In anticipation of the busy holiday season, it is important to prioritize self-care even more than usual by planning. Schedule a massage, say no to gatherings you don’t want to attend, and continue with your exercise and meditation routines as often as you can. Ensuring that you engage in self-care regularly will help you to stay resilient during an otherwise stressful time. For 10 tips to foster health and well-being during the holiday season, download our tool “How to cope with holiday...

Veterinary technicians and technologists face unique challenges that often lead to burnout and mental health struggles, making support and preventative strategies crucial. In this Wellness wisdom podcast, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk interviews Julie Morse-Elliott, RVT, VTS (ECC), RPC-C, a veterinary technician with over 20 years of experience and a newly qualified Registered Professional Counsellor. Together, they explore the key factors contributing to burnout among veterinary technicians,...

Understanding the toll of burnout on veterinarians is crucial for supporting well-being in veterinary medicine. In this Wellness Wisdom video, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk speaks with Dr. Andria Jones, a distinguished epidemiologist at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, to delve into the profound impact of burnout on Canadian veterinarians. Drawing from her extensive expertise in veterinary medicine and epidemiology, Dr. Jones discusses her research findings and proposes practical...

Perfectionism is a common but often overlooked challenge in the veterinary field. In this Wellness wisdom video, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk talks with Dr. Leann Benedetti, a veterinarian with nearly 30 years of experience, about its impact on veterinary wellbeing. Dr. Benedetti, who has built and managed her own mobile practice and hospital, shares strategies for recognizing and managing perfectionist tendencies to lower the risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. With expertise in healthcare...

In a busy veterinary clinic, our days often shift between sedentary computer work and active tasks like surgeries. This alternating routine can cause muscle fatigue and stress buildup. The integration of stretching exercises throughout the day is essential for preventing tension and promoting relaxation. Here are some simple yoga postures and stretches recommended by veterinary wellness advocate and Thrive! collaborator Dr. Marie Holowaychuk. These exercises can be done at your desk without...

Financial wellness is a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing, yet it often remains a neglected topic in our daily conversations. In this Wellness Wisdom podcast, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk sits down with Jillian Carr, a seasoned Financial Education Specialist dedicated to serving the veterinary community. Together, they delve into the latest research on how debt and financial advice impact veterinary wellbeing, offering practical tips on finding the right financial advisor, building savings,...

In the high-pressure world of veterinary medicine, the benefits of yoga extend far beyond physical fitness. As caregivers veterinary professionals often neglect their own well-being. Yoga offers a sanctuary for self-care, providing resources to manage stress, cultivate resilience, and foster inner peace. Through mindful breathing and movement, yoga cultivates self-awareness and stress management skills crucial for navigating the complexities of every day life. The integration of a bedtime...

Despite the busyness of veterinary practice, much of our days can be spent sedentary, sitting in front of a computer returning client calls or completing medical records. Long periods spent at our desk can lead to muscle soreness or tightness and the accumulation of stress in our body. Ensuring that you move your body by standing up, changing positions, or stretching every 20-30 minutes is key to preventing stress buildup or tension in the body. During this 15-minute video, Dr. Marie...

Yoga nidra, also known as "yogic sleep," is a powerful technique from the ancient yogic tradition that induces a state of deep relaxation while maintaining awareness. Research demonstrates that those who practise yoga nidra have enhanced activation of the parasympathetic nervous system, as well as reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Yoga nidra offers numerous benefits for veterinary care providers, including stress reduction, improved sleep, and mind-body integration. This...