Being a veterinarian can be a rewarding and fulfilling job, but it doesn’t come without stress.
Among veterinarians who experience psychological stress, the most common conditions reported are burnout, anxiety, and depression. Unfortunately, you may not be able to eliminate all the causes, but learning how to better manage stress can help improve your work and personal life.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking time each day to relieve stress. That may mean during your lunch break, early in the morning, or after you’ve gone home for the day. Everyone is different, so try a few of these common stress reducing activities to see what works best for you.
Keep a record
Over a week’s time, write down what triggers your stress throughout each day. Maybe it’s giving bad news to a patient’s family about their beloved pet, tackling piles of paperwork, or dealing with personal issues at home. Once you identify what elevates your stress levels, it will be easier to find ways to manage it in the future.
Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and meditation, can be great tools for managing stress. Whether it’s five minutes or 30 minutes, practicing relaxation techniques consistently is time well spent. In fact, these techniques may even protect you against the negative effects of stress on your body. If you don’t know where to start, try searching online for a guided meditation video or look for an app on your phone that can help you learn what relaxation technique works for you.
Get some exercise
Aerobic exercise, like taking a brisk walk, jog, bike ride or swim, has been shown to release endorphins, which may help you maintain a positive attitude. This is a great way to relieve stress, clear your mind, and help you feel energized for the day. Try starting your morning with a spin class or take a short walk during your lunch break to reset. Or combine your exercise with time with friends or spouse at a dance class, like salsa or tap. The music can add fun and mood-lightening energy to your workout.
