The stress of being a vet is well documented, but what small changes can you make to help be the best version of yourself? President Huw Griffiths is making it his mission to champion the cause of the equine vet this year, so we’ve put together some tips and small changes you can make to boost mental and physical wellbeing...
Keeping Fit
We all know how important it is to keep ourselves fit and healthy, and as an equine vet the job can certainly be very physical. Investing in your wellbeing will undoubtedly give you the extra energy you need for such a demanding job.
Finding time however is not so easy. The days are long, hours are often unsociable, and you’re usually wiped out at the end of the working day.
Staying fit doesn’t need to mean slogging away for hours on the treadmill though. There are plenty of ways that you can keep yourself fit and healthy, both physically and mentally, that won’t eat up your limited free time.
Try a HIIT workout
The buzzword that’s been about for a while now, basically means High Intensity Interval Training (now although this may sound scary it doesn’t need to be). Short bursts of high intensity activity with rest periods. Great for getting a sweat on in under 30 minutes! Check out The Body Coach on YouTube.
10 Minutes of Meditation
Don’t be fooled by the word meditation – it doesn’t always mean you need to have candles burning and someone chanting in the background. Meditation simply means ‘the act of giving your attention to only one thing’.
Why not try it now?
Get comfortable, put a timer on your phone for 10 minutes, close your eyes and breathe. Focus on your breathing, breathe in for four counts, and out for four. In through your nose and out through your mouth. If you feel you’re getting distracted, pin the thought and go back to your breathing.
There are loads of good apps for this, try Smiling Mind to get you started.
Snack Healthy
The importance of a healthy, balanced diet is key to energy levels and a strong immune system. It’s very easy to miss out on lunch when you’re so pressured for time but it’s essential that you give your body and brain the nutrients they need to perform at their best. So be sure to stock up on healthy snacks to keep you powering through until dinner time.
You probably tell your children they need to get their 5-a-day, but do you listen to your own advice? Or is it a case of “do as I say, not as I do”?
Luckily we’ve got some healthy snack inspiration for you - apple and peanut butter, veg sticks, pitta and houmous or berries and yoghurt are ideal guilt-free, tasty bites.
For when you need a helping hand...
Vetlife
A 24/7 helpline there to listen and offer a safe, non-judgemental space for veterinary professionals.
030 3040 2551
Samaritans
Offering a friendly ear to anyone struggling to cope, no matter who you are or what you’ve been through.
116 123
BEVA Legal Helpline
BEVA members have access to a free legal helpline as part of their membership.
RCVS
If you need advice about professional, ethical or education standards you can contact the RCVS.
020 7222 2001