Do you work in a veterinary clinic? Here are 5 New Year’s resolutions

The year-end review is the perfect opportunity to take stock. Despite the breathless pace of 2021, did you respect your limits? Did you take on all the projects you wanted to? Did you make some important decisions and adopt behaviours in line with your values?

Because increasing your well-being is even more important in these challenging times, we encourage you to take the time to look back on the past year to start the next one off right. Explore some of our resolutions, which can help any professional with a heavy day-to-day workload.

 

1. Learn to say no

Saying no is difficult, especially when you worry if others will judge you or if you know that a positive response will make the person asking really happy. But the arrival of the New Year gives the perfect opportunity to learn that our well-being is just as important as that of others!

Some tips to help you set your limits

• Think about what you will no longer accept in 2022. Surprise invitations? Only if you have the energy. That task that has been delegated to you for months that you hate? Suggest that a colleague whose strengths are complementary to yours takes care of it. Imagine a perfect day at your veterinary clinic and write down everything that could tarnish it to help clearly identify your limits.
• Learn to say no. Prepare and rehearse a few phrases like “I’m sorry. I really can’t help you,” “I can’t. I need to focus on this important task instead,” and “I’d really like to help you but I have too much to do by the end of the day. I won’t be able to.”
• Accept that not everyone will like you. Your refusal may disappoint some, but those who are empathic and respect you will understand and not insist. We bet that you would respond positively to a refusal from a colleague who cares about their well-being.

 

2. Keep a journal

Journaling is good for everyone, but even better for those of us who live with a lot of stress in our daily lives. Use it as a tool to help distance yourself from the tension and frustration you experience at work. Writing things down and putting them into perspective can lessen their impact on your life. Also, take the time to write down what makes you happy. We sometimes forget, but we have many joyful moments!

Some tips for successful journaling

• Set a realistic writing goal. Are you very busy? Weekly check-ins may work for you. Do not make journaling add extra pressure. Go at your own pace.
• Take the time to write down your good times. We tend to find it easier to express our frustration than our contentment, yet you need your moments of happiness to make a fair assessment at the end of the year.
• Keep your journal close by, such as by your bed on your nightstand.
• Have fun with it. Scribble in it, write down inspirational phrases and paste dream pictures. There are no rules to journaling!

 

3. Organize your finances

Managing your finances can be more enjoyable than you think. The result is a big weight off your shoulders. You may event find that you are better off than you thought. What a great way to start the year!

To take better control of your finances

• Set up a budget. The Government of Canada’s Budget Planner is very user friendly and provides a lot of additional relevant information.
• Determine what unnecessary expenses you could avoid. Do you subscribe to a magazine that you do not really read anymore? Did you miss a rate increase from your internet provider? Are you really taking advantage of all the streaming platforms you pay for? By eliminating a number of small, recurring expenses, you may be surprised at the money you save!
• Saving money means planning ahead. Set up automatic weekly or monthly transfers into your savings account. It is a convenient way to effortlessly grow your savings.

 

4. Try a new activity

Take advantage of the new year and look for a class that would help you relieve the stress of your days at the clinic. Whether your new activity is physical, creative or social, the goal is that is helps you recharge and unwind.

Why not try…

• Sports classes (yoga, dance, cross training, boxing, spinning, climbing, etc.)
• Art classes (painting, pottery, drawing, writing, knitting, etc.)
• Music lessons (singing, piano, guitar, choir, etc.)

 

5. Create a new wellness routine

In the past year, have you taken the time to do things for yourself just because you felt like it? If the answer is no, it is time to think of some little rituals that will make you feel good all year long!

Some ideas to help you relax and treat yourself

• Meditate a few minutes a day. A simple meditation playlist, quiet spot and comfortable clothing is all you need to relax.
• Spend time with your pets. It is a proven fact that our four-legged friends’ good mood is contagious and petting them boosts your happiness hormones!
• Take a bath. The heat relaxes muscles and reduces tension felt in the body. The calm atmosphere (candles, incense or essential oils) also helps you relax.
• Read a book. Reading is a great way to get away from it all, including your screens.
• Take a walk. This will be an opportunity to take stock of your day, in addition to helping you improve your attention, alertness and response time during your busy work day.

 

You make your own happiness!

Feel free to explore the many potential resolutions to find the ones that work for you. Above all, focus on your well-being and development. Make yourself a priority in the new year!

For more tips on how to improve your well-being and your work in the veterinary clinic, read our blog articles and tips.