Two particularly ubiquitous problems from which many contemporary Americans suffer are inactivity (sedentary lifestyle) and depression. Often we find that these two conditions tend to exacerbate one another in a sort of vicious cycle.

Have you ever heard it said that the best way to beat the “blues” is to go out and help someone else? Try this one on for size:

Find out where your local “no kill” animal shelter is. Pay them a visit, and offer to become a buddy to either the dogs or cats (or both) there. Even though they are assured that their lives will not be un-naturally terminated, these poor creatures exist in a virtual ocean of boredom. Any of us who have been hospitalized or incarcerated for any length of time can probably identify with this.

What these animals crave even more than their health is the loving and sincere touch of a human. Being a buddy to them is simple. Take one or more of the dogs out for a walk each week. The more you walk, the more fit you become. And not only you, but the dogs too! And not only physically fit, but emotionally fit – both humans and dogs. What these dogs want most is to see that somebody thinks that they matter.

Visit the cat room with toys. Sit down. They’ll crowd around you in joyful curiosity. Bring in a large paper bag. Stand it upright in the middle of the floor, and watch the fun begin.

Extension 1: Talk your family members and or friends to coming over to the shelter with you. You can walk dogs and/or play with cats together. As you work as a team to make life better for the animals, who knows what it will do for your own relationships.

Extension 2: Become a foster care-giver for one or more of the animals. This means bringing them into your home on a temporary basis. Again, understand that these animals don’t necessarily have designs on taking over your life. They just want to be shown that they matter – that they are not worthless.