The holiday season is on us, and this year it is suddenly shorter! Or at least it seems that way. Talk about adding stress! So how do you manage the holidays and quality time for your pet?

Of course, we all have the same amount of errands, mailings, and cooking in less time. Hobbes pulled out his warm coat early.

Now exhale! Yes, we are stressed and we are sharing it with our pets.

So let’s all stop for a minute or five minutes. Exhale. Clear your mind by listening to your breathing. Turn off the mind chatter of “I need to…”

Now for some quality time for your pet.

Go over to your pet, and slowly exhale again. You may try yawning while you sit with your dog. Very slowly blink your eyes as you sit with your cat.

Exhale quietly again. Be with your pet. No phone or gadget.  Slowly stroke your best friend. If you know TTouch®, do a few TTouches® on your pet and yourself. Try ear slides. Exhale.

As a way of giving thanks to your pet and yourself, try to spend five minutes a day enjoying this special time with your pet. You will feel better and so will they!