Learn from Your Pets: Live in the Moment

Living in the moment may be one of the most important lessons we can learn from our pets. In a study called "A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind," Harvard psychologists conclude that people are happiest when doing activities that keep the mind focused, such as sex or exercise. Planning, reminiscing, or thinking about anything other than the current activity can undermine happiness.



Learn from Your Pets: Cultivate Friendships

People are social animals, and friendships have measurable health benefits. Researchers in Australia followed 1,500 older people for 10 years. Those with the most friends were 22% less likely to die than those with the fewest friends.

Learn from Your Pets: Walk Every Day

Whether you've got four legs or two, walking is one of the safest, easiest ways to burn calories and boost heart health. Taking regular walks can also help you:
• Fight depression.
• Lose weight.
• Lower your risk for type 2 diabetes.
• Lower the risk of breast and colon cancer.
• Keep your bones strong.
• Keep your mind sharp.


Learn from Your Pets: Forget Multitasking

When dogs have a job to do, they give it their undivided attention. It turns out people should probably do the same. Stanford researchers found that attention and memory suffer in those who juggle work, email, and web-surfing, compared to those who focus on one task at a time. Other studies suggest employees actually lose time when multitasking.

Learn from Your Pets: Take Naps

You won't catch your pet going from dawn to dusk without any shut-eye. There's good evidence humans can benefit from catnaps, too. A study involving about 24,000 people indicates regular nappers are 37% less likely to die from heart disease than people who nap only occasionally. Short naps can also enhance alertness and job performance.