By Dr. Juli Goldstein
Anyone in the veterinary field knows that we are master multitaskers. We wear all the hats, from caseworker to record writer to family caretaker to virtual teacher, and veterinarians change wardrobes faster and more efficiently than many.
Yet it somehow never seems like enough.
One of the first things we delete from our lives is lunch or dinner (or both). Forget about exercising or going to the gym. And no, coffee and leftover donuts brought by a client do not qualify as a balanced meal. And sleep, what is that?
Self-care is a vital component to ensure a high quality of life. We teach clients and friends that the most important aspect for our patients is their overall quality of life, yet we struggle to lead by example.
So how do you regain control over your own life?
There is hope. You, too, can become a walking, or running, veterinarian or nurse and still have time to care for patients, your family, and most importantly, yourself. If you are the type of person who previously only ran when chased, then this is for you.
The idea of becoming a runner or walker can be intimidating, especially for overachievers who feel that they must be the best and most successful at everything they take on. However, the greatest triumph is having the courage to take the first step and prioritize your fitness. Still not convinced? Let's delve into some science.
Here are five reasons to lace up and head out the door, or hit the treadmill.
Running Is a Mood Booster
Legally Blonde fans will agree, in the words of Elle Woods: "Exercise releases endorphins, endorphins make people happy. Happy people just don't kill their husbands... they just don't." Whether it is a bad Yelp review, too many cases, or no lunch break, there are multiple reasons needed for a mood boost when working in the veterinary field. Research has shown that exercise can instantly improve your mood. Whether you are an early riser or a night owl, taking the time to move, exercise, or run is a great way to wash away the day or start off on the right foot.
Running Is a Natural Antidepressant
Research has found that just 20 minutes of running or activity a day can help stave off depression. It is no secret that depression in the veterinary profession is an epidemic. While it should never be a substitute for professional care or medication, running can be a wonderful addition to fight the depression monster when it rears its ugly head. Convince a work buddy to join you while you get fit and fight depression together.
Running Prepares You to Cope with Daily Stress and Anxiety
We all have stress, daily stress, hourly stress, and sometimes on tough days, continuous stress. Research shows that running can reduce frontal cortex activity, leading to a safe and healthy way to de-stress and calm anxiety. Short on time? Try taking a lunchtime run around the clinic, or around the block, to refresh your mind and tackle the afternoon cases with confidence.
Running Will Boost Your Metabolism
Forget the magic pills promising to boost your metabolism while you eat what you want. Research shows that building up to 45 minutes of activity daily can set your metabolism on fire for up to 14 hours after that activity. Although you cannot out-exercise a bad diet, exercise combined with good nutrition will turn you into a fat-burning, veterinary machine.
Running Will Boost Your Energy Levels
Although it sounds like a contradiction of the worst kind, running boosts your energy level. If fatigue and exhaustion are your norm, try adding in some running. It sounds contraindicated to lace up and work out when you are drained, but getting the blood pumping and the legs moving will give you a natural boost equal to, or more powerful than, your morning coffee.
Science aside, now that you are armed with some running knowledge and the desire to take back your fitness, all you have left to do is take the first step. The hardest part of starting any exercise or running program is convincing yourself to begin. A wise runner once said, "Running is 90% mental, and the other 10% is in your head." Once you make a commitment to yourself, the rest is relatively easy.
Still think you can't do it? Follow these steps for getting started and staying motivated:
- Buy a new running or workout outfit to celebrate the start of a new healthy habit.
- Choose an accountability buddy. Text or call your buddy after you complete your daily running goal to keep each other on track.
- Use your social media to keep you accountable.
- Set daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
- Short on time? Break up your daily goal into pieces during the day. Take your lunch hour (or even 15 minutes of it) to get outside for a brisk walk or run. It will energize you and refresh your body and brain to tackle the afternoon appointments.
- Sign up for a local 5K or fun run to give yourself a concrete goal and a deadline.
Taking back your fitness does not require a marathon, or even a 5K. It starts with the first step out the door.