- The effect of mindfulness in veterinary medicine and self -compassion in veterinary specialists
- 1. Introduction: Why mindfulness in veterinary is important
- 2. Scientific background to the study
- 3. The course of the intervention
- 4. Results of the study in detail
- 5. Why self -compassion is more than a trend
- 6. Concrete recommendations for practice
- 7. FAQs - frequently asked questions
- Summary: Mindfulness in veterinary medicine - key to more well -being in everyday work
- Sources
The effect of mindfulness in veterinary medicine and self -compassion in veterinary specialists
Veterinarians emotional challenges every day: from medical emergencies to compassionate conversations with animal owners in difficult situations. In a professional field based on care, they are often under considerable psychological pressure. More and more studies show that mindfulness and self -compassion are effective tools to strengthen emotional well -being and to counteract burnout.
1. Introduction: Why mindfulness in veterinary is important
Veterinary specialists are not only medically active, but also emotional supports for animal owners. This double burden demands its toll: high perfection claims, emotional exhaustion and moral conflicts are widespread.
The good news: You can learn to deal with these challenges better. Mindfulness and self -compassion are two keys that not only improve mental health, but also promote professional satisfaction.
2. Scientific background to the study
The study published in the journal Veterinary Record (Wakelin et al., 2023) examined how effective online intervention with mindfulness and compassion exercises for veterinary specialists is.
Target group:
128 veterinary specialists from various fields of work (students, authorities, industry) took part.
Focus of the study:
- Self -criticism
- perfectionism
- Self -compass
- Professional brooding compulsion
- Mental resilience
The participants filled up five questionnaires at three times - before, immediately and two weeks after the intervention.
3. The course of the intervention
The intervention consisted of 14 short video notations of 10 minutes over a period of 14 days. The content was specifically designed to build emotional skills and to facilitate access to self -compassion.
Overview of content:
- 2 videos: Psychoeducation & Introduction to Compassion -oriented therapy
- 4 videos: breathing exercises & mindfulness training
- 8 videos: guided sympathy imaginations
An additional feedback form according to the program enabled the researchers to evaluate the acceptance and effectiveness from the point of view of the participants.
4. Results of the study in detail
Number of participants & commitment
63 of the 128 participants fully ended the intervention-a demolition rate of around 51 %, which is certainly considered acceptable in the context of comparable online offers, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perceived hurdles:
- Lack of time due to professional obligations
- PandeMieD -related interruptions in everyday life
Positive effects according to the participant feedback:
- Understanding of your own emotions
- Improved self -care
- Development of empathy
- More inner peace and clarity
86 % of the participants stated that they had benefited from the intervention. 75 % planned to continue to integrate the exercises into their everyday life.
5. Why self -compassion is more than a trend
Self -compassion is often misunderstood as a forbearance or laziness. Rather, this is about a mindful, friendly dealings with yourself - especially in difficult moments.
In the veterinary context, this means:
- Not to see mistakes as a personal failure
- To give yourself the same care that you give others
- Breaks as a legitimate need and not to be regarded as a weakness
This attitude not only strengthens emotional resilience, but also improves dealing with colleagues: interior, pet owners: inside and complex situations in everyday practice.
6. Concrete recommendations for practice
1. Install regular mindfulness exercises
Whether with meditation apps, YouTube videos or podcasts-10 minutes a day is often enough to achieve a noticeable effect.
2. Accept your own limits
Perfectionism is widespread in veterinary medicine. Learn not only to measure yourself from your performance.
3. Practify compassion exercises
Guided imaginations in which you encounter yourself from a loving perspective can reduce self -criticism and create new emotional approaches.
4. Exchange with a college: search inside
Speak openly about mental loads. Solutions are easier to find together.
5. Perceive professional support
Coaching, therapy or a structured self -help program are not signs of weakness, but of strength.
7. FAQs - frequently asked questions
How do I start with mindfulness when I have no previous experience?
The start does not have to be complicated. Start with small exercises:
watch your breath for 5 minutes.
Take a careful walk - without a cell phone, only you and your senses.
Use apps such as 7Mind , headspace or insight timer .
The most important thing is not perfection, but regularity . A few minutes a day make a difference in the long term.
What is the difference between self -compassion and self -compass?
Self -custody means to meet yourself in a friendly manner - even in moments of failure. It is active and strengthening.
Self -pity, on the other hand, pulls you down emotionally. It is passive and often leads to brooding and withdrawal.
In short: self -compassion strengthens , self -suffering paralyzes .
How can I integrate mindfulness into my everyday work?
Here are a few everyday examples:
Before the operation or treatment: 3 conscious breaths take
between patient: briefly pause, loosen, take a deep breath
after stressful conversations: a mini break with a careful cup of tea
you don't need any additional time-use micro moments that are there anyway.
What role plays self -compassion in dealing with difficult animal owners?
If you treat yourself with compassion, you can also meet others more relaxed - even in difficult situations.
You remain capable of acting, do not react impulsively and protect your own emotional health.
A compassionate dealing with yourself is the basis for professional, clear communication with others.
What if I don't have time for such exercises?
Then need them most urgently. Lack of time is often a sign that you run in "autopilot mode".
The exercises can be briefly (10 minutes) and flexibly integrated - e.g. B. in the morning before starting work or in the evening before going to bed. You will find out: The clarity and rest saved save you more time in the long term than they cost.
Summary: Mindfulness in veterinary medicine - key to more well -being in everyday work
Mindfulness in veterinary medicine is much more than a trend - it is an indispensable tool to counter the high psychological stress in a demanding professional field. In a world full of emergencies, emotional exceptional situations and professional perfection expectations, mindfulness in veterinary medicine to pause, take a deep breath and to connect with yourself.
Studies show that mindfulness in veterinary medicine strengthens emotional resilience and can significantly reduce symptoms of stress, burnout and exhaustion. Especially in situations in which veterinarian: encounter moral dilemmata or high emotional stress on the inside, mindfulness in veterinary medicine a helpful structure to keep clarity and make healthy decisions.
As part of a scientifically accompanied study, it was examined how mindfulness in veterinary medicine can be specifically promoted by short, digital exercises. Breathing techniques, imaginations and compassion -based approaches were used. The results were clear: participants reported that mindfulness in veterinary medicine helped them better understand emotions, deal with perfectionism and to master professional stress more relaxed.
Mindfulness in veterinary medicine does not mean to always be calm or relaxed - but rather to deal consciously with your own thoughts, feelings and reactions. Especially in stressful moments - for example in difficult conversations with animal owners or after an emergency - mindfulness in veterinary medicine make the decisive difference.
It doesn't take much time: a few minutes a day are enough to effectively integrate mindfulness in veterinary medicine Many veterinarians report that they think more clearly through regular exercises, act more empathetically and to be less than negative thoughts. This shows that mindfulness in veterinary medicine is both preventive and healing.
In addition, mindfulness in veterinary medicine team communication. Anyone who deals with themselves carefully also meets college: inside and customers: inside with more understanding, patience and appreciation. This not only contributes to a better working atmosphere, but also for higher job satisfaction.
A central aspect of mindfulness in veterinary medicine is also dealing with self -criticism. Many specialists in veterinary medicine tend to exaggerate demands. Here, mindfulness in veterinary medicine to question internal voices and to deal with themselves more friendly.
Interestingly, many participants report that mindfulness in veterinary medicine also helps them privately - for example when falling asleep, in interpersonal relationships or when dealing with challenges in everyday life. Mindfulness in veterinary medicine looks holistic.
Of course there are hurdles: lack of time, fatigue or doubt are common reasons why mindfulness in veterinary medicine is not consistently implemented. But especially in stressful phases, it is important to consciously create small islands of calm. Mindfulness in veterinary medicine does not have to be perfect - it may be human and imperfect.
The nice thing is: mindfulness in veterinary medicine can be designed individually. Whether with guided meditations, attempts or conscious moments of reflection - each: R can find its own way. It is only important to stay over.
Mindfulness in veterinary medicine a valuable learning field for young specialists Anyone who starts working with mindfulness during their studies builds up long -term protective factors against psychological stress. Universities and training facilities should therefore develop programs in order to promote mindfulness in veterinary medicine
Last but not least, mindfulness in veterinary medicine is an investment in the most important tool of every specialist - your own health and mental strength. Because only those who take care of themselves can also be good for animals and their owners in the long term.
The message is clear: mindfulness in veterinary medicine is not a luxury, but an essential part of a sustainable and fulfilling professional life. It makes it possible not only to survive the often demanding everyday life, but to make it with more presence, joy and humanity.
Sources
- Batchelor Cem, McKeegan Def. Survey of the frequency and perceived stressfulness of ethical dilemmas encountered in uk veterinary practice. Vet Rec . 2012; 170 (1): 19. Doi: 10.1136/VR.100262
- McArthur M, Mansfield C, Matthew S, et al. Resilience in Veterinary Students and the Predictive Role of Mindfulness and Self Compassion. J Vet Med Educ . 2017; 44 (1): 106-115. DOI: 10.3138/JVME.0116-027R1
- Fletcher E. Stress Less, Accomplish More: Meditation for Extraordinary Performance . William Morrow; 2019.
- Helmstetter S. What to say when you talk to your self . Gallery Books; 2017.
- Mindfulness training. Mindfulness training - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. Mindowness training website. Accessed January 20, 2023. Https://www.mbsrtraining.com
- Great E. the Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment . Namaste Publishing and New World Library; 1999.