Stress management for veterinarians

Stress is normal in the day-to-day life of a veterinarian. From juggling the competing demands of work and family, to diagnosing and treating critically ill patients, to dealing with difficult co-workers or employees, to making ends meet financially while paying off student debt, we face stressful situations every day.

But too much stress can have negative effects on health. That's why it's important to find ways to manage your stress. Fortunately, there are proven techniques that can help you reset, recalibrate, and keep your stress in check.

Stress relief and relaxation

Taking time every day to relieve stress is vital. How you do that is up to you, and there are a wide range of possibilities. Here are just a few:

• Exercise regularly.
• Get enough sleep.
• Plan for and follow a balanced diet.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Balance work and play.
• Delegate tasks when appropriate. Don't try to do everything yourself.
• Spend quality time with friends and family.
• Resolve conflict in a timely and respectful manner.
• Take psychological health seriously. Seek professional help if bothered by feelings of depression or other signs of mental illness.
• Never underestimate the health benefits of playing with your pet!

AVMA's director of member wellness and diversity initiatives, Dr. Jennifer Brandt, offers actionable tips to help veterinarians manage stress in this webinar, developed from a presentation made at AVMA Convention.

Stress management can include meditation, yoga, expressive writing, mindfulness, or affirmations. Dr. Daniel J. Siegel demonstrated this simple breathing exercise proven to increase both physical and mental well-being during a keynote address at AVMA Convention. 

One approach that can help throughout the day is to try to become mindful of moments when you start to feel stressed, and take immediate action to manage that stress. Breathe deeply, take a five-minute break from what you’re doing, or take a quick walk to give yourself a change of scenery. If you’re about to have a difficult conversation with a client or co-worker, take 15 seconds before you walk into the room, and just breathe deeply and prepare yourself mentally. If a situation or someone’s comment has made you angry, try to use positive thinking or the power of humor to reshape your attitude. Learn to recognize the symptoms of stress, and take immediate action when you find yourself becoming tense.

Watch video: Relaxation Forum