For many Oklahomans, dogs are more than our pets. They’re our furry friends, family members, and sometimes, even our therapists. And the best news? Man’s best friend is an expert at boosting our mental health.
It’s scientific too. Loving on the family pup or a therapy dog has been shown to lower blood pressure, boost oxytocin and dopamine levels, combat loneliness, and reduce depression and stress, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Now that you know, grab their leash and get to exploring. The 988 Mental Health Lifeline has pulled together our top Fido-friendly activities to improve your mental health — and your dog’s too!
- Go for a long walk or hike
- Practice mindfulness while petting your dog
- Take a yoga class together
- Play fetch at the park
- Try obedience training with your dog
- Go for a run or jog
- Teach your dog a new trick
- Attend a dog-friendly event or festival
- Take a road trip with your dog
- Volunteer at a local animal shelter or rescue
- Play tug-of-war or hide-and-seek with your dog
- Take a dog-friendly vacation
- Attend a dog-friendly outdoor movie screening
- Have a picnic in the park with your dog
- Attend a dog-friendly yoga class or workshop
- Go swimming or paddleboarding with your dog
- Practice deep breathing exercises with your dog
- Take a bike ride together
- Attend a dog-friendly wine tasting or brewery tour
- Try agility training with your dog
- Take a day trip to a nearby beach or lake
- Host a doggie playdate with friends and their dogs
- Read a book or watch a movie with your dog by your side
- Visit a dog-friendly restaurant or café
- Go on a camping trip with your dog
- Practice meditation with your dog
- Attend a dog-friendly concert or music festival
- Take a trip to a dog-friendly winery or vineyard
- Have a doggie spa day at home
- Try a new dog-friendly activity
- Have a game night with your dog, playing games like “red light, green light” or “Simon says”
About 988 Mental Health Lifeline
988 is a direct three-digit mental health lifeline, connecting Oklahomans with trained behavioral health professionals that can get us the help we need. If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, struggling with suicidal thoughts, or need to talk through depression, anxiety, and more, give us a call or text “988” any time.
