Staycation
Burnout is one of my favorite topics due to its pervasiveness within the veterinary profession. Even though I know the signs of impending tribulation I still find myself, from time to time, creeping toward that all too familiar overworked and stressed out volatile breakdown. That’s why, last week, I unplugged from VMDiva and took a week off of work for my first ever Staycation.
I know veterinarians who pride themselves in their anti-vacation stance. They’ve worked 60 hours a week for years and forgot how to unwind. They wear a badge of honor for taking just one or two days off a year, thinking somehow working themselves into the ground is admirable. That’s just stupid. A veterinarian’s practice and home life will suffer when she reaches burnout. Fatigue and stress manifest as strained relations with family and lack of motivation at work. A veterinarian will practice better medicine with a well rested body and mind. Stressed professionals lose patience and passion, rush appointments, and *gasp* may even have poorer performance.
I used my staycation to accomplish my to-do list of tasks I never have time for. We all have those lists which always get put off until tomorrow. My husband and I upgraded our kitchen and planted our annuals. I even had some dental work done. And some argue, is this really relaxation? For me it is. Simply unplugging from the daily stresses of sick animals, sad clients, and work-related financial stress uplifts the weary soul. Studies show, too, that getting chores and house projects finished actually lowers cortisol levels. No work AND crossing off tasks on the to-do list: Relaxation!
I started work this week feeling rejuvenated and hopeful. A week at the homestead was exactly what this doctor ordered. Stave off burnout; Use your PTO!
