We’re a nation of animal lovers with more than half of the UK population owning a pet, according to a report from the PDSA.
And, as the country gets to grips with another lockdown, we’re reaping the benefits of being at home more with our furry friends and the effects animals can have on our mental health.
Derby emotional intelligence and leadership expert Kul Mahay, who owns two cats – Elvis and Coco – says that spending time with his moggies, as well as taking long walks in the Derbyshire countryside have helped to keep his mental wellbeing intact over the past 12 months.
“People talk about dogs being sociable animals but cats have their own unique way of communicating with their humans,” said Kul, who will launch a new leadership academy later this year and is writing two books; one on achieving inclusivity in the workplace and the other on emotional intelligence.
“There is a lot of research into how animals can boost your wellbeing and, now that I’m at home more as my leadership sessions are being held exclusively online, I am finding that spending time with Elvis and Coco really helps to boost my mood.
“Stroking your pet has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, it can make you feel calm and even lower blood pressure.
“I have also turned my garage into a home gym and have been exploring the area around where I live and have found myself regularly walking 10 or 11 miles from my home. Two months ago, I found walking around my own estate a real chore and now I’m enjoying walking over 10 miles in a single session whilst listening to an audiobook – I’m currently engrossed in Barack Obama’s audiobook – very early in the morning.
“Getting out and about – close to home, of course – and inhaling that fresh air fills your lungs with more oxygen. This increased level of oxygen will see the amount of serotine (the happy hormone) in your body increase, making you feel happier and energized.”
Kul, a former police chief who has worked with universities, colleges and NHS Trusts to develop emotional intelligence in their leadership teams – and has recently had several of his courses accredited for CPD – has set himself a personal challenge of walking the equivalent of a marathon – 26.2 miles – by the end of January.
He said: “I don’t like making new year’s resolutions; I believe that it is far better to have firm goals which are really, really well thought through than new year resolutions which, before January is over, are usually broken.
“All you need is a focus, a plan and intentional action if you are to succeed. It’s also good, every so often, to celebrate what you have achieved.
“Yes, 2020 had its challenges but I like to look at the positives; I successfully launched an exciting social enterprise – TriPotential – with my friend Samuel T Reddy, which aims to create more leaders from within the black and minority ethnic community into the military and critical uniformed services, such as the police and fire service.
“I’ve also been involved in writing two separate police dramas for television and spent time taking little steps outside of my comfort zone, following my own mantra ‘Do It Now’ and grabbed the bull by the horns when it comes to new challenges.
“A new year brings with it fresh opportunities and I can’t wait to see what 2021 will bring.”
