Strategic Renewal for Work Life Balance – podcast with Julie South
Strategic Renewal is about deliberate and intentional practice of setting aside time for activities that rejuvenate mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual energy levels. It involves recognising the need for balance to combat the stress and demands of daily work life and creating a conscious effort to prioritise self-care. As Julie South puts it, “It’s about making time for your own self-care and your own personal well being.”
In today’s fast-paced world, ‘Work-Life Harmony’ has emerged as a desirable goal for professionals in various fields, including veterinary practice.
It’s more than just a buzzword; it’s a tangible and highly personalised approach to blending professional responsibilities and personal life for overall well-being.
In episode 173 of the Vet Staff podcast, Julie South sheds light on practical steps veterinary professionals can take to achieve strategic renewal.
This is episode three in the Work Life Harmony four-part series.
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Finding Work-Life Harmony Through Strategic Renewal
In the latest episode of her podcast, host Julie South focuses on the concept of “strategic renewal” as a way for veterinary professionals to achieve sustainable work-life harmony. She defines strategic renewal as the intentional practice of setting aside time for restorative activities that rejuvenate mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual energy.
Why Strategic Renewal Matters
For vets and vet nurses prone to burnout from constant demands, strategic renewal can prevent reaching the breaking point. By carving out time for self-care, it’s possible to maintain healthy productivity and a more balanced lifestyle.
South cites numerous research studies showing time in nature provides cognitive, mood, and health benefits. Just 2 hours a week outdoors can significantly boost self-reported wellbeing. She encourages getting outside even briefly as part of an overall strategic renewal plan.
Evaluating Your Renewal Needs
South suggests first finding quiet time for reflection across four areas:
- Physical – Assess current fitness level and energy for daily activities
- Mental – Consider ability to focus and capacity for decision making
- Emotional – Check if feeling balanced or nearing meltdown
- Spiritual – Determine if sense of peace and connectedness needs bolstering
Once identifying the area most in need of attention, the next step is to pick a small, manageable action to start making positive change.
Baby Steps Bring Big Results
The episode emphasises how tiny, incremental steps add up over time to form life-enhancing habits.
South provides examples like going to bed 30 minutes earlier, walking 15 minutes on a lunch break, or fully relaxing during a short coffee break. Small renewal actions done consistently lead to outsized benefits.
Continuing the Journey
South refers listeners back to the first two episodes of the work-life harmony series for additional tactics on boundary setting and negotiating priorities. With strategic renewal added to the mix, veterinary professionals can transform their wellbeing and career outlook.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Julie South – on Linkedin – More Awe + Attitude of Gratitude posts
VetClinicJobs – where good employers shine online and people who’re looking for their next job can find them.
Other Vet Staff Episodes Worth Listening to
Ep 171 – Work-Life Harmony – pt 1
Ep 172 – Work-Life Harmony – pt 2
EP 160 – Resiliency Quotient – pt 4 – Values
ep 39 – 12 Statements Low EQ People Make
ep 40 – Emotional Intelligence – 6 Ways to Lead as an Emotionally Intelligent Leader
ep 145 – Exploring Social Intelligence – A Key to Personal and Professional Development
Research Links Mentioned in this Series:
https://e360.yale.edu/features/ecopsychology-how-immersion-in-nature-benefits-your-nhealth
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8125471/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/nature-and-mental-health
VetClinicJobs
where good vet clinic employers shine online and jobseekers go to find them
