Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

✨ Happy Random Acts of Kindness Week! ✨ Being kind to others doesn’t just brighten their day—it also boosts your own wellbeing. Research shows that when we do things that feel good, our brains release serotonin and oxytocin—two of the four main "happy hormones"—which help improve our mood and support mental health. There are so many simple ways to practice kindness this week: 🌟 Write a thoughtful note to a loved one 🌟 Volunteer for a cause that’s meaningful to you 🌟 Truly listen when someone is sharing with you 🌟 Leave a positive message on a sticky note in your staff breakroom or a random spot 🌟 Offer a snack or refreshment to your delivery driver 🌟 Reach out to someone who’s struggling 🌟 Send an encouraging email to a colleague These small acts create a ripple effect—not just in our own lives, but in the communities around us. When someone does something kind for us, we’re more likely to pass that kindness along. It’s like when a stranger buys your coffee at the drive-thru, and you feel inspired to pay it forward to the next person in line. So, how will you celebrate Random Acts of Kindness this week? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your ideas! Let’s spread joy as far as we can, in veterinary medicine and beyond. 💙 #FeelGoodFriday #RandomActsofKindnessWeek #MentalHealth #HappyHormones #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing

Do you remember the first time you had to deal with a rude or challenging client in veterinary medicine? For me, it happened early. Some of you know that both of my parents are veterinarians, and when I was in junior high, I worked Saturdays at my mom’s companion animal practice. One Saturday, we were slammed with emergencies and appointments when a client stormed up to the front desk, furious about the wait time. I’ll never forget how it felt to be berated in front of a full waiting room. That was my first real introduction to the challenges of working with clients in veterinary medicine. And as my career has evolved, I’ve seen just how common these experiences are—not just for veterinarians but for technicians, nurses, receptionists, animal care attendants, and everyone on the veterinary team. Not all clients are rude, of course, but when these moments add up, they can take a serious toll—leading to stress, burnout, or even thoughts of leaving the profession. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In the latest episode of Reviving Vet Med, Dealing with Rude Clients in Veterinary Practice, I dig into why we’re seeing an increase in disrespectful and aggressive behavior from clients and share practical strategies for handling these situations with empathy and professionalism. We’ll cover de-escalation techniques, boundary-setting, and active listening—plus ways to recover afterward. And let’s be real—handling these interactions isn’t just an individual responsibility. A supportive practice culture, strong leadership, and celebrating team wins all play a role in creating a more respectful and resilient workplace. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16609472-dealing-with-rude-clients-in-veterinary-practice-episode-58-reviving-vet-med If this resonates with you, please consider sharing it with a colleague or your team. The more we talk about this, the more we can create positive change. Thank

We all know that poor communication in the workplace can be a major source of stress. On the other hand, veterinary teams that prioritize coordination, clear communication, and open dialogue experience lower burnout and higher job satisfaction. The benefits of healthy communication cannot be overstated when it comes to creating a supportive and effective work environment. When you hear compassionate communication, you might assume it’s passive—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Compassionate communication is not: ❌ Sugarcoating the situation ❌ People-pleasing ❌ Self-effacing ❌ Passive-aggressive ❌ Ignoring your own needs ❌ Simply "getting over it" As one of my favorite authors, @Brene Brown, says: "Clear is kind." Being passive means not expressing what we truly want or need—often in an attempt to avoid conflict. But over time, those unspoken frustrations build up into resentment. For example, if a coworker constantly interrupts you in meetings, you might address it by saying: 💬 “When you interrupt me during staff meetings, I feel like it undermines my expertise. I need you to let me finish my thought before speaking up.” Compare that to an aggressive approach: 💬 “You need to be quiet during staff meetings and stop interrupting me.” There’s a big difference between these two responses. Using an “I” statement shifts the focus away from frustration and instead offers a constructive solution. In episode 44 of the @RevivingVetMed podcast, I dive into the benefits of healthy team communication and how to foster it with curiosity and compassion. From practicing empathy to offering genuine apologies, I share actionable strategies that can improve communication both at work and at home. 🎧 Listen to the episode: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/14503704 #CompassionateCommunication #WellnessWednesday #WellbeingWednesday #BurnoutPrevention #WorkplaceCulture #RevivingVetMed

Navigating Mental Health Conversations in Veterinary Medicine | Reviving Vet Med | Episode 57

I often hear from veterinary professionals who want to foster open conversations about mental health in the workplace but aren’t sure how to start. Many of us worry that these discussions will be emotionally charged. What if a team member shares something personal, and I don’t know how to respond? When someone opens up about anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to say. But staying silent in those moments can leave the other person feeling like they shouldn’t have shared at all—which only reinforces stigma. Avoiding these conversations isn’t the answer. In fact, secrecy and silence are among the biggest contributors to mental health stigma, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, teams, and even patient care. So, how can we navigate these conversations in a way that feels supportive, compassionate, and productive? In the latest episode of the Reviving Veterinary Medicine podcast, I share practical strategies for creating safe spaces, using active listening, and offering meaningful support—all while recognizing the role of workplace culture in shaping mental health outcomes. 🎧 Listen here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16524362 I also discuss The Working Mind, an evidence-based program hosted by Canadian Veterinary Medical Association and created by the Mental Health Commission of Canada that provides veterinary professionals with tools to manage workplace mental health challenges effectively. Whether you’re a team member or leader, I encourage you to tune in for actionable insights to help you approach mental health conversations with confidence and care. A huge thank you to Scribenote for making this episode possible. Let’s work together to break the silence, reduce stigma, and build a workplace culture where mental health is prioritized. #MentalHealthMatters #VeterinaryWellbeing #PsychologicalSafety #WellbeingWednesday #RevivingVetMed #Podcast #MentalHea

🌟 Today, January 22, marks the 15th anniversary of @BellLets_Talk Day! 🌟 This is one of the most significant days of the year for me. As someone who lives with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, and supported loved ones through their own struggles, this day is very close to my heart. January can be tough for many, as the connection of the holidays fades. The cold, dark days, especially here in Canada, can amplify feelings of isolation and loneliness. It took me a long time to find the courage to talk openly about my mental health. I used to believe I had to just power through it and bury my feelings, but what I’ve learned is that opening up about mental health is incredibly powerful. If this is something you find difficult, I want to share my top 3 tips for becoming more comfortable discussing your mental health with others: 1️⃣ Connect with someone you trust. Whether it’s a close friend, family member, or someone else you feel safe with, starting your conversations with someone you already trust is a great first step. 2️⃣ Start small. You don’t have to share everything at once. Even simply expressing how you’re feeling can make a big difference and help you feel less alone. 3️⃣ Listen to others. Reducing stigma is not only about sharing your own mental health story but also about listening to others. Check in with someone you care about today—you never know how much they might need it. Taking these small steps is more than enough to begin building the habit of talking about mental health and connecting with others on the topic. Happy Bell Let’s Talk Day! To learn more about ways to participate, visit bell.ca/letstalk. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988 or visit suicide.org for additional resources. #MentalHealthMatters #BellLetsTalk #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #WellbeingWednesday #WellnessWednesd

💡 New Year’s Resolutions: Love them or leave them? Depending on your personality—especially how you respond to internal expectations—you might have mixed feelings about setting resolutions. Maybe they’ve worked for you in the past, or maybe you find them frustrating and unsustainable. Here’s the truth: simply resolving to do something out of sheer determination or pressuring yourself to meet lofty goals can quickly lead to burnout. In fact, studies show that 80% of New Year’s Resolutions are abandoned by mid-February, even though a third of people set them. If you’ve struggled to stick with resolutions, you’re not alone—and it’s not a flaw in you! Often, the issue is that resolutions are too vague, like “eat healthier” or “exercise more.” Here’s a better approach: instead of creating a wish list for the year, focus on building sustainable habits that fit into your life. Then, find strategies to support consistency. Research suggests it takes 3–6 weeks to form a habit. By shifting your mindset from resolutions to habits, you’re setting yourself up for success—turning your goals into something that becomes second nature. For a deeper dive into making your wellness goals stick this year, join me for the first @RevivingVetMed 90-minute workshop of 2025: Goodbye Resolutions, Hello Habits: Practical Strategies for Wellbeing This Year 🗓️ Date: January 22, 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00 AM MT / 12:00 PM ET 🔗 Register Now: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/webinar/habits * Approved for 1.5 hours of CE credit by the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. Let’s make 2025 the year of lasting change. I can’t wait to see you there! #NewYearsResolutions #HabitFormation #SelfDevelopment #SelfCare #Wellness #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #RevivingVetMed

I want to urge every veterinary professional: don’t wait until your tank is empty to start prioritizing self-care. Taking care of yourself isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential. Without it, you risk not only your wellbeing but also the health and safety of the pets and people you’re working so hard to support. And if you’re like me and have ever felt guilty about taking time for yourself, consider this your permission slip to make your health and wellbeing a priority. There’s a common misconception that self-care is just about indulgent activities—like binging your favorite show, sipping a fancy latte, or soaking in a bubble bath. While those things can feel good in the moment, true self-care goes deeper. It’s about building habits that restore your energy and strengthen your resilience over the long term. So, next time you finish a tough shift, instead of heading straight for the couch, try one of these small but powerful practices: ✍️ Journal your thoughts to process the day 🌳 Take a walk in nature to clear your mind 🩺 Schedule that health appointment you’ve been putting off 🧘‍♀️ Spend 5 minutes on yoga or meditation These practices not only help manage stress but also contribute to your overall health and resilience. And remember, self-care looks different for everyone. It’s a conscious, deliberate practice, and it’s okay if it takes time to figure out what works best for you. For more ideas and strategies, tune into episode 56 of the @revivingvetmed podcast: “Holistic Approaches to Self-Care.” In this episode, I break down the 8 dimensions of wellness and offer actionable tips to help you create a sustainable self-care routine. 🎧 Listen here: https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16444662-a-holistic-approach-to-self-care-episode-56-reviving-vet-med When we prioritize self-care, we’re not just helping ourselves—we’re enhancing our ability to care for others and paving the way for a

🌍 Happy One Health Awareness Month! One Health highlights the vital connections between veterinary medicine, human health, and the environment. This month is the perfect opportunity to explore these interconnected aspects and reflect on their significance. When I think about One Health, I often consider burnout—the physical and mental exhaustion many of us experience. One of my favorite ways to recharge is by taking my dog for a walk or hike in nature. It’s a simple yet powerful way to reconnect with myself, my health, and the environment. Here are three key thoughts about One Health I’d like to share with you today: 1️⃣ Caring for animals has a deeper impact than you might realize. Our patients aren’t just pets—they’re often lifelines for their owners, providing crucial mental health support, especially for those living with disabilities or chronic pain. The work we do extends far beyond the exam room. 2️⃣ Remember to care for yourself as you care for animals. Your health is the foundation for providing high-quality care and preventing burnout. Prioritizing your wellbeing enables you to better support your patients and their families. 3️⃣ The environment is central to all health. The health of our planet impacts us all. For wild animals, veterinarians play a vital role in conserving ecosystems by rehabilitating animals and preventing extinction. Beyond that, our profession often uncovers critical connections between human and environmental health, as seen with zoonotic diseases like COVID-19. This January, how will you nurture One Health in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments! #OneHealth #OneHealthAwareness #VeterinaryMedicine #Healthcare #EnvironmentalScience #TipTuesday #RevivingVetMed

Many veterinarians feel stuck, as if our education limits us to one narrow path, leaving little room to explore anything outside traditional roles. When the demands of these roles become unsustainable, many professionals feel forced to leave the field altogether. But here’s the truth: veterinary medicine can offer so much more than you might realize. From clinical practice to industry, government, entrepreneurship, part-time roles, and beyond, there are countless ways to use our degrees and skills in meaningful, fulfilling ways. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on a hamster wheel you can’t escape or doubted your abilities due to imposter syndrome, I encourage you to tune into Episode 36 of the @RevivingVetMed podcast: 🎙️ https://revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/12602813 In this special episode, I share an interview I did with Dr. Megan Sprinkle from the @VetLifeReimagined podcast. My journey in vet med has been far from linear. It’s taken years of reflection and experimentation to find a balance of roles that work for me. Like so many of us, I’ve grappled with workaholism and imposter syndrome along the way. The truth is, being a veterinarian is about more than diagnosing and treating—it’s about navigating complex decisions in challenging circumstances. These transferable skills open doors to a variety of roles both within and beyond veterinary medicine. My hope for you in 2025 is to embrace the possibility of finding a work-life balance that truly works for you—one that supports a professional identity where you can thrive both personally and professionally. #VetLifeReimagined #VeterinaryWellness #VeterinaryWellbeing #WellnessWednesday #RevivingVetMed

Have you ever read a book that made you stop and say, “OMG, that’s me”? That was my reaction years ago when I stumbled across a book about imposter syndrome—before the days of Amazon when finding niche books meant scouring the shelves of a bookstore. I read it cover to cover, and it hit me: this was what I had been experiencing for so many years. Imposter syndrome is that persistent doubt about our abilities and accomplishments, coupled with the fear of being exposed as a fraud—even when there’s clear evidence of success. The first time I felt this way was when I got accepted into veterinary school. Some of you know that both of my parents are veterinarians and alumni of the same school. At just 19 years old, I convinced myself I hadn’t earned my spot. Instead, I thought they’d only let me in because of my parents. I worried the admissions team was afraid my parents would be upset if I didn’t get accepted. That belief stuck with me for years. I didn’t even tell most people that both of my parents were veterinarians. When I got into my internship, I thought being a Canadian vet meant I wouldn’t measure up to American veterinarians. Then, during my residency, I was sure someone would eventually discover they had made a mistake. It was in residency that I first learned about imposter syndrome, and everything started to click. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone. In fact, my episode on imposter syndrome became the #1 downloaded podcast of 2024—a clear sign that this experience touches so many of us in veterinary medicine. In episode 45 of the @RevivingVetMed podcast, I dive into: ✨ What imposter syndrome is ✨ Who it impacts in veterinary medicine ✨ How it manifests in our personal and professional lives ✨ Practical ways to reduce it and quiet your inner critic Listen now: www.revivingvetmed.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/14691815 If this episode speaks to you, I’d be so grateful if you shared it with a colleague wh

Did you know yesterday was World Digital Detox Day? 💻❌ In honor of it, the latest episode of the @RevivingVetMed podcast dives into our relationship with technology and explores how we can build healthier habits to reduce the harmful effects of too much screen time. For those of us in veterinary medicine, technology is woven into every part of our day—whether it’s managing schedules, engaging with clients, documenting medical records, attending virtual CE, or staying connected with friends and family. Add that to the mental, emotional, and physical demands of our work, and it’s no wonder we often feel completely stretched thin. Excessive screen use can also lead to decision fatigue, leaving us so mentally drained that even simple decisions—like what to eat for dinner or how to unwind—feel impossible. But there’s hope! Tune into Episode 55 of the Reviving Vet Med Podcast, "Digital Wellness for Veterinary Professionals". I’m sharing insights on: ✨ How social media impacts our mental health. ✨ Strategies to set healthy boundaries with screens. ✨ Tips for performing a digital detox (even if it’s your first time!). 📲 Listen to the episode here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2011463/episodes/16261146 This episode is packed with practical tools to help you reclaim your time, boost your energy, and reconnect with what truly matters—whether you’re feeling stretched to the limit or just looking for small ways to refocus. A huge thank you to @Scribenote for generously sponsoring this episode! P.S. Don’t forget to enter our 30-Day Digital Detox Calendar Giveaway before December 31, 2024! 🎉 It’s a fun and easy way to start building healthier tech habits. How to Enter: 1️⃣ Follow @marieholowaychuk on IG. 2️⃣ Follow @revivingvetmed on IG. 3️⃣ Subscribe to my newsletter for tips, tools, and updates designed to support your wellbeing: https://revivingvetmed.kartra.com/page/digitaldetox2024. Let’s reclaim our time and enha