You probably know how to handle nervous or violent pets thanks to your experience as professional pet sitters and dog walkers. You also know how to protect yourself from harm, like a dog's bite.
You spend a lot of time taking care of other people and animals, so don't forget to pamper yourself every once in a while.
Self-care is a helpful way to deal with stress and difficult circumstances. However, it also helps you be a better caregiver. How?
To practice self-care, one must turn within and pay attention to one's own needs. Putting your own needs first can help you better serve the needs of others; therefore, you shouldn't feel bad about doing so.
6 self-care ideas for pet sitters and dog walkers
Everyone, of course, needs to take care of themselves. However, there are several factors that might make working in the pet industry unpleasant and difficult. These suggestions for taking care of oneself are written with pet sitters and dog walkers in mind, but they can be just as useful for veterinarians and those who assist in animal rescue.
Recognize your worth
Maintaining a positive rapport with oneself is, without a doubt, the most important aspect of self-care. This is easier said than done, though. Keeping your self-esteem and confidence levels high requires that you never lose sight of your own value.
When we don't value ourselves, we start to feel useless, which is bad for our mental health. You can't give your all when you feel worthless, so don't bother trying. The situation spirals out of control.
How do you recognize your worth?
Take the first step by welcoming praise. Put an end to your self-criticism and learn to be a little more lenient with yourself. After all, no one is faultless.
Don't be too hard on yourself if you believe you're lacking in some areas of expertise. Instead, think about getting training or developing such skills.
Take your time to assess
Self-care includes doing regular "check-ins" to see how you're doing. Pet sitting and dog walking can be demanding jobs that require you to continuously think of the needs of others.
It's important to check in on your emotional and physical well-being on a regular basis. It will help you determine if you are experiencing depression if you have feelings of extreme fatigue, agitation, or melancholy.
This is a quick and easy method to assess how you're doing and get some help if you need it.
Strive for a healthy work-life balance
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial to your happiness and health. After all, life without recreation would indeed be dull.
Consider cutting back on your workload if you feel you're putting in too many hours every week. Perhaps adding some new events to your weekly schedule will do the trick. A better work-life balance can be achieved by following these suggestions.
- Make sure you schedule some time for rest and relaxation.
- Set your working hours and try to stick to them.
- Make a plan to get some exercise.
- Don't hesitate to say no to clients.
Learn how to decline
Realize that you can politely decline business from some customers without damaging your reputation. It's also acceptable to decline requests from demanding customers.
Having confidence in your abilities and being honest about your limitations can serve you well when declining clients.
Keeping an up-to-date work schedule is essential. In this way, you can be prepared for any unexpected requests from customers. You may just look at your schedule and say, "Sorry, I'm fully booked."
Reduce stress
Internally, externally, and psychologically, stress is harmful. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to manage stress.
Numerous methods exist for doing so. Finding strategies that fit your needs is the challenge. Some common methods of relieving stress are:
- Tai Chi, Yoga, and Other Relaxation Methods.
- Spending time outdoors.
- Mindfulness practices include meditation, visualization, and breathing.
- Physical Activity.
Spend time doing things you enjoy
Self-care, stress reduction, and a more satisfying work-life balance are all aided by making time for the things that bring you joy. You probably have a lot of affection for the animals you care for, but even if you enjoy your work, you still need personal time.
Dog walkers and pet sitters can, in fact, work odd hours like dawn and the weekend. You won't feel like you're missing out if you make time for the activities that bring you joy. Self-care entails tending to one's emotional and physical needs on a regular basis. Doing the activities you enjoy is free, effective self-care.
Consider that your pet sitting business and your dog-walking clients will suffer if you don't prioritize your own health and wellness.