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Procrastination is something that many of us struggle with, especially for those who identify as perfectionists. Procrastination can happen at work when we are low on energy or dreading a particularly difficult task, but it can also happen at home when tasks feel overwhelming or distractions are getting in the way of productivity.    

In this episode, I discuss some of the causes of procrastination and how it can show up in our lives. I also summarize seven strategies that can be used to stop procrastination indefinitely.  

Resource

Perfectionism is a 20-ton shield (Brene Brown): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7yYFHyvweE&t=7s 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/


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https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

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When we learn that a fellow veterinarian has died by suicide, almost always the first question asked is “why?”. While there is rarely an obvious answer in each individual’s situation, there are risk factors for suicide that warrant discussion, as well as careful consideration of what we can do to prevent suicides in the future.   

In this episode, and in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, I share what we know about veterinarian suicides based on recent studies, as well as the uncertainty that remains in every suicide situation. Reminders and resources for preventing suicides among all veterinary professionals are included.  

If you are concerned about a friend or colleague, or if you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call the USA National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255), Canada Suicide Prevention Service (1-833-456-4566), or 911.

Blog Posts
Why we need to be careful how we talk about suicides among veterinary professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2020/02/19/why-we-need-to-be-careful-how-we-talk-about-suicides-among-veterinary-professionals/
Let’s Do Our Part to Prevent Suicide Among Veterinary Professionals: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/09/01/lets-do-our-part-to-prevent-suicide-among-veterinary-professionals/
When do coping strategies become harmful for veterinary care providers?: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2021/08/04/when-do-coping-strategies-become-harmful-for-veterinary-care-providers/ 

Related Articles

Suicide among veterinarians in the United States from 1979 through 2015 (JAVMA 2019): https://avmajournals.avma.org/view/journals/javma/254/1/javma.254.1.104.xml
Suicides and deaths of undetermined intent among veterinary professionals from 2003 through 2014 (JAVMA 2020): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6933287/ 

Suicide Intervention Training

QPR (AVMA): https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing/qpr-suicide-prevention-training
ASK (VetFolio): https://www.vetfolio.com/courses/ask-suicide-prevention-training 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/

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For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

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Recent surveys demonstrate a perception that futile care is common in veterinary practice and contributes to distress among team members. However, the definition of futility in veterinary medicine is unclear and we need to better understand these situations to ameliorate psychological distress and improve wellbeing. 

In this episode, I share my own experiences with futile care, as well as the definitions used in human medicine, and how these insights combined with personal reflection can help to reduce moral stress and foster wellbeing in veterinary medicine. 

Blog Post

Defining Futile Care and Its Impact on Wellbeing in Veterinary Medicine: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/08/03/futile-care-and-the-impact-on-wellbeing-in-veterinary-medicine/ 

Related Articles

Ethical conflict and moral distress in veterinary practice: A survey of North American veterinarians: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271308/ 

Medical futility is commonly encountered in small animal clinical practice: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35584050/ 

Medical Futility: Its Meaning and Ethical Implications: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-112-12-949 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/

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For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions
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With veterinary medicine at its busiest and workplaces more stressful than usual, taking time to rest and reset after a long work day is prudent. Work-life separation is necessary for preventing burnout and can be facilitated by spending time outside, taking a shower, or practicing meditation at the end of a shift.   

During this BONUS episode, we offer a relaxing meditation intended to reset your mind and help you to let go of your workday. Visualization and positive affirmations are included to enhance self-compassion and separate from the busyness of the day.

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/


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For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
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 It seems clear that veterinary team members are feeling burnout more than ever before. Increasing demand for high quality animal care, a shortage of veterinary professionals, and a broken system are all likely contributors. The question that is often asked is: whose responsibility is it to manage or prevent burnout among veterinary professionals amidst these trying times?   

During this episode, we review the different causes of burnout among veterinary team members. We also break down what experts suggest in terms of individual, job, and organization contributors to burnout and what general recommendations can help. A practical tool is available for download, which provides 10 tools for individuals to tackle burnout and achieve balance.

Resources

10 Tools to Tackle Burnout and Achieve Balance (PDF Download): http://www.marieholowaychuk.com/subscribe

Anti-Burnout: How to Create a Psychologically Safe and High-performance Organisation (Book) by Michael Drayton 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/

Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions

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While very few people dispute the importance of self-care, many argue “there just isn’t enough time!” Especially during the summer, we are pulled in many different directions whether it’s work (covering for coworker vacations), child care (while school’s out), vacation (if we actually get around to scheduling it), family functions (reunions, barbecues, etc.), and the list goes on! And although most of us enjoy these activities that summer has to offer, the disruption in routine and unusual busyness can cause self-care to become an afterthought.  

During this episode, we discuss the importance of self-care when life gets busy. We also break down what gets in the way of our self-care and how we can overcome these obstacles. A practical tool is available for download, which provides simple statements for saying no and setting boundaries. 

Resources

Simple Statements for Setting Boundaries and Saying No (PDF Download): www.marieholowaychuk.com/simple 

Eight Tips for Taking a Self-Care Staycation (Blog Post): https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/07/06/eight-tips-for-taking-a-self-care-staycati/ 

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/


Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions
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A team debriefing after a distressing situation such as a difficult euthanasia procedure, an intense client conversation, or another traumatic episode allows the team consider the experience and how it has impacted them, as well as what might be done differently next time. Performing a team debrief within 24-72 hours of the inciting incident can help to reduce the emotional reactions of those involved and lower the risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress. 

During this month’s episode, we discuss when to hold a team debriefing and when to seek further mental health professional support. We also break down the steps, aims, and suggested prompts for holding a team debriefing. A practical tool is available for download, which can be used to facilitate debriefings within veterinary teams. 

Resources

Team Debriefing (PDF Download): www.marieholowaychuk.com/debriefing 

Wellbeing Resources for Veterinary Teams (PDF download): www.marieholowaychuk.com/wellbeing 

Shanti Project - Veterinary Mental Health Initiative: https://www.shanti.org/programs-services/veterinary-mental-health-initiative/ 

Video Version
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRMKdApvxCo

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/



Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions
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Mindfulness, or focusing attention on the present moment, has dramatic beneficial effects on physical and mental wellbeing. Which is why celebrities like Katy Perry, Jerry Seinfeld, and Oprah admit to meditating regularly. Professional sports teams and millions of other people are also adopting daily meditation and mindfulness practices. And with fMRI capabilities, we are able to track the effects of these practices on the structure and function of the brain.
During this month’s episode, the research-backed benefits of meditation are shared, including studies investigating the impact of mindfulness practices on human and veterinary healthcare providers. We also discuss some ways for you to jump-start your own meditation practice, which you’ll definitely want to do once you are convinced of all the benefits.

Research Studies
Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Doctors' Mindfulness, Patient Safety Culture, Patient Safety Competency and Adverse Event: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35328968/
Association of an educational program in mindful communication with burnout, empathy, and attitudes among primary care physicians: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19773563/
Hospice and Palliative Care Provider Experiences With Meditation Using Mobile Applications: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29683121/
The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Stress and Burnout in Nurses: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33998935/
Mind-body therapies: an intervention to reduce work-related stress in veterinary academia: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30282662/
The impact of a brief embedded mindfulness-based program for veterinary students: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28206840/
Effect of a mindfulness exercise on stress in veterinary students performing surgery: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30693966/

Book Recommendations
Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Mindful Brain by Dan Siegel

Blog Post
10 Tips for Starting a Meditation Practice: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/05/04/10-tips-for-starting-a-meditation-practice/
30-Day Mindfulness Challenge (ends May 30, 2022)
www.facebook.com/groups/30daymindfulnesschallenge

Link to Video Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaYp47YC1Cs&t=2s

Online Programs
To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/

Newsletter
For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]

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You’ve probably heard that “sitting is the new smoking”. A 2011 study followed 800,000 people and their sitting habits and found that people who sit the most, compared to people who sit the least, have a greater risk of disease and death. And unfortunately, with electronic medical records demanding more of our time in veterinary practice, much of our day can be spent sedentary while speaking on the phone or typing in front of a computer.  

During this month’s episode and in honor of April being Move More Month, the research-backed benefits of regular movement are shared, as well as strategies for incorporating activity into your everyday life. We also discuss simple tools and tactics for getting more exercise, especially if you are busy or can’t seem to get motivated.

Blog

Seven strategies for getting more exercise: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/04/06/seven-strategies-for-getting-more-exercise/ 

Video Version:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXfKudTFUCo&t=11s

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/


Newsletter

For more practical pointers and tangible tips related to veterinary mental health and wellbeing, subscribe to our e-newsletter:
https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/newsletter

Questions or Suggestions
Email [email protected]

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Now that we are two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s important to take a step back to assess the impact of these extraordinary times on the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals. Recent research conducted by Merck Animal Health in partnership with the American Veterinary Medical Association brings newfound awareness and understanding to the impact the pandemic has had on veterinarians, vet techs, and support staff. 

During this episode, the main findings from the 2021 Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study are shared, in addition to other recent studies investigating the impact of COVID-19 on the veterinary profession. Some strategies for employers and employees to help boost wellbeing in the context of this research are also discussed. This is an important episode that all veterinary team members will benefit from listening to.

Video Version

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yqjpxmho2Ms


Research Studies

Communication challenges experienced by veterinary professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic (Australian Vet J 2022): https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/avj.13125 

The Initial Months of COVID-19: Dog Owners' Veterinary-Related Concerns(Front Vet Sci 2021): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.629121/full 

Veterinary Student Perspective on COVID-19 and Veterinary Medicine (Front Vet Sci 2021): https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.723890/full 

Small animal general practice veterinarians' use and perceptions of synchronous video-based telemedicine in North America during the COVID-19 pandemic (JAVMA 2021): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34061604/ 

Merck Animal Health Veterinary Wellbeing Study III: https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/about-us/veterinary-wellbeing-study 

Frequency, Stressfulness and Type of Ethically Challenging Situations Encountered by Veterinary Team Members During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Front Vet Sci 2021): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8071942/#SM1 

Blogs

Ethically Challenging Situations Have Risen Dramatically in Veterinary Medicine During the Pandemic: https://marieholowaychuk.com/2022/03/02/ethically-challenging-situations-have-risen-dramatically-in-veterinary-medicine-during-the-pandemic/ 

Resources

Subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter and receive the PDF download “10 Tools for Battling Burnout”: www.marieholowaychuk.com/subscribe 

Download the PDF “Healthy Strategies for Veterinary Wellbeing”: https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/offload-downloads/mah-healthy-strategies-infographic

Online Programs

To learn more about our 4- and 8-week online programs approved for CE credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE, please visit:
https://revivingvetmed.com/programs/

Support the show