Breaking the Burnout Cycle: Simple Strategies for Thriving in Vet Med
Now that you've worked on managing your energy, let's talk about how to protect it and break the burnout cycle. Let’s be real: working in vet med is hard. Like, really hard. Long days, emotional rollercoasters, and an endless list of people and pets who need something from you. If you’re feeling like you’re running on fumes, trust me—you’re not alone. But here’s the thing: thriving in this field isn’t about grinding harder. It’s about getting smarter about how you protect your energy and show up for yourself.
The good news? You don’t have to live in that constant state of “Ugh, I can’t keep doing this.” Breaking the burnout cycle is totally possible if you’re willing to make a few shifts. Think boundaries that actually work, emotional resets that don’t involve crying in the car (we’ve been there), and building resilience for the long haul. Ready? Let’s do this.
Why We’re All Feeling So Drained
First, let’s address the elephant in the room. Why are so many of us veterinarians feeling like a phone battery stuck at 10%? Here’s the shortlist:
Compassion fatigue: There’s only so much emotional energy to go around when you’re constantly supporting stressed-out clients and sick pets.
Perfectionism overload: You want to nail every case, every time, because lives are literally on the line. No pressure, right?
Boundary issues: Saying “yes” to one more client call or staying late for the fifth time this week? It adds up.
Emotional weight: From euthanasia to tough conversations with coworkers, it can feel like you're carrying a backpack full of bricks.
Sound familiar? Same. But here’s the deal: these challenges are real, though they’re not permanent. Let’s break it down into strategies that work.
Step 1: Boundaries Are Your New Best Friend
If you’re cringing at the word “boundaries,” it’s time to change that. Boundaries aren’t mean or selfish—they’re how you protect your energy and sanity. They’re basically the “do not disturb” setting for your life.
3 Boundary-Setting Phrases You Need in Your Back Pocket
Not sure how to set boundaries without feeling like a jerk? Try these:
To Clients: “I hear how urgent this feels, but I’ll need to follow up tomorrow during clinic hours. Thanks for understanding!” (Read: Your emergency isn’t always my emergency.)
To Coworkers: Try a boundary-setting phrase at work tomorrow: “I’d love to help, but I’ve got a lot on my plate right now. Can we brainstorm another solution?” (Translation: Nope, but nicely.)
To Yourself: “It’s okay to come back to this tomorrow. Rest is needed and productive, too.” (Yes, talking to yourself counts.)
Pro Tip: Start small
Boundaries don’t have to be all-or-nothing. Maybe it’s just muting work emails after 6 p.m., eating lunch without working on charts, or not taking client calls on your day off. Little wins add up. Lean on your accountability buddy here to keep you honest.
Step 2: Get Your Emotional Sh*t Together
Here’s a hard truth: vet med will test your emotional resilience on the daily. You can’t control what shows up, but you can control how you process it.
Reflect on a not-so-great moment this past week and try our 3-step Evolved Method with it.
This mindfulness trick is like a mental reset button for when you’re spiraling:
Meditate - Pause and name the feeling (e.g., “I’m so frustrated.”). Let it exist without judgment. Ask yourself why it’s so intense. Is it about this moment, or is something else at play?
Elevate - Visualize your highest expression of self. How do you show up at your best? What’s an alternative way of responding? Memorize this new feeling.
Integrate - Embody the new and more positive belief. Journal about it or take a walk. Be kind to yourself, whether that’s taking deep breaths, texting your work BFF, or grabbing a coffee.
Post-Shift Reset Rituals
The emotional load of this job doesn’t just disappear when you leave the clinic. Create a ritual to shake it off—literally. Go for a quick walk, do the Evolved Vets Shift-Shedding meditation, blast your favorite playlist, or do a two-minute dance party in your living room (trust me, it works).
Step 3: Build Resilience Like a Boss
Resilience is like that muscle you didn’t know you had until you started working it out. It’s what helps you bounce back from bad days, tough clients, and the occasional imposter-syndrome spiral.
3 Habits for Next-Level Resilience
Gratitude, but make it easy: Jot down one thing that didn’t suck today. (Yes, surviving counts.)
Control what you can: Focus on your lane—your schedule, your reactions, your priorities. Let the rest be someone else’s problem.
Find your hype squad: Whether it’s a mentor, therapist, or network like The Evolved Vets, don’t go it alone. Community is everything.
Micro-Recoveries FTW
Think of resilience like a savings account. Tiny deposits, like stepping outside for 5 minutes or taking a proper lunch break, add up over time. The more you refill your energy, the more you’ll have when things get tough.
The Bigger Picture: Changing the Vet Med Game
Okay, so individual strategies are great, but let’s zoom out for a second. The culture in vet med often pushes us to work harder, care more, and basically sacrifice ourselves in the name of the job. But guess what? That culture is broken, and it’s time we fix it.
At The Evolved Vets, we’re all about building a better future for women veterinarians. That means creating spaces where you can thrive—not just survive. Where you can stop reloving and start evolving - see what we did there? Whether it’s through our process, courses, or community, we’re here to help you rewrite the rules and take back your power.
What Thriving Looks Like
Thriving in vet med doesn’t mean every day will be perfect. It means you’ll have the tools to handle the tough moments, bounce back from challenges, and actually enjoy your work again, so you can break the burnout cycle. Here’s a quick recap of how to start:
Set Boundaries: Protect your time and energy like they’re gold. Put DND on your phone one hour before bed.
Manage Emotions: Feel your feelings, then let them move through you. Take 5 minutes to step outside and breathe (or cry) after a tough case.
Build Resilience: Stack small wins to create long-term strength. Build confidence by writing down those wins in a note on your phone.
You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to have it all figured out today. Start where you are, take one small step, and watch how things start to shift.
Join the Movement
Breaking the burnout cycle isn’t just about you—it’s about creating a ripple effect in our industry. When one vet sets boundaries, manages emotions, and builds resilience, it inspires others to do the same. Together, we can create a culture where thriving is the norm, not the exception.
Want to be part of the change? Join us at The Evolved Vets. We’ve got your back with resources, community, and real talk about what it takes to build a life and career you love. Let’s do this—together.
