Nurturing the Caregivers: Essential Self-Care Tips for Pet Industry Professionals
Upated: January 2024
Self Care-What’s THAT?
A few year ago I was presenting to a group of health professionals and I asked what they did for self care. They all looked at me blankly and finally someone asked, “What’s that?”. I was surprised that a group of people dedicated to caring for others had no idea what it meant to care for themselves. There is a misconception that self care means pampering yourself. While there’s nothing wrong with doing that, self care also means just meeting your own basic needs.
The Importance of Self Care for Pet Industry Workers
Working in the pet industry is a rewarding but demanding role that requires unwavering dedication and a deep passion for our furry friends. While providing exceptional care for pets is at the forefront of our minds, it's crucial to remember that taking care of ourselves is equally important. In this blog, we'll explore some fundamental self-care tips for pet industry workers to ensure they can continue to give their best to their four-legged clients and maintain their own well-being.
Self Care Quick Tips
Get Adequate Sleep: Sleep is not only important for our physical health, it also plays a critical role in our mental health. Author JoJo Jensen writes “Without enough sleep, we all become tall two-year olds.” In other words, lack of sleep lowers our ability to cope with life. Poor sleep increases stress, impairs memory, increases risk of accidents, makes us more emotional, and even makes us more susceptible to illness. It also exacerbates any symptoms of depression, anxiety, compassion fatigue, or grief we may already be struggling with. Make getting enough sleep a priority. If you’re having trouble sleeping take a look at this handout on Sleep Hygiene.
Sneak in 10 minutes of exercise (movement) a day: We all seem to know the importance of exercise for animals. Exercise is just as important for humans for all the same reasons! Exercise has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. You don’t have to buy fancy exercise equipment, or join a gym to get the benefits of exercise. Did you know that just 10 minutes of any type of movement that gets our heart rate up has significant benefits to our physical and emotional health? Read by blog on this for extra motivation. Yoga has wonderful mental health benefits as well as being a good workout.
Eat just a little bit healthier: I’m ashamed to say that many of the foods I eat I would never give to my dogs! As people in the pet industry, we know the importance of nutrition for animals, but quickly discount it for our own species. Research has proven that what you eat contributes to how you feel and your energy level. If you want to bring your A game to your furry clients, try adding just one serving of a fruit or vegetable per day to your diet. Also sit down for at least one meal, and take the time to savor it. You deserve it! Check out this link on Cheap and easy ways to eat healthy.
Take Breaks Between Appointments: Schedule short breaks between training sessions to recharge. Use this time to hydrate, stretch, and clear your mind. Stepping away, even briefly, can enhance your focus and effectiveness when working with the animals.
Create Structured Work Hours: Establishing clear work hours helps prevent burnout and ensures you have time for personal activities and relaxation. Set boundaries and communicate your availability to clients to maintain a healthy work-life balance. This includes answering texts, emails and phone calls. Have a set time that you officially turn off work mode. Learn more about setting boundaries in this blog.
Carve out some time for yourself: Do something you enjoy simply for the pleasure of it. These simple joys are what refill our cup and allow us to continue to pour ourselves into our work with animals. Enjoy a sunset, snuggle a puppy, call your best friend, relax with a good book, or take a soak in some bath salts.
Accept your limitations: You are only one person and you can only do so much in a day. This was a difficult one for me to learn because there is always another situation, another animal in need, another emergency, or person in crisis. Give yourself credit for what you ARE able to accomplish. And then give yourself credit for knowing your limits. YOU are enough.
As a pet industry worker, your commitment to the well-being of your furry clients is commendable. However, taking care of yourself is equally important for sustained success and fulfillment in your profession. By incorporating these basic self-care practices, you can nurture both your passion for aniimals and your own personal well-being.
f you need help with self care contact Carrie Raap at R+ Therapy in Tucson, AZ. Carrie is an online therapist with more than 20 years experience. She is an expert in behavior change. Her therapeutic specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy addressing relationships, depression, compassion fatigue, stress management, coping, making positive changes and anxiety. She has numerous credentials, including a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and a license in clinical social work (LCSW). She is also a certified professional service dog trainer and loves blending these passions. . She has several virtual options to help you achieve your goals, including online courses, individual therapy, free resources, and a new mental wellness membership.
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