Paying more attention to the animals around us can help us guide our way through the changing seasons of life

It’s a dog’s life, we say. But why do we think that? Because of the utter joy they get from simple activities like chasing a ball? Or the unconditional devotion and loyalty they show for one human? Perhaps it’s the ability to nap whenever they need to? Or how they find pleasure from the same things, day in, day out? It’s all the above and more, but it’s not just dogs that we can learn from. Who hasn’t envied the self- containment of a cat, curled up in the sunniest, comfiest spot in the house? Or admired ants working so efficiently as a team to survive in a world where you’re one of the smallest.

In his book The Happiness Of Dogs (Granta), Mark Rowlands explains how animals differ from humans in their inability to self-examine. They don’t ruminate or compare themselves to others, worry about their achievements, material possessions or looks. “When a dog doesn’t react to its reflection, it’s most likely because it doesn’t care how it looks,” he says. Of course, we have much to thank for our questioning brains, but we can still learn from animals. Perhaps the most relevant lesson in today’s world is how to deal with stress. We know animals get stressed – they’re always alert to danger and there can’t be many things more stressful than fleeing from a predator. But once the moment is over, they relax and rest. By contrast, we keep going, piling on more stress, which can lead to anxiety, insomnia and cravings for sugar, alcohol and other stimulants to stay alert.

So how can we be more animal like? When stressed, counter it with some physical activity that triggers the release of endorphins which leave you with a relaxed, happy feeling, like a ‘runner’s high’. Do the difficult thing on your to-do list, even if it’s not perfect and then move on instead of procrastinating and making yourself more stressed for longer. Try to be more resilient and forgiving of yourself and others – animals experience disappointment and sadness, but they bounce back and try again. Luxuriate in simple joys and glorious ordinary moments and make sure you rest when you need to, and even when you think you don’t.

The blog above is an extract from our wellbeing feature Taking Cues… in our January issue by Rebecca Frank. You can read the whole piece, including advice on taking cues from the young, the elderly, nature, our heroes and ancestors from page 70. The issue is in shops now.