Being a veterinary nurse is an incredibly rewarding job, but it can also be demanding and emotionally challenging. Every day, you care deeply for animals and support their owners during tough times. With busy shifts and heavy responsibilities, it’s easy to forget one important thing: taking care of yourself.

Self-care isn’t just about the occasional treat or day off—it’s something you can build into your daily routine to keep your body, mind, and emotions strong. When you look after yourself, you’re better equipped to handle the highs and lows of your work and stay passionate about what you do.

Why Self-Care Matters for you as a Veterinary Nurse

When you practise self-care regularly, you’ll notice:

• Lower stress and anxiety
• Better focus and clearer decision-making
• Greater resilience when things get tough
• More satisfaction in your career and the energy to keep going

In a job that can sometimes feel overwhelming, making self-care a priority helps you thrive instead of just getting by.

Practical Self-Care Strategies You Can Start Today

1. Set Boundaries and Manage Your Time

Taking control of your time helps protect your energy.

• Start your shift by picking your top 3 tasks—focus on these first to stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• Turn off work notifications once your shift ends so you can fully relax and enjoy your personal time.
• Practice saying, “Yes, I can help with that, but I need to finish this first.” This keeps you helpful without overloading yourself.
• Make time for at least one non-work activity each day—a short walk, a quiet cup of tea, or something else just for you.

2. Try Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Techniques

Simple mindfulness exercises can calm your mind anytime.

• Spend 5 minutes in the morning doing deep breathing or a quick guided meditation with apps like Insight Timer, Headspace, or Calm.
• When things get stressful, try the “5-4-3-2-1” grounding method: notice 5 things you see, 4 you feel, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 taste or positive thought.
• Use short mindfulness breaks—even one minute helps clear your head and reset your focus.

3. Connect with Supportive People

You don’t have to face challenges alone.

• Reach out to trusted colleagues for quick check-ins or schedule regular catch-ups.
• Join online groups or forums for veterinary nurses where you can share stories and advice.
• Keep close contact with friends and family who lift you up.
• Find a work buddy for extra support on hard days.

4. Keep Moving

Physical activity boosts your mood and energy.

• Aim for 20–30 minutes of moderate exercise most days—walking, yoga, swimming, or cycling.
• Take movement breaks during your shift to stretch your neck, shoulders, and back.
• Try short “exercise snacks” like a quick walk or a few squats when time is tight.
• Choose activities you enjoy so it feels fun, not like a chore.

5. Fuel Your Body Well

Good nutrition and hydration keep you going.

• Pack balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for steady energy.
• Carry a water bottle and sip regularly throughout your shift.
• Limit caffeine and sugary snacks to avoid energy crashes.
• Prepare meals ahead when you can to avoid relying on convenience foods.

Related:  Balanced Bits: How What We Eat Shapes Our Work

6. Make Time for What You Love

Hobbies help you recharge and stay balanced.

• Spend 10–15 minutes a day doing something you enjoy like reading, gardening, painting, or cooking.
• Join a club or class to try new things and meet others with similar interests.
• Set small goals to keep motivated and enjoy a sense of accomplishment.
• Use creative outlets to express your feelings and unwind after tough days.

7. Seek Professional Help When You Need It

It’s okay to ask for help—it shows strength.

• Notice if you’re feeling tired all the time, irritable, or less interested in things you usually enjoy.
• Reach out to mental health professionals, counsellors, or your employee assistance program. Telehealth options make it easy to connect.
• Use trusted Australian resources for support anytime:
  • Beyond Blue: Practical tips and support for balancing work and mental wellbeing.
  • Black Dog Institute: Evidence-based information and training to support mental wellbeing at work.
  • Head to Health: A government-backed platform with resources, information, and connections to digital and local mental health services.
  • SANE Australia: Support for people living with complex mental health issues and their loved ones.

Remember, taking care of yourself helps you keep giving your best care to others.

Final Thought

You do important work every day, healing animals and supporting their families. But to keep doing that well, you need to care for yourself too. Start with small, simple steps—because you deserve to thrive, not just survive.

At AIRC, we’re here to support you not only in building your clinical knowledge, but also in helping you grow in confidence, resilience, and wellbeing. Explore our range of ProSkills online short courses designed to build your confidence, resilience, and professional growth.