Stress and Recovery

We all entered the veterinary profession knowing some of its many challenges. Schooling was intense; we learned new skills, signed our first contract, and felt the pull to start our careers. However, none of us could have predicted how workplace stress accumulates in us emotionally and physically.

'Dealing with Stress 101' was not a required course in the curriculum—but judging from the reports of burnout, emotional leave, and compassion fatigue, it should have been.

If you are drowning in stress, please tell someone and get help now. If you are mired in your undigested stress and searching for ways to cope, read on. There is hope.

Workplace stress shows up in ways we never imagined, and with the right mixture of overwork, client conflict, unintended outcomes, lack of support, poor self-care, and our tendency to perfectionism, a whole array of physical and emotional symptoms begin to emerge. Our thoughts are no longer focused on serving the animals and clients but on our survival in the profession. We begin to use sheer willpower and push through our days. We lose touch with the passion and purpose that fueled our careers.

It is time to introduce you to Recovery.

We spend countless hours learning new skills to be successful in the profession, but very little time is focused on our physical and emotional Recovery. Recovery brings perspective, perspective brings self-compassion, self-compassion revives our empathy, and empathy reconnects us to our values and purpose—to our well-being and those we serve.

In a quiet setting away from work, ask yourself what is causing your stress. Be honest. Most will say stress is due to demanding clients, overwork, financial pressures, or their workplace culture—all external causes that affect them and cause stress. The only way to Recover from these causes is to take time away from work, or change jobs and hope your next role will bring a more cohesive team, nicer clients, and a better schedule. This is asking a lot and mostly out of your control.  Another approach would be to ask yourself: What am I doing to mitigate the stress in my life? What in ME needs to change? Maybe it isn’t just the external causes of my stress that need to change. What can I do to adapt and help myself? Here are a few possibilities to consider.

Recovery tool chest:

1- Improve self-care, get more sleep, and have a proper diet.

2- Turn off unnecessary social media, especially avoid online reviews. 

3- Get active; start yoga, walking, hiking, or something physical to get vetmed off your mind.

4- Uncommit to tasks you are unprepared for and learn to say no.

5- Stop doing everything yourself. Ask for help.

6 - Get a coach or a therapist to help you work through your obstacles.

7- Stop bringing your unprocessed stress home and reliving it with your family or partner. Doing this will bring back a flood of unnecessary cortisol.

8- Journal: write down your thoughts and feelings causing stress and get them off your mind.

9- Share your wins and challenges with your co-workers. This will remind you that perfectionism is an unrealistic expectation and that mistakes are part of everyone’s journey.

10- Set clear boundaries between work and your personal life.

11- Take intentional 5-minute breaks every few hours. These will help you regroup and slow down.

12- Keep learning: engaging in professional development and networking with colleagues can reignite your passion for the profession.

13- Get yourself off your mind and instead help someone else in need.

14- Prioritize your Recovery. Turn it into a daily habit.

15- Start small and celebrate every successful Recovery step.

Stress is here to stay and is necessary for our growth. Stay in touch with it; your relationship with stress will change over time. As you prioritize your mental and physical well-being, you begin to rebuild your resilience and the ability to withstand the daily pressures of your personal and professional life with a positive mindset and greater clarity.

Enjoy your career - your Recovery starts now. 

Dr Bill