VN January 2023

Vetnews | January 2023 11 Talking about your feelings and emotions Talking about one’s feelings and emotions is an essential mental health activity that too often goes neglected. Yet the reality is that almost everyone experiences emotional struggle at some point in their lives, and it’s important to have someone to talk to, a mental health professional such as a mental health coach or even a trusted friend or family member. Think of it this way: if you were struggling with physical illness, chances are you would go to see a physician rather than trying to deal with things on your own - mental health deserves no less consideration for ourselves! Keep the spare time free to create a better work-life balance Easier said than done but finding a healthy work-life balance is incredibly important for mental health and overall well-being. Keeping some of your spare time free allows you to make the most of your day and focus on the task. Make sure to take breaks between appointments or sessions e,g, for a simple breathing exercise so that your mental health remains strong and you have time to relax and recharge. Establish clear responsibilities and follow them through Establishing clear responsibilities and following them through are key steps that can help promote mental health. For instance, setting a routine, planning tasks ahead of time, and appointing people to different responsibilities also help clarify roles and expectations. Committing to following these responsibilities builds mental strength and promotes trust between all parties involved. Establish clear boundaries Establishing clear boundaries is one of the most important aspects of mental health and wellness. When boundaries are established, it creates a safe space both mentally and emotionally. However, establishing clear boundaries is often overlooked as a way to keep your mental well-being intact. It is important to recognize when too much is being asked of you and when saying no can be beneficial. As a veterinarian, many people seek your help. Still, understandingwhen enough is enough and setting clear boundaries onwhat you are able andwilling to dowill make all the difference. It will create a structured environment that gives you peace of mind that obligations won’t be expected above a predetermined capacity. Not being taken advantage of, staying mentally healthy and being free from fatigue will all be kept in check if sensible boundaries are set. It will allow you to care for yourself better, thus creating mental and emotional stability. Identify stress relief measures When it comes to mental health, the most important thing is to ensure that you have a healthy set of stress relief measures. Everyone handles stress differently, and individuals must understand what helps them to reduce, manage and alleviate their tension. Taking the time to identify your stress relief measures is paramount – whether through meditation as a mindful calming practice or engaging in activities like reading, drawing, or gardening to shift mental energy away from stressful matters. With the right stress relief methods, an individual can naturally flow away from building tension and into a sense of ease, thus, bringing mental and physical balance. Create tiny breaks during the day to release stress Everyone has mental health, and for many of us, it can be difficult to manage the stresses of daily life. Create tiny breaks by blocking off time throughout the day, such as a three-minute break every one to four hours for a short breathing exercise while at work or setting aside fifteen minutes after dinner in the evening before tackling household chores. Small moments can add to big mental gains, so carefully carve out time throughout the day for your mental health. Fabulous apps, such as Insight Timer App, exist to remind you to take your breaks. Don’t give well-meant veterinary advice to friends and acquaintances Veterinarians are highly skilled professionals, but they must remember that their expertise and integrity must only be practised within their professional capacity. When a friend or acquaintance approaches them with a question regarding their pet’s health, it is inappropriate for a veterinarian to provide advice outside of a professional setting. Just as lawyers and accountants would not give well-meant professional advice without charging for services, veterinarians should also uphold this standard when faced with similar situations. Article >>> 12 Top 8mental health risks <<< 10 Remember why you are doing this in the first place. Looking after yourself should always be a priority!.