Improve your wellbeing by becoming a homesitter in 2023

Posted on 21 January, 2023

Photo by Malek Dridi on Unsplash

The January blues are very real for many people with the fallout from Christmas spending, poor weather, dark nights and broken resolutions. It even has a day earmarked as ‘Blue Monday’ – billed as the most depressing day of the year[i].

But how about making January a more positive month and focusing on your wellbeing? There is plenty that people can do such as getting out for a lunchtime walk and enjoying some sunlight to eating more healthily and getting the right about of sleep.

Wellbeing can be boosted too by taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill or volunteering at a local charity, as well as taking on a fresh challenge such as becoming a homesitter.

Homesitting involves going to stay in people’s homes when they go away to take care of the house and any pets they may have. It’s a fantastic opportunity to visit different parts of the UK and have lots of mini breaks which in itself can improve wellbeing.

But also it’s the chance to spend time with pets, mostly cats and dogs, but could be any type of domestic pet which is the big drawer for many people.

Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure, and other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood[ii].

Stroking pets can be a hugely relaxing and calming experience, plus homesitters that look after dogs get the added benefit of exercise and being able to explore new areas whilst walking a dog, which is great for wellbeing.

Most of our homesitters are retired people who want to keep busy and active in retirement and not just sit about being bored and lonely. Homesitting enables them to meet new people, do something responsible and feel useful which all support good wellbeing.

It also gives people the time to indulge their interests in different places, whether that’s visiting historic houses, playing a round of golf or horse riding in a new area.

One of our homesitters is Sue Cabrelli who has been homesitting for 10 years since retiring. Sue decided to become a homesitter as she wanted to a new role that would give her a sense of purpose and enjoyment.

Home and pet sitting appealed because she adores animals. She didn’t want to own a pet because of the restrictions and ties and wanted to be able to take breaks with her husband whenever they fancied it. She also loves exploring different parts of the country.

Sue explains, “I have visited many beautiful places that I wouldn’t have even considered. There are wonderful rural villages throughout the UK. I love walking and when I am on assignments I often take the dogs out for long walks. If there aren’t any dogs, I just walk myself.”

“I’m a member of the National Trust and English Heritage so there’s always somewhere special to visit. Clients often leave me information about interesting places to visit and great walks too so I’m never short of things to do. If I am in London I try to see all the latest exhibitions.”

Sue learned to horse ride when she retired and takes her riding gear with her on assignments and, if there’s an equestrian centre nearby, she books a lesson and goes for a ride.

Homesitters Ltd rewards its homesitters with a modest remuneration, as well as a food and travel allowance. Sue saves her earnings to spend on her summer holiday to Italy each year.

Sue likes to keep fit saying, “I’m a big exercise freak – I take a Pilate’s class once a week as well as horse riding. When I go on assignment I take my yoga mat and do a Pilates routine every morning, which fascinates the dogs. They always come to see what I’m doing and on a recent homesit I did my ‘rolldown’ and got my face licked at the bottom!”

Homesitting also gives Sue time to practice her other passion, cooking. She always takes a cookery book with her and tries out new recipes she can then cook for Mark when she goes home and she also does large jigsaws in the evenings.

How about doing something for your wellbeing this year and become a homesitter? We are currently recruiting and are looking for responsible people to join our team throughout the UK. Click here to find out more.


[i] www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/mind/how-beat-blue-monday-12-tips-january-happiness/

[ii] https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2018/02/power-pets

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