It is that time of year again when many people make New Year's resolutions. After a tumultuous 2020, it may be more important than ever to strive for physical, mental, and emotional balance.

The good news is that readers' pets might be able to help them reach their goals. Best Friends Animal Society, an animal welfare organization focused on making America a no-kill nation by 2025, has offered a few ways pets can be good resolution buddies. Everyone should keep in mind that masks should be worn, and leash laws and social distancing should be observed whenever anyone is in public. It is also wise to research hours of operation for any destination before a visit.

One way that pets can help their humans keep their resolutions is to help them get moving. Dogs love to get exercise and do it with such enthusiasm, they are sure to make their owner smile as they head out the door. Walking at a vigorous pace for just 30 minutes five times a week can provide the moderately intensive cardiovascular exercise most physicians recommend. If an individual and his or her dog are not quite ready to hit that goal right away, they can start with a 10-minute walk at their own pace and boost the time by 5-minute increments each week.

Some cats even like to go for walks on a leash and harness or in a stroller. If owners are not sure how their cat would feel about this activity, they should do some research online to find the safest ways to introduce walking or strolling into their routine.

If someone wants to make their steps count, they can download Best Friends' ResQWalk app. Sponsored by Front of the Pack, ResQWalk not only tracks mileage, but it allows people to raise money for animal rescues and shelters in the U.S. every time they go walking.

People can also be social in safe ways, accompanied by their pet. Pets are natural ice breakers, and people can meet like-minded pet owners who want to share about their own furry family members. A game of fetch at a local park can also be a fun, socially distant activity to enjoy with friends and family.

Best Friends notes that spending quality time with pets can lessen anxiety, lower blood pressure, and bolster the immune system. To make the most of this natural stress relief potential, pet owners may consider implementing a daily 15-minute break with their cat or dog to meditate. Owners should sit with their pet in a quiet, comfortable place and focus on being present, breathing deeply, and stroking their pet's fur. Another option is to break out a yoga mat and do some poses with one's cat or dog, which may not only ease stress, but also provides a gentle workout.

In order to eat better this year, individuals can swap out fatty, sweet, or salty treats and start sharing some good-for-you snacks with their pet. Dogs can eat raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds, plus produce like watermelon, blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, bananas, apple slices, and baby carrots, but no grapes or raisins, which can be toxic. Cats can get in on the fun, too. Felines are able to enjoy fish like salmon or mackerel, meats like plain boiled chicken, and even a bit of cheese or egg. Owners should keep in mind that only 10% of a pet's daily calories should come from treats. A veterinarian can confirm which foods are appropriate for a particular pet.

If people have been stuck at home and cannot take another day staring at the same four walls, they can venture out with their pet and hit the road for a day trip. Many beaches, state parks, and local landmarks are still open for sightseeing.

Individuals who do not have a pet may consider adopting one. By adopting, not only will an animal's life be saved, but new owners will get a great deal, as most pets are also spayed or neutered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, and ready to go home for one fee. To get started, readers may visit http://www.bestfriends.org and find a local shelter or rescue.