The Niche Partnership’s Post

Research from The Kennel Club, released ahead of Mental Health Awareness Week (13-19 May), highlights the positive impact dogs have on their owners' well-being. Dogs not only provide comfort but also keep owners active and establish routines. This year's Mental Health Awareness Week emphasises the importance of physical activity for mental health. The research shows that dog ownership plays a crucial role, with over three-quarters of owners agreeing that walking their dog enhances their mood and well-being. Additional findings from the study include: 77% of owners report that their dogs offer unconditional love and comfort. 73% find that their dogs alleviate feelings of loneliness. 72% agree that their dogs help relieve feelings of anxiety. For more details, read the full release "Motivational Mates: Three-Quarters of Owners Agree Dog Walks Boost Mood" on our website  https://lnkd.in/eUWBV-Nu #mentalhealth #dogs #mentalhealthweek #wellbeing #anxiety #doglife

MY DOG LIKES STICKS. Like many of us, she loves a challenge (and she’s a bit of a show-off), but she sometimes bites off more than she can chew. We can all find ourselves in this position and, inevitably, there’s a price to pay that’s more than a few loose teeth. Mental Health Awareness Week runs from 13 to 19 May and this year’s theme as set by the Mental Health Foundation is ‘Movement: Moving more for our mental health’ (https://lnkd.in/eUVsz2Y2). Fortunately for me, Clemmie wakes me (very) early in the morning for the first of her three walks a day and her selective ability to respond to recall (not quite Fenton standard but close) ensures that my thoughts rarely stray towards work when we’re together – I can’t let her out of my sight. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other dog owners, walkers, runners, and my neighbours. Moving more helps me to stay happy, healthy, and to keep things in perspective, but it takes effort to get outside, day-in and day-out, and in all weathers. It also takes a lot of time and energy to stop our home from becoming a kennel, but that’s another story… I realise that not everyone wants or has the space in their life for a dog, but the commitment I’m making is to myself and my own well-being, and not just to Clemmie. What do you do to move more? #mentalhealthawarenessweek

I have done most, if not all, of the self care tips below and can attest to significant improvements in my overall mental health including reduced self sabotage due to self doubt, reduced burn out due to listening to my body and responding with rest and also physical activity, and understanding that sharing my feelings with others is not giving someone else a burden, but cultivating conversations which highlight common shared experiences and exchange of helpful tips on how to manage those moments which can feel quite debilitating at times. My name is Alex, and sometimes I struggle with my mental health. #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthiseveryone #mentalhealth #sharingideas #normalisementalhealth

Take good care of your mental health too

Mental health is just as important as your physical health.

Mental health tips

Solid advice, but let’s dig deeper. Talking to someone you trust is vital, but what if you don’t have that person? It's worth exploring anonymous support groups or therapy apps that provide a listening ear without judgment. Physical activity is great, but consider combining it with mindfulness—how about trying walking meditation? Enjoying activities you love is essential, but maybe now's the time to discover new hobbies that challenge and excite you, reigniting your passion for life. And rest? It's not just about sleep; how about practicing *active rest* through techniques like yoga nidra or progressive muscle relaxation? Lastly, remember that bad days are often growth days in disguise. What if we reframed them as opportunities to learn and build resilience, rather than just something to endure? #BeyondTheBasics #MentalHealthMatters #MindfulLiving

Do you ever feel like you don’t have all the answers when a mate’s struggling? It’s tough, but just being there can make a huge difference. Remember, it’s important to support your mates while also looking after yourself. How do you support a mate without burning out? #ManupStigma #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MenSupportingMen #BreakTheStigma #SupportYourMates #MentalHealth

World Health Organization, Maintaining mental health is crucial for overall well-being. Adopting a healthy lifestyle—ensuring adequate sleep, engaging in activities such as art and music, and practicing yoga and meditation—can enhance well-being (Sarraf-Razavi et al., 2023). Additionally, seeking social support by connecting with trusted individuals, staying in touch with family and friends, and providing support to vulnerable groups, including the elderly and healthcare workers, fosters a sense of community and belonging, which is vital for mental wellness (Posluns, 2020). Furthermore, integrating self-care practices into daily routines, such as focusing on awareness, balance, and physical health, can significantly support mental health (Sarraf-Razavi et al., 2021). Innovations like the Calmify Mental Wellness Smart Glove, which uses IoT technology for real-time mental health monitoring, illustrate how advanced solutions can enhance mental health care accessibility and efficiency (Singh, 2021). #WHO #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #Epigenetics #PublicHealth #MentalHealthSupport