By Debbie Boone, BS, CVPM (NAAVR Co-Founder/Vice President)
Since May is Mental Health Month, I thought a layman’s lesson in brain science would be an
interesting topic. As someone considered an expert in communication, I began studying
neuroscience for the insights it offers into why humans act the way they do. When scientists
began using functional MRI technology, many hidden secrets of the brain were revealed.
For example, for most of recorded history, it was assumed that humans made important decisions
by mentally creating a “positives and negatives” list and moving toward the side with the most
positives. Nope. Humans are primarily emotional decision-makers. Neuroscience research has
repeatedly demonstrated that emotion plays a major role in judgment, behavior, and decision-
making. (PMC)
In the book The Sandler Rules, the authors explain that humans often operate with three
emotional entities in the mind.
The first is the Child. This entity sees something attractive and says, “I want!”
Consider the number of clients (and team members) who see a cute kitten in a box at a flea
market and — even though they are worried about making rent, already have five cats, four dogs,
and a horse — take the kitten home anyway. IMPULSE!
The second voice in the decision is the Parent. The Parent says, “You are a good person and
deserve to have what you want. You deserve the kitten.” This is self-reward and self-validation.
The final voice is the Adult. The Adult justifies the decision. Perhaps it says, “Well, all my cats
are getting older. A kitten will help perk them up and keep them active. Plus, after the initial
visits, kittens are inexpensive to care for.”
You can see why realtors bake cookies in homes they want to sell. The emotional pull of fresh-
baked chocolate chip cookies creates a feeling of comfort and belonging. Suddenly buyers
imagine themselves baking cookies in that home.
Our brains are also wired with a negativity bias. This is evolutionary and was originally designed
to protect us from danger — a very valid need when humans were hiding from animals that
wanted to eat us. Researchers define negativity bias as the brain’s tendency to give greater
attention and emotional weight to negative experiences than positive ones because avoiding
danger was critical for survival. (PMC)
In today’s world, however, this same protective mechanism can work against us.
This matters because when we repeatedly say things like, “Vet med is toxic,” the brain begins
seeking proof to support that belief. Everything that happens at work gets filtered through that
lens. “Find the bad stuff,” we unconsciously instruct our brain — and it will.
Your brain does not always distinguish between objective truth and the stories you repeatedly
reinforce. It responds to repetition and focus. So whether you continually feed it doom or
intentionally look for moments of joy, gratitude, connection, and purpose matters more than
many people realize. Awareness is important.
Another fascinating area of research is the connection between the brain and the gut. Scientists
often refer to the gut as the body’s “second brain” because of the extensive communication
network between the digestive system and the nervous system. Research on the gut-brain axis
has shown that gut bacteria influence mood, stress response, inflammation, neurotransmitter
production, and overall mental wellbeing. (PMC)
Researchers continue studying the relationship between poor nutrition and increasing rates of
anxiety, depression, and mental fatigue. Studies involving the microbiome and mental health
suggest that diet quality may directly influence emotional and cognitive health through this gut-
brain connection. (PMC)
Unfortunately, veterinary medicine is notorious for poor fueling habits. We skip meals, survive
on caffeine, eat junk food between appointments, and grab pizza or fast food for lunch — when
we actually take lunch.
We can be more intentional in our practices by choosing fresh foods and fruit for meetings and
snacks, and by letting sales representatives — and even clients — know that healthier options are
appreciated over sugary treats and processed foods.
And finally, if you want to improve your mental health, go outside and take a five-minute walk.
Human evolution took place on plains and in forests where we walked constantly in search of
food and safety. We were designed to move through nature. Organizations like the American
Psychological Association continue to report that time spent outdoors can reduce stress, improve
mood, lower blood pressure, and support overall wellbeing.
But here is the important part: DO NOT take your phone.
Listen to what the earth offers you. Feel the sun and the breeze. Listen to birds and rustling trees.
Watch squirrels play. The mind and body are deeply connected, and we must honor that
connection if we want to become our healthiest and happiest selves.
Working in animal health is HARD. It is one of the most mentally, emotionally, and physically
demanding professions in the workforce. If we want careers we can sustain and enjoy, we must
make small but meaningful changes — short walks, better food, healthier self-talk, and greater
awareness of how our minds naturally create stories.
Small changes matter.
