Getting more life in the Work vs Life balance

Some strategies I use to make me feel that my life is not all about work.

Some people don’t believe in the concept of work/life balance. I envy them. I need to feel that I have time away from work to do other things. For me, life is too short to be only dedicated to one aspect of it. I get huge satisfaction from work and I love my family and I need to drag myself to the gym to keep the happy hormones pumping.

In multiple vet jobs I have really struggled with getting a happy balance of work and life. Someone once told me that these things can balance out over the course of a lifetime and not each week. They seem very wise, but when I’m looking down the barrel of a weekend in a busy hospital I want to know I’m going to see some friends afterwards.

So here are some tips that I have gained over the years to crowbar in some ‘life’ around the variable and intense shifts that are thrown at you.

Last minute classes are your best friend
- If you enjoy the gym then try to find one that does pay-as-you-go-classes. When the end of the day is dictated by emergencies it can be very frustrating to pre- book classes only to miss them. I found it meant I had a bitter taste in my mouth post work even if I had had a good day otherwise.
- I would look at the available classes and plan which ones I would like to book (pre-pack your gym kit in case it’s a bit tight to get there). When you finish work, have a quick look at your timetable and book it for that evening. That way you’re not wasting money. You are risking there not being enough spaces but I often found that lots of people drop out last minute and so it often works out well.
- If you have friends who enjoy a spontaneous meet up then use this with them. The worst they can say is not tonight.
Request set days off
- If you are working the more and more popular 4 longer day work week then I found this helpful. It is very useful for classes that are courses or being able to plan meet ups with friends/appointments without having to wait until the diary is out. You may need some flexibility in smaller practices but having a general idea is so useful.
- Practices can push back on boundaries being set. You can be clear, it’s not going to be law but if possible you would like a set day off. If you offer to take an unpopular day, e.g Wednesday it can be more acceptable to your employer.
Part time is not just for parents
- If you are struggling with needing down time to recover and feel that all you are doing is working and resting you may need to reduce your hours. I have done this a couple of times, once when I was in a state of burnout and now, with my one year old. Both times I have felt much happier both at work and at home.
Do truly immersive activities
- When you are at your activity/event switch the vet brain off!
  - If you are idly thinking about work during the session then it is likely not that interesting to you.
- Even when watching TV try to pick shows that you get lost in. Your time is special and so try to fill it with useful or beautiful content.
Set vet boundaries
- If you are seeing vet friends try to limit the vet conversation, your mind will just return to work and you will not be resting.
  - This is especially important for vet couples, set a time/safe word that takes vet chat off the table!
Do something useful or nice on your commute
- Read, listen to a podcast or book or enjoy the silence. Have an intention for your time. I drive and listen to a lot of non-vet things. It allows me to decompress and gives me something interesting to talk about-which I value.
Prove to yourself that you do have a life.
- Put everything, even last minute coffees, in your calendar. On those late night shifts with no end in sight you can look and see all the fun non-vet things you have done or are in store and it can get you through the next few hours. We can do anything for 5 hours right?
- Even write a list of the things you would like to do to feel yourself and then tick off when you have done them.