One of the things I didn't realize was something I would really need to learn when I became a equine professional, was that I was going to have to work even harder to take care of my mental health. Burnout is a word that is getting shared a lot lately in the equine professional community. Burnout isn't fun it makes you question your ability to do your job. It may also make you literally loath going to work. Once a passion is now a dreaded ball chained to your ankle that's following you around. So, how do we avoid it as equine professionals?
It's going to be a change that equine professionals are willing to talk about. I think burnout has become so common with the equine industry that we think it's just normal. It's a badge of success that if we aren't tired, hating life, and struggling to get everything done we are being successful. So why are we expecting burnout to be the the badge of honor? Honestly, the only burnout we should be celebrating is the burnout at the end of the Daytona 500.
How do we change the narrative? How about finding success in the accomplishment of the business, or how happy the equine professional is in their occupation. I find that when I'm happy in my occupation I can give my full attention to my clients. They don't get a professional that is just going through the motions. It also allows the business to flourish. So why don't we take better care of ourselves.
Taking time for myself has become a huge part of my business plan. It's allowed me to give my full attention to my clients during their appointments.. It's also has allowed me to pursue continuing education that can better serve my clients and their horses. So why not push our equine professionals in our lives to take time for themselves. Not just taking time, but putting boundaries in place.
Boundaries are so importnant in the equine industry. From business hours that need to be respoected. Most professionals run thier own business, but the business shouldn't be their full concentration 24 hours a day. Put boundaries in place that onluy during this certain time you answer phone calls or texts. Find what works for you.
Charge what your worth and to make a decent living without exhausting yourself to pay your own bills. One of the hardest things is the worry that you won't be able to be able to pay your own bills, and not just the bills for the business. That can lead to burnout as you try to take on more and more clients to help pay bills.
So as an equine industry lets do better and start talking about mental health, and encouraging our colleagues in this industry to take care of themselves. Let's change the narrative.
Things that have helped me
Taking time for yourself
Go hiking or kayaking
Getting coffee with friends and catching up
Taking time for my own horses
Taking time to take a break away and enjoy things outside of my profession
Setting boundaries with clients
Setting boundaries with myself
Charging what my time is actually worth
Being realistic in what my body can actually handle
Taking time to spend with other professionals talking about the ups and downs of the equine industry