Last week was Mother's Day, my first Mother's Day, in fact. Okay, admittedly, it was more than a week ago and I'm a little behind on my blog writing. A busy work schedule and a teething baby have gotten me behind on my to-do list. Anyway, I was on call on Mother's Day, but for the most part it was a great day. I got some gifts, went running, and had dinner with family. The baby needed a nap later in the afternoon, so my husband decided to run errands in town and take the baby in hopes that he'd fall asleep in the car. “Great!” I thought to myself. Maybe I'll actually take a bath. One of the things I insisted on having in our new house was a big Jacuzzi bath tub. At this point, I had used it once since moving to our new home in January. I don't count the many times I've gotten in the tub to bathe the baby. I filled the tub, added some bath salts and lavender, and sunk into the hot water. “Best Mother's Day ever” I thought to myself. Three minutes later my phone rang. A goat was having trouble kidding (giving birth), and they needed my help. Look, I'm not complaining. I chose this career path and the long hours that come with it, but I'd be lying if I told you that juggling motherhood and this career is easy. I've learned that it can be particularly hard to find the old pieces of yourself after having a baby. I've also found how important it is to take time to yourself to do the things you enjoy. Compassion fatigue is quite common in our profession. Personally, I spend so much time at work that I want to spend every waking moment I'm not working with the baby, but I've found just taking a little time to myself to exercise or go out with friends every once in awhile can really make a difference. So for this Mother’s Day, I polled several Mom DVM colleagues to see what they like to do to relax or wind down. I have to say I was truly impressed on how talented and motivated my fellow Mom DVMs are. I want to celebrate these hobbies and fun things we do on our down time because self-care is so important, and it truly takes an effort to make time for it. For entertainment purposes, I’ll also mention a few relaxation fails of my colleagues and me. Lisa M. - I will train/compete in dog obedience. I will also paint if I can find the time. I get a massage once a month or every 2 months. Just picked up the drawing pad and pencil again since 10 years ago and that felt really nice! - Marilyn O. Amber N. - I crochet. Here's a sweater I made (my husband is modeling so it's a bit stretched weird). Amanda S. - I run a lot, about 3 times a week. Sometimes without baby (during her nap time) and sometimes with (asleep in jogging stroller)... That's all the free time I usually get. Housework, yard work, horseback riding, baking, doing fun activities/projects with the kids, reading novels, occasionally watching Netflix. - Laurel N. Jennifer S. - I knit, bake and decorate cakes and cookies. Karen R. - I read nightly also and I take taekwondo. There is a lot to be said for letting someone else take charge for a change plus hitting and kicking the sh*t out of stuff. Running and reading. I also try to get monthly massages. - Natalie O. Melanie B. - Yoga and… Maxine F. - Got in a long bike ride on Mother's Day, 61 miles. Then did a 3 mile brick run after with my daughter riding her bike next to me. Horses, yoga, boxing, reading, photography. - Lisa P.
Laura P. - I get up before everyone else in my family and work out. 1.5 hours with no kids! I stay up late and binge watch Netflix. As a result I don't get much sleep, but still… Yoga, dancing, cocktails, wine, watching my daughter dance. - Scotti G. Pamela D. - I read every night. Fiction... never work related. Even if I am exhausted I will read, even if it's 5 minutes and I pass out on the book. Gardening, biking, cross fit, skiing in winter. - Jessica S. Alison L. - Running, riding horses, gardening. Jennifer V. - Horseback riding (eventing - not relaxing but my happy place!), running, working out, yoga (anyone notice a theme here?)... My real "down time" is with hubby and son in the evenings. Sara G. - I run, either up before the sun or on my lunch break if it's not too crazy (yes, I do actually get a lunch break - another important part of maintaining balance). I find myself getting very crabby with the kids if I haven't been able to run for a few days. I also garden, but finding time for that has been harder recently. Philippa G. - I vegetable garden, raise goats for meat, do sprint level triathlons and occasionally get to ride my horse. And my hobbies? Well, it’s no secret that I love to run. For me, there’s nothing like the sound of your feet pounding the pavement as you unwind from your day. I get quite cranky when I don’t run, so it’s for my family and client’s best interest that I continue to do so. It’s also good for my waist line considering I have the appetite/diet of a 300 pound trucker. While I haven’t been for awhile, I also love going to the range and shooting. My newest favorite hobby is cuddling with my little one in the evenings after I run. It’s my excuse to procrastinate housework and do my blog writing. Don’t let this just be a Mother’s Day thing. Remember to take some time for yourself, whether it’s reading, relaxing, creating, or just locking the bathroom door and taking a bath all by yourself. You’ll be recharged and ready to face the next emergency, animal or toddler.
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Jessica Stroupe, DVM
Archives
August 2017
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