You don’t have to be a Parks and Rec fan to start taking care of yourself! Our bodies go through a beating as veterinary professionals. Whether you’ve been in the field for 5 years or 20 it is labor-intensive! So here are 3 ways you can take care of your body and feel better!

Massage therapy doesn’t have to be a luxury- it can be a necessity! It’s not just about feeling warm and fuzzy rather repairing the ‘damage’ that can happen day in and day out. Finding an experienced therapist to manage your aging and aching body is life-changing! Massage therapy relieves pain, increasing flexibility, and circulation, providing overall restoration and healing. It even flushes the lymphatic system. Did you know your HSA may be able to pay for your monthly bodywork? Check it out.

Acupuncture has made its way into my body care routine and I’m so grateful that I have been able to find a place where I live that is fantastic! This mindful approach to taking care of yourself focuses not just on the body, but on your lifestyle, mind, and state of energy as a whole not as fragmented portions. Acupuncture can target your digestive system, help you manage your emotional state, enhance your sleep, and more, the list goes on and on! It really is one of the most holistic approaches to aligning yourself to being well.

Guess what? When you go to the M.D. you MIGHT get 10-15 min of their time, total. Your Acupuncture appts will likely have 30-45 min dedicated to taking your history, so plan to be there for about 2 hours! Amazing right!!?? Because it’s not about just 1 thing, it’s all connected.

For those with a fear of needles, I say go anyway! It probably will not be as scary as it is in you’ve made it out to be.

“Move the body, still the mind”

Last, you have to have a home care toolbox. Such things you can begin keeping in your home are a foam roll, baking soda, essential oils, a place to take a hot bath, heating pad, yoga/exercise mat, blocks, straps, bolster, or blankets/towels (to fill in space between your body and the mat when needed), racquetball (for really tight muscles, acupressure points, foot pain, etc), KT tape, supplements if needed, a good quality mattress (you spend approx 1/3 of your life in it!) remember that solid night of sleep will transform your days!

As always, start where you are, and make it your own, find out what works for you to keep you feeling and performing at your optimal level. If you begin practicing a bit of mindful awareness of what your feeling in your body you may notice that pain showing up in other areas of your life, irritability, communication, short fuses, etc. You also may notice the flip side, so once you begin a self-care practice focused on your body, you may notice improvements in your relationships, mood, productivity, clarity, and so forth.

I will share one last thing, consider a side gig like pet sitting if you need the cash to treat yo' self to some much-needed body care! 

If you still aren't sure how to start prioritizing yourself as a busy professional, check out this resource to get you headed in the right direction.