LIFESTYLE
cropped view of a woman pouring a pink smoothie into a glass on a low counter top, beside the cup sits a small wooden tray of strawberries and blueberries
Managing YOUR Pain Through Healthy Habits typography
By Renee Machel
B

eing a veterinary professional is a labor-intensive job. You’re on your feet for long hours and often in odd positions drawing blood, performing surgery or restraining an animal. When it comes to your body, aches and pains tend to come with the profession—but it doesn’t have to be so bad. Here I will share with you some of the things I’ve found to be helpful in reducing inflammation and managing chronic pain.

Yoga Poses

Simple yoga poses can be done throughout the day instead of adding it on to your already full schedule. These poses help you notice and correct things that might later manifest into stronger pains or require medical interventions. They will also help you feel refreshed after hours on your feet with the weight of gravity pulling you down. Here are two simple poses to try:

  1. Mountain Pose: Stand with your feet hip distance apart. Lift and spread your toes, then lower them back down and connect with the ground.
  2. Forward Fold: Stretch your arms forward away from your shoulders and hinge at your hips to bow forward with your torso.
Diet Choices
Did you know that “blue zones” are areas where people live to be centenarians, reaching 100 years old? Scientists have studied blue zones for years and found that part of their secret is getting higher amounts of key nutrients, which can be found in some foods that have been labeled as “super foods” or “anti-inflammatory foods.”

The following are three of the top anti-inflammatory foods and some simple ways to incorporate them into your diet.

We are creatures of habit, and we balk at change, so connecting new habits with existing ones helps your brain tie the neural tracks together.
turmeric powder
Turmeric
Making your own taco or sloppy joe seasoning and adding turmeric helps you gradually increase your intake of the spice. Cooking with homemade seasonings—as opposed to buying the prepackaged pouches—also cuts out the “added-flavor,” which often includes yeast that can inflame the body, and high sodium or sugar contents, which again work against you.

Turmeric also comes in health “shots” found at the supermarket. Paired with other herbs and spices, these can boost your immune system. Turmeric and immune-boosting supplement combinations are also available in a capsule form, which can be easier for busy professionals—and you don’t taste the strong flavors. You can also travel with these, which is a game changer for recovering.

tea cup filled on a saucer and flower
Tea
Try a wide variety of teas—warm and cold, prepared for you, bottled or prepare them yourself so you can modify the ingredients to your liking. Try using stevia or another healthier alternative instead of sugar if you desire a little sweetness to your tea.

If you are new to the land of tea, steer away from floral flavors, sticking with fruitier flavors. For existing tea drinkers who are ready to up your game, aim for green tea or matcha tea for the best health benefits.

bowl of strawberries
Berries
Getting berries when they are in season enhances the flavor, especially if they are locally sourced. If berries are not your favorite, try incorporating them with oatmeal or yogurt to offset the tartness. Adding them to smoothies, either fresh or frozen, is also a great way to include them in your diet.
Creating Habits
As busy professionals, it’s best to automate what you can so you don’t have to add to your mental load. This is crucial when creating new and effective systems that work seamlessly with your life as it is. We are creatures of habit, and we balk at change, so connecting new habits with existing ones helps your brain tie the neural tracks together.

For example, if you make coffee in the morning, put the blender right beside it. If you prep your coffee the night before, do the same with your supplements or smoothie supplies. Or, when you reach for the door handle to examine a patient, do a mental check and readjust your body into mountain pose.

Before you know it, these small changes will become second nature. And if you stray from a previous health commitment, gently remind yourself to move toward that direction once again. For the most part, you can’t see or feel the benefits of incorporating these new practices straight away, but your cells will thank you as they recover from daily stress.

Renee Machel headshot
Renee Machel is a nationally recognized wellbeing speaker, certified life coach, CYT 200 yoga instructor, mindfulness, and meditation guide. As the co-founder of Get MotiVETed she aims to provide a positive impact on people’s wellbeing and enhance the culture within organizations of vetmed. She has spent nearly 20 years in the veterinary industry as a hospital leader and technician. She shares her personal story of overcoming wellbeing struggles along with key teachings in managing both personal and professional development.
Back to Issue