Dog sledding is a unique and amazing experience that helps you challenge and better yourself both physically and mentally. Living in a place where it is winter most of the year, we need to learn to embrace winter activities. One that is great for both your physical and mental health is dog sledding. Dog sledding has you interacting with dogs, engaging in physical activity, and being in nature. All of these can do wonders for your mental health. It’s no secret that being around animals can be great for you. Dogs can give you a sense of connection, acceptance, and provide unconditional love. When petting or interacting with a dog, this can release oxytocin which enhances feelings of love, trust, optimism, relaxation, and can even improve your sleep. Many studies have found that interacting with animals can decrease stress and anxiety, improve communication, reduce loneliness, motivate people, and help people stay present and mindful. It is often easier to form a relationship with a dog because of the calming effects they have, and the love they provide. While sled dogs are working dogs, they are also dogs that like to play and receive affection. Building your connection with your dog sled team, and even just hanging out in the dog yard can help you feel happier and more relaxed. Another thing that dog sledding offers is an adventure. Getting the dogs ready, hooking up the team, and either driving or riding in a sled. While there are options where you don’t have to be as physical and can just enjoy the ride, other times you can be as involved as you want. Learning how to work with the dogs and drive a team can be a unique learning experience. Being in an environment where you have to problem-solve and learn a new skill can help you feel more confident, empowered, and boost your self-esteem. Engaging in physical activities outside have proven to decrease anxiety, depression, loneliness, and isolation. It can also help you become more motivated, self-reflective, and improve your overall well-being. Overcoming physical challenges can help you see yourself from a new perspective. You see the obstacles you were able to overcome and have a more positive view of yourself. The other important component of dog sledding is where it takes place, in nature! Being out in nature can be great for you physically and mentally. It helps you feel a sense of connection with the wilderness and the world. It can also help you feel more relaxed and mindful. Spending time in nature has been proven to increase self-esteem, happiness, confidence, concentration, empowerment, and overall well-being. It also helps you become more self-reflective. All of this happens because of the fresh air, natural light, and an overall more relaxing and visually appealing environment.
Dog sledding has helped improve my life drastically. I have always had trouble with physical challenges, as my knee caps like to dislocate on me frequently. I was feeling very down one summer and decided to reach out to a local dog sledding company in Thunder Bay, Boreal Journeys. I love dogs, so I thought that going to a place that had many would make me happy. While many days out there have kicked my ass mentally and physically, I found I have also grown a lot. I have been able to overcome more physical challenges than I thought I could. I have made many loving connections with all of the dogs and got to know each of their personalities. I made friendships with the owner, his family, and other people who help out at the kennel. Going out is a peaceful escape for me. I can be in nature and clear my mind. I can spend time playing with dogs and puppies too! I can be around supportive people or just be with the dogs and my thoughts. Some of my happiest times have been there, and I feel like my six years there have changed my life and helped me grow as a person. Try not to hide inside this winter. Get out and do something for your mental health. Don’t fall into the winter blues. Dog sledding gives you all the ingredients to be happy and improve your mental health. It is a unique and amazing experience that helps you challenge and better yourself physically and mentally. Besides, who wouldn’t want to play and cuddle with a bunch of dogs! |
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OverviewNWO’s source for all things relationships, mental health, wellness, lifestyle, and pandemic support. Kelly Magazine is a mental health outreach initiative created by Kelly Mental Health and supported by Kelly Mental Health Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the community in the area of mental health.
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