Prioritize Your Wellbeing this International Self-Care Day ??
Marie Holowaychuk, DVM, DACVECC, CYT
Speaker | Author | Specialist | Supporting the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinary Teams
With today being International Self-Care Day, I've been reflecting on the importance of making self-care a priority. Like many of you, I've been feeling the strain of our demanding profession and the challenges that come with it. This summer, despite a busy schedule that includes working out of town, I am determined to carve out time for self-care.
Balancing work and personal life can be tough, but it’s essential to prioritize moments that nurture our mental and physical wellbeing. While traveling for work, I make it a point to hit the gym and prioritize sleep, which helps keep my mental and physical health on track. When I’m back in town, I ensure to spend quality time with my daughter, preferably in nature, which is precious for our emotional and social wellbeing.?
Additionally, I’m planning a couple of weeks of camping to completely disconnect from technology. Immersing myself in nature and enjoying the simplicity of outdoor life is a wonderful way to reduce stress and recharge. This break from constant notifications will help me return to my routine with renewed energy and focus.
Setting boundaries with work is crucial. I’ll use an out-of-office reply to manage expectations and ensure uninterrupted time to unwind during my camping trip, focusing on relaxing with my daughter and friends.
I encourage you to think about how you can incorporate self-care into your summer routine, whether through small daily practices or more extended breaks like mine. In this month's newsletter, I’m sharing some resources and insights on self-care that I hope you find helpful. Let's use this International Self-Care Day as a reminder to prioritize ourselves and our wellbeing.
Warmly,
CEO and Founder, Reviving Veterinary Medicine
Blog
How to Practice Self-Care in Real Life: Guest Blog by Krista Martin, MSSW, LISW-CP, LCSW, C-AAIS
Manicures, bubble baths, and hour-long sunrise yoga practices are encouraged when feasible, but they are not always realistic. Nor does this list include other important activities like visiting the doctor, speaking to a therapist, or catching up with an old friend over coffee.?
The reality of self-care is often difficult, boring, uncomfortable, and almost always requires planning. So how can veterinary professionals ensure that their self-care practice occurs consistently and is of benefit?
Podcast
What's Stopping Your Summer Self-Care?
Have you taken any time to enjoy the summer weather yet? If not, we highly recommend you listen to episode 18 of the Reviving Veterinary Medicine podcast, "What's Stopping Your Summer Self-Care?"?
领英推荐
From covering coworker vacations to managing childcare and family functions, it can be easy to forget to enjoy the activities that summer has to offer.?You deserve a fun summer AND to thrive in your veterinary career!?
Free PDF Resource
Self-Care Assessment
Did you know there are actually EIGHT dimensions of wellbeing??Sometimes when we think of wellbeing, we just think of physical health: exercise, eating right, sleeping. But it's so much more than that!
To assess your current self-care practices, please download our free "Self Care Assessment" PDF.
Free PDF Resource
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Did You Know that Self-Care and Coping Strategies Are?Not?The Same?
How do you take care of yourself after a busy and stressful day at work??It can be difficult to distinguish the difference between coping and self-care strategies.?
To emphasize this important distinction, our latest handout, "Did You Know That Self-Care and Coping Strategies are Not the Same?" outlines the differences and provides practical examples for engaging in activities that will?actually?leave you feeling refreshed.?
Reviving Veterinary Medicine aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals around the world.?
Please forward this newsletter to a friend or colleague who might find it helpful or to support another team member on their wellbeing journey.