Anxiety – even typing the word stirs up emotions. It's a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: what came first, the feeling or the word? And why does it evoke such fear and discomfort?

The word ‘Anxiety’ comes from the Latin word ‘Anxius’ which loosely means “to choke”. Unfortunately, the Heimlich maneuver doesn't work on anxiety attacks. Wouldn’t it be nice if it did? (A nod to the Beach Boys before we dive into the sea of anxiety in the workplace, especially in dog grooming).

If you’ve never experienced anxiety – and if so, we envy and congratulate you for being as rare as rocking horse poo – here's a quick breakdown.

Anxiety is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “a feeling of nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome”. Some say it comes from our engrained automatic physiological response that is “fight or flight” - another gift from our ancestors that faced life or death situations on the daily. 

These days, thanks to plenty of research and a growing appreciation for mental health, we’re lucky to know a little bit more. We now know that anxiety doesn’t always have a particularly sound or justified reason for rearing its ugly head. We know that just like the spider in the corner of what was shaping up to be a very relaxing shower, sometimes it will show up without cause. Credit where it’s due, at least anxiety tends to hit when we’re more dignified, not when we’re defenceless in the shower with only a pink loofah.

Symptoms of anxiety include a racing heart, shortness of breath, tension or aches, dizziness, sweating, and butterflies in the stomach.

Most humans experience anxiety, so why is igroomhub focusing on it?

As dog groomers, we operate in a unique environment where our canine clients can experience anxiety just like we do, but they can't tell us directly. An environment where we need to navigate a relationship between our clients and their owners and what is best for all parties involved. An environment where said clients have been scientifically proven to be sponges to our own emotions, including that of their owners, which is where the concept of anxiety transference comes into play.

All of that... in writing, is anxiety-inducing in itself, but we do it on a daily basis and that alone should be celebrated. So please, before we move on, give yourself a pat on the back from us!

Studies have found some dog breeds are more prone to anxiety than others. The ‘Anxiety’ album includes hit tracks from bands such as the German Shepherds, the Border Collies and the Labrador Retrievers. But apart from a hypothetical album that we would be first in line to purchase, science has shown us something much greater that we need to know as groomers. Both the human brain and the canine brain contain a limbic system, which is where we store our emotions and memories. The neural chemistry of both brains is so alike that dogs are incredibly equipped to experience the same emotions we are such as fear, anger, stress and anxiety.

So, in this article titled ‘How To Avoid Anxiety Transference’, when does our anxiety become their anxiety and vice versa? Yes, we’ve come full circle and found ourselves with another chicken and egg debacle.

Common triggers for anxiety in canines are loud noises, separation from owners, unfamiliar environments and past traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, the dog grooming salon ticks most of those boxes. In addition to this, they are conscious and compassionate creatures. They’re receptive to the tones of our voices and body language so if we’re projecting our own anxiety during grooming, they are highly likely to take on the same emotion. But let’s say you are a master of emotional disguise (and with some of the neutral faces groomers maintain throughout outlandish customer requests, we truly believe most of you are), humans emit pheromones and chemical signals depending on our emotional state. So even with our best efforts to mask anxiety with a high-pitched voice and muscle-pulling smile, the attempt will be about as effective as the Heimlich.

So, what can we do when we are experiencing anxiety within the workplace if we can’t hide it?

• Identify your triggers: While there may not always be a clear reason, consistent factors usually contribute to anxiety. Identifying these can help you avoid or navigate similar situations.

• Practice stress management techniques: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or progressive muscle relaxation.

• Set Realistic Goals: Break tasks into smaller, manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focus on each groom rather than the entire day’s bookings. Similarly, breaking down a groom into smaller steps can make larger jobs seem more achievable.

• Establish Boundaries: Maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and socialising outside of work. Self-care is just as important as the care we deliver!

• Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to colleagues, supervisors, or a trusted support network. Talking to others about your concerns can provide a valuable perspective and at the very least, relieve some of the burden of anxiety.

• Use Relaxation Techniques: Try different calming techniques and see what works best for you! There is no one size fits all when it comes to anxiety, so it will take some trial and error. You might find a quick mindfulness exercise or taking a short break away from the grooming room is enough to settle the mind. 

• Communicate Openly: If workplace factors contribute to your anxiety, where possible, communicate your concerns with a supervisor. They may be able to make certain adjustments to help alleviate your anxiety.

• Seek Professional Help: If workplace anxiety persists or is beginning to significantly affect your daily functioning, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. There are professionals out there for a reason, don’t be afraid to use them!

From our team to yours, we truly hope your days are as free of anxiety as possible and that your showers remain spider-free for all eternity.

With love,

igroomhub

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