Saying No Is a Form of Self-Care

July 24 is International Self-Care Day—a powerful reminder that taking care of ourselves is not a luxury or a reward for hard work. It's foundational to doing veterinary work sustainably.

And one of the most essential—but often most difficult—acts of self-care? Saying no.

In a profession built around compassion, sacrifice, and service, setting boundaries can feel uncomfortable. For years, I struggled with this myself—saying yes when I meant no, stretching beyond my limits, and justifying it all in the name of helping others.

It wasn’t until I sought support through coaching and counseling that I began to understand the impact this was having on my health—and how much stronger, clearer, and more empowered I could feel by honoring my own limits.

So in recognition of International Self-Care Day and the ongoing journey of growth we’re all on, I’m sharing:

5 Things to Remember About Boundaries and Saying No

1. Saying no is an act of self-respect, not selfishness. You cannot pour from an empty cup—and no one benefits when you’re running on fumes.
2. Boundaries are not walls—they’re clarity. They help others understand how to engage with you respectfully and sustainably.
3. Discomfort is normal. Setting boundaries may feel awkward at first—but it gets easier with practice and support.
4. You can say no kindly and clearly. “I don’t have capacity for that right now” is a complete sentence. So is “Thank you for asking, but I need to pass.”
5. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Working with a coach or counselor can help you develop the language, confidence, and courage to set and uphold boundaries that honor your needs.

If this message resonates with you, I encourage you to explore the resources on our website or consider coaching with someone on our Reviving Vet Med team. We’re here to support your personal and professional growth—no matter where you are in your journey.

You deserve to rest. You deserve to recharge. And you absolutely deserve to say no without guilt.

Warmly,

Marie Holowaychuk,

DVM, DACVECC Founder, Reviving Veterinary Medicine

Podcast

Setting Boundaries and Saying No in Veterinary Medicine

Healthy boundaries are the cornerstone of resilience, protecting your mental health and fostering a sustainable career in veterinary medicine. In this podcast episode, Dr. Marie Holowaychuk, focuses on the power of boundaries and the art of saying no in veterinary practice. Listen for practical strategies to identify your limits and communicate them effectively, so you can cultivate a healthy work-life balance.

LISTEN NOW

BLOG

How to fix 5 things stopping veterinary professionals from practicing self-care

As busy veterinary professionals, it’s easy to push self-care aside, thinking you don’t have the time or energy. Between long shifts, commutes, and responsibilities outside of work, it can feel impossible. However, self-care is a vital commitment for building up your reserves and maintaining your caregiving capacity. Read our blog to discover 5 common reasons veterinarians leave self-care on the back burner and actionable fixes to integrate it into your routine.

READ NOW

RESOURCE

Simple Statements for Setting Boundaries and Saying No

Knowing your boundaries is one thing; upholding them is another. If saying “no” feels daunting, this free PDF handout is for you! We’ve crafted 10 ready-to-use statements you can use or adapt to help you stick to your boundaries. Having the right words makes all the difference. Confidently communicate your boundaries with kindness and alleviate the pressure to say yes. This powerful handout is a great addition to your self-care toolbox.

GET PDF

COACHING

Gain Strategies and Skills for Saying No

Struggling to say “no” without guilt? You’re not alone. If you find yourself constantly overcommitted or stretched thin, we can help! Our coaches offer a supportive space to explore why, and more importantly, empower you with practical strategies to prioritize yourself and your wellbeing. Learn to protect your energy and time, so you can live and work in alignment with your values, goals, and aspirations.

BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL

P.S. Not sure if coaching is the right fit? Watch the replay of our recent panel discussion to meet some of our coaches and find clarity in the next step of your wellness journey.

Reviving Veterinary Medicine aims to improve the mental health and wellbeing of veterinary professionals around the world. 

If you found this valuable, follow us for more insights—and tag a friend or colleague who might benefit from this content or is on their own wellbeing journey.