Being a veterinarian is one of the most rewarding job titles out there. But, as with any job that puts you in contact with animals, work can be tough. That’s why it’s important to make time for yourself and practice mindfulness. Here are some tips and tricks on how to stay mindful while you work long hours at the clinic.
Find Your Triggers & Tune Out Distractions
When working in a busy environment, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by your surroundings. That’s why it’s important to identify what triggers the stress in your day-to-day tasks and take steps to tune out those distractions. For example, if loud noises from barking dogs trigger your stress response, try wearing noise-canceling headphones or playing soft music to muffle sound levels. Or, if certain types of animals make you anxious, take regular breaks throughout the day to give yourself some breathing room. Finding ways to manage your triggers and tune out distractions can help keep your stress levels low and allow you to enjoy more meaningful interactions with patients and their owners.
Focus on the Moment
Another great way to practice mindfulness is through focusing on the present moment. When interacting with animals or their owners, pay extra attention to how each interaction makes you feel—what emotions come up? What thoughts cross your mind? By taking a few moments before and after each interaction to simply observe these feelings and reactions without judgement, you can gain valuable insight into how you interact with others as well as better understand yourself as a professional. This added level of self-awareness can help boost confidence in both personal and professional settings and make stressful situations easier to handle.
Some of my Favorite Books on Mindfulness:Practice Self-Care
Last but not least, don’t forget about self care! Working long hours in a busy veterinary clinic can take its toll on both physical and mental health so it’s essential that you prioritize self care activities such as eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly or meditating when possible. Taking time away from work allows us all—veterinarians included—to recharge our batteries so we can continue doing what we love best; caring for our furry friends!
Keeping an open mind is key when dealing with long hours as a veterinarian; learning how best to manage stressors will lead towards healthier outcomes for both yourself and those around you. Through mindful practices such as finding triggers & tuning out distractions; focusing on the moment; and practicing self care - veterinarians have everything they need to stay healthy & happy throughout their careers!
Want to create more mindfulness at work?Consider these courses:
All courses are fully RACE approved for one hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians that can be done at-your-pace, anywhere, and in your pajamas with tea and a fur friend on your lap.
AuthorSarah Wooten, DVM, CVJ
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AuthorDr. Sarah Wooten is a small-animal veterinarian, international speaker, author, and passionate advocate for both pets and the people who love them. With over 20 years of experience in clinical practice, media, and continuing education, she specializes in making veterinary medicine clear, credible, and never boring. Archives
October 2025
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