what the weather. You can always go inside to warm up and dry out, but BEING OUTSIDE is what wards off the winter blues.
That’s why it’s so great to own a dog – they always want you to take them out!
Next week I’ll talk about how Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can affect you and your pets.
What do you do to combat dreary days?
This is great advice! I am scared of falling on the ice, but on days when it isn’t icy, I find it invigorating to be outside. Two of my dogs hate the rain, but Nelly, a Maltese, is happy to go outside whenever I do.
Ice can certainly be a pain in the you-know-what. One year I think I broke my tailbone from walking my dog and slipping on the ice.
Excellent post – it is so true, that getting out and about with your pup can knock out those dreary blues in a matter of minutes. There’s something about getting lost in thought and adventure while walking your dog – pets have a way of making everything so much better!
I certainly go out a lot more with my dog than I would if I didn’t own one.
No matter how dreary, having a dog definitely makes you go out rain or wind or sun or snow! It is definitely a good idea to get some exercise and go out for a hike with your dog to beat the dull and dreary mood caused by the weather.
Paul said we should get a dog for when he retires so I can take it for walks. I told him to talk it over with the cats (as if).
I am not a dog person now but maybe he can volunteer at a dog rescue WIN WIN I think, or maybe he could become a professional dog walker – gainful employment will keep him out of mischief!!!
Great ideas! Rescues can always use dog walkers!
I hate going outside in the winter. I don’t do winter sports and all the snow makes it really hard even to walk safely – where I live there aren’t sidewalks and the more it snows the more you are walking in the 55mph road. It’s the only time of year I put my car inside too. My adventure cats prefer indoor adventures during the snow too so I have to work harder to find places to go with them. Now that I work from home I might go days without going outside.
Winter makes me really glad that I live in a small city where people mostly shovel their sidewalks. I wouldn’t want to walk on the slushy road either.
I couldn’t get away with not going out with Cookie no matter what the weather. Well, with the exception of extreme conditions. Just last week we had rain, sleet, all sorts of unpleasant weather but we still spend 3 hours outside daily. Though I spend the rest of the day drying my clothes.
Three hours a day! Wow, when I had a springer, she really loved being out. Buffy only likes nice weather, but I still make her take some walks unless it’s really bad.
Very Nice Post! I totally agree. Walking outside does make me feel better. Most people work inside all day and are in the house most of the colder months, so getting outside becomes an after thought. I know that I really like taking my dogs out for a walk with me because I know they appreciate it as well. Sunshine and fresh air are both good for the body and the soul. (From Ava Jaine, Dachshund Station)
Great post. I always said that was a perk of owning dogs, they make you go outside even when you don’t want too. I walk my boys everyday, rain or shine, and we spend a lot of time hiking and playing out in the yard together. It’s good for all of us!
Yes, being outside is great for us, although sometimes it doesn’t feel that great at the time. The outdoors does have its benefits that we often feel after the fact – especially when we talk about the weather with our friends and coworkers.
Great post and I am dreading the rainy weather as Madam hates getting wet so to get her our is a nightmare LOL but thank goodness at the moment it is still warm and sunny so am taking advantage of it. The daylight savings is something I hate LOL.
Buffy doesn’t like rain or snow either, so I shorten the walks. But we still go out.
I know it would be really for me to go take my dogs out for more walks. Unfortunately, when the weather is bad it’s hard just to get them outside to go out to potty. We just got a new dog park in town so maybe I can tempt them with some puppy playtime!
If your dog is into it, dog parks can be great!