Activ Life Postcard [wellness tip #9]

Dear Activ Life enthusiast

They’re loyal, loving, and always happy to see us—dogs have truly earned the title of man’s best friend. But did you know they can also improve your mental, emotional, and physical health?

Even small moments with your dog can make a difference: dog owners walk, on average, 22 more minutes per day than non-dog owners, and just 10 minutes walking with your dog can help lower cortisol, the stress hormone.

Wellness Benefits of Animals

Stress Relief - Petting or playing with animals boosts oxytocin, the "bonding hormone," and promotes calmness.

Mental Health - Animals provide companionship, ease loneliness, and offer a sense of purpose through daily care.

Physical Health - Walking and playing with pets increases activity, helping cardiovascular health and fitness. Pet owners often show lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Social Connection - Pets act as natural icebreakers, helping people connect with others.

Emotional Support - Animals give unconditional love and nonjudgmental companionship.

Mindfulness & Joy - Observing their playful, present-focused behavior encourages us to enjoy simple pleasures.

History is full of extraordinary dogs who show just how deep the human-animal bond can be:

• Balto (Alaska, 1925) – This Siberian Husky led the final leg of the Great Serum Run, delivering diphtheria medicine across icy wilderness and saving an entire town of children.

• Hachikō (Japan, 1920s–1930s) – An Akita who waited at a train station every day for nearly 10 years for his owner, even after the professor passed away.

• Sergeant Stubby (World War I) – A stray adopted by American soldiers who warned of gas attacks, found wounded men, and captured a German spy. He became the most decorated war dog in U.S. history.

• Barry the Saint Bernard (Switzerland, early 1800s) – Credited with saving over 40 travelers lost in snowstorms in the Alps.

Looking for a fun, unconventional way to boost wellness? Have you tried yoga with animals—dogs, cats, or even goats?

Animals add playfulness and unpredictability, helping people laugh, relax, and enjoy the practice without taking it too seriously. Yoga encourages mindfulness, and animals naturally live in the moment. Practicing alongside them reinforces presence, focus, and joy. For beginners, animal yoga makes the experience approachable—people come for the animals and leave discovering the benefits of yoga too.

Just like our furry friends help us find balance in life, Activ Life’s Health Coaching guru Sarah, can help you discover balance in your health. Schedule a complimentary wellness assessment to explore small changes that can create big, positive impacts on your lifestyle. Email sarah@theactivlife.com for more information.

Click the button below to read the glowing feedback from one of her clients.

Your favourite travelling yogis

Louise and Sarah

P.S. Join our WhatsApp group for updates on our free Camana Bay classes.