SOAP yourself: A self-care guide for veterinary professionals
Anyone see that meme going around about how the new self-care is talking to yourself the way you talk to your pet? Well, as veterinary professionals, we can take it a step further. Let’s take care of ourselves, and our team, the way we take care of every pet that comes through the practice door.
It’s time to SOAP yourself. We put this guide together using rhapsody’s SOAP (a more thorough and all-inclusive version of the SOAP you know). Read it, implement it, and share it!
Appointment
Taking the time to focus on yourself is the first step, but it’s often the most difficult. Practices run on such hectic schedules that even squeezing in a few minutes is challenging. So be deliberate. Think of yourself as a scientist gathering data to solve a problem: you need to schedule lab time.
Tips
- Use a mood journal to track how you feel
- Plan breaks into your schedule
- If impromptu breaks are easier, set a timer so your team knows when you'll be back
Questions
Ask yourself the necessary questions. Check in emotionally and physically.
Questions
- What is my mood?
- When was my last break?
- Did I eat/exercise/drink water today?
Tips
Check in with yourself using Brené Brown’s exercise, the Vowel Check
- A = Have I been Absent today?
- E = Have I Exercised today?
- I = What have I done for myself today?
- O = What have I done for Others today?
- U = Am I holding on to Unexpressed emotions today?
- Y = Yeah! What is something good that's happened today?
Vitals
Focus on the here and now. Emphasizing the mind-body connection pulls us out of emotionally driven thought patterns. Sometimes, our vital signs are the most vital signs of how we’re really doing.
Questions
- What is my heart rate?
- What is my respiration?
- What is my FAS?
Exam
Now dig a little deeper. Do you know what you’re feeling? Mindfulness is a continuous process of connecting the body and mind. And, sometimes, it takes time to really understand whether everything is within normal limits or if anything is outside normal limits and needs your attention.
Tips
- Take three deep breaths. Does heart rate increase or decrease?
- Rub your fingertips together. Can you feel the individual ridges?
- Make a point to focus on your mood and what it means. Schedule time later to reevaluate if needed
Differential Dx
Time to make some conclusions. Unfortunately, wellbeing is an ongoing process and doesn’t end with anything definite. Instead, focus on what you notice, what’s working, and what needs attention.
Questions
- What is going well?
- Which areas need work?
- What am I missing from this situation?
- What do I want to take away?
Order & To Do
Ready to convert your answers into actionable items? Maybe it’s little adjustments towards a healthier lifestyle. Or, maybe it’s implementing bigger changes like improving work-life balance or deciding it’s time to talk to someone.
Tips
- Phrase every To Do list item as a task
- I.E. Talk to someone ➡ 1) Find a therapist or coach 2) Schedule an appointment
- Keep the list short and immediate
Wrap up & Check-out
Before you take action, set yourself up for success. Think of it as your own personal wellness plan.
Questions
- What is one small thing I can do to reach my goal?
- Whose help do I need to reach my goal?
Tips
- Review and summarize your plan of action
- Set a reminder for your next self-SOAP
Kristina Guldbrand
With contribution from...
Kristina Guldbrand is rhapsody’s customer success manager. She is also a trained and certified leadership coach with a focus on facilitating team building, leadership, and wellbeing for veterinary practices.
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