PTertacks
Jan Jaeger

STREESING OUT? With the pressure on and the daily countdown to Christmas day now in the single digits, this is the week where the going gets tough and the tough get going. The light finally dawns for those of us who think time is infinite when it comes to holiday purchasing and preparing. Everything that has thus far been left undone must get done or have its priority reassigned... decorating, cards, homemade gifts, buying, present wrapping, mailing, cooking – suddenly, everyone’s stress level is off the charts.

At the shop we have three little stress-relieving kittens up for adoption that don’t care about any of that stuff. Just watching them go through their day is enough to make you pause and laugh outloud. They play and eat, sleep, tussle, sleep, then play again.

We can borrow some tips from these kitties in learning how to relax and how to reduce our stress levels, effective techniques anytime, but particularly important during the days ahead.

Stretch. If you watch a cat or kitten when it awakes, the first thing it will do is a full-body stretch. This natural stretching helps keep them limber and flexible into old age. Follow their example by taking a few minutes for stretches before getting out of bed. Lie on your back with legs extended and arms over your head. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale as you stretch from head to toe.

Touch. Touching is a powerful tool. Our kittens reach their little paws through the bars of their crate to make physical contact. A cat wanting attention will jump into your lap or rub around your legs. Touch is very therapeutic and a hug can do wonders for setting your day right. Massage is also relaxing, helps your posture and improves your blood flow. Carve out a small amount of time for yourself with a rejuvenating massage and give everyone you care about a hug.

Quiet time. Cats have the reputation for being independent; they are comfortable with being alone. Set aside five minutes a day for time by yourself, to recharge away from the phone, the family and other distractions.

Naps. For most of us a nap is a true luxury, but a cat will sleep up to 16 hours a day, naps interspersed with short periods of wakefulness. Our kittens, even after scuffling, will curl up together for a quick snooze. Getting 8 hours of sleep a night is not possible for most of us, but setting aside just 10 minutes to put up your feet and close your eyes can do wonders for your energy and mental attitude.

Eat right. This time of year it’s easy to grab an unhealthy quick bite to curb your hunger or gorge on sweet treats. Unlike dogs, and some people, who optimize every opportunity for food, cats are typically very disciplined when it comes to eating. And they adore such foods as tuna and salmon, which are high in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. Resolve to add more fish to your diet and to stop eating when you are full.

Minimize confrontation. In spite of some bluff and bluster, a cat will usually retreat in the face of unpleasantness, obstreperous children or noisy appliances. Sometimes confrontation should not be avoided, but seeking a peaceful environment or walking away from an irritating scene could be beneficial to our mental health.

Live in the present. Animals are not encumbered with the baggage of the past or the anticipation of future events; they live in the moment. We know we are supposed to do this, but we waste time and energy lamenting past actions or planning for a future which might never happen. Use time wisely and take things as they come.

Good grooming. Our kitties groom themselves and then they groom each other; a good part of their day they are cleaning. Having good hygienic habits and taking care of ourselves is a sign of a positive mental attitude. When we groom ourselves, our inner feel-good chemicals are activated; we feel happy, so we smile and the world smiles back.

Know your mind. Cats don’t beat around the bush. If they want something – to be fed, let out or a petting – they will let you know. We could relieve a source of stress by learning to express ourselves directly. Animals are not self-conscious; we tend to hesitate if asking might inconvenience someone or if we feel undeserving. We need to learn to ask, then move on if the answer is no.

Let go of Gucci. A kitten will play as hard with a paper bag as it will with a designer toy. They don’t watch television or try to keep up with the Joneses. Acquiring things we can’t afford because they are “in,” spending money on trendy vacations or latest fashions can be a source of great stress, not to mention financial hardship. Instead, treat yourself to something you truly prize and you will derive much more satisfaction from that than from making yourself frantic competing for the latest.

The kittens might not understand their actions on an intellectual level, but what they do intuitively keeps them calm, contented and agile. This is a good week to emulate their behavior. Best wishes

for a less stressed and very Merry Christmas! I

Jan Jaeger is owner of Geronimo’s, Ltd., Nantucket’s pet supply and gift shop, and is a member of DWAA and CWA (Dog and Cat Writer’s Associations of America). Her pets at home are Junior, a Chesapeake Bay Retriever, and three cats. At the shop are cats Messrs. Fish and Chips, Flower bunny, Millie guinea pig and two budgies. Send email to jan@geronimos.com.