Doctors, your passion for helping patients stay healthy is truly inspiring. But in the demanding world of medicine, how do we prioritize doctors wellbeing?
The work of a doctor is physically and mentally demanding, especially during critical periods like a pandemic. It’s easy to overlook self-care while caring for others, leading to burnout. While you know the importance of self-care, we all need a reminder. For doctors, it goes beyond clichés like healthy eating and exercise. Medical professionals lead hectic lives, facing extraordinary mental and physical strain. Despite advocating for healthy habits, they often neglect their own needs.
To help you prioritize your well-being while caring for others, here are key areas to focus on in your self-care routine. Let’s ensure you’re not just a healer, but also a model of well-being.
What’s Holding You Back from Self-Care?
Let’s shed light on three common culprits that may be standing in the way of your self-care journey.
- First, let’s talk about you. Are you your own biggest obstacle? Many physicians have an innate drive to push themselves beyond limits, sacrificing their own health in the process. Finding a balance is crucial.
- Time constraints pose another challenge, with physicians constantly on call and mentally connected to work, even during vacations. It’s tough to focus on yourself when others rely on you.
- Additionally, job expectations add pressure, from administrative tasks to increasing patient demands. Electronic charting and behind-the-scenes work also consume valuable time and energy.
So, what’s blocking your path to self-care? Is it your own tendencies, the scarcity of time, or the demands of your profession?
How to prioritize doctors wellbeing through self-care as a healthcare professional?
Schedule Routine Checkups
Being a passionate medical professional doesn’t exempt you from needing regular health checkups. It’s crucial, regardless of your job title, to prioritize scheduling routine checkups with a trusted general practitioner.
However, it’s not just GP appointments that should be prioritized; your oral health is equally important. It is highly beneficial to schedule appointments with a nearby dental practice at least twice a year.
Separate work & home
It’s tough to do it but draw a line between work and home and not let one spill into the other.
Here are some tips:
- Create distinct spaces for work and rest.
- Take short breaks between tasks.
- End your day with activities like going for a walk, reading a magazine, solving puzzles, or watching stand-up comedy. These can help take your mind off stressors and anxieties.
Stress Management Methods
Medical professionals lead demanding and chaotic lives, so it’s crucial to have stress management methods. These can include breathing techniques, meditation, or prayers. Find what works for you and make it a priority when feeling overwhelmed. However, with a hectic work schedule, practicing these techniques may seem challenging. But even taking just five minutes to relax can make a huge difference in reducing stress and anxiety. Evaluate your schedule carefully to find those brief moments for doctors wellbeing.
- Research from Harvard Medical School and Sri Sri Institute for Advanced Research (SSIAR) found that The Art of Living’s Sudarshan Kriya breathing technique helps healthcare professionals reduce anxiety, stress, and depression while improving sleep quality, resilience, and life satisfaction. Just 30 minutes for yourself can make you a more productive and efficient professional.
- A study conducted at Medanta on healthcare professionals during COVID-19 revealed that practicing Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) led to improved professional fulfillment and reduced work exhaustion. Immediately after the workshop, 69% experienced decreased work exhaustion, and 58% after 30 days. Additionally, 66% reported a positive shift in professional fulfillment, and 62% after 30 days of practice. SKY practice had a substantial positive impact on mental health and work engagement among healthcare professionals.
Devote Some Time to Exercise
If you feel that your schedule doesn’t allow for regular exercise, improving your time management skills can create the time you need. Dedicate half an hour to a morning jog or relaxing yoga. You understand the remarkable benefits of exercise, and just like you advise your patients, find an available time in your day for physical activity.
Conform to a Balanced Diet
The food you eat affects your energy, nutrients, and mood. Despite a busy schedule, relying on fast food and convenience meals can lead to burnout and hinder your performance. While eating healthy may be challenging, meal prepping can save time. Spending a few minutes prepping meals once a week can provide the benefits of a balanced diet. Online guides and recipes make it easier to plan snacks and meals without sacrificing your precious free time.
Quality Sleep and Enough Relaxation Time
Sleep quality greatly impacts your body and mind, and as a medical practitioner, you’re aware of this. Don’t neglect your sleep out of habit. Explore sleep environment guides to optimize your bedroom or try natural sleep aids for better rest. Additionally, make time to relax and unwind in the evenings. Whether it’s reading a book or enjoying your backyard, relaxation is key to reducing stress, anxiety, and burnout symptoms.
Finding a Hobby That Suits Your Schedule
Don’t underestimate the benefits of having a hobby, even in a busy professional career. You don’t need to dedicate a lot of time to it; certain hobbies are less time-consuming. Consider exploring your artistic side or trying out gardening. Finding a suitable hobby is not challenging; you can easily find lists of popular hobbies to inspire you. You may already have a hobby in mind that you’ve been neglecting. Taking time for doctors wellbeing and pursuing a hobby will uplift your mood and reduce overall stress.
Dear Doctors! Take care of your wellbeing
Are you truly taking care of yourselves? Remember, prioritizing doctors wellbeing makes you a better healer. Find that balance and flourish! Share your self-care measures with us.
References
- Self-care and general health tips for medical professionals. [Cited: 25 May 2023]. Available at: https://www.physicianspractice.com/view/self-care-and-general-health-tips-for-medical-professionals
- Self-care for Physicians: 5 Strategies for Success. [Cited: 25 May 2023]. Available at: https://www.merritthawkins.com/news-and-insights/blog/lifestyle/self-care-for-physicians-5-strategies-for-success/
About Docquity
If you need more confidence and insights to boost careers in healthcare, expanding the network to other healthcare professionals to practice peer-to-peer learning might be the answer. One way to do it is by joining a social platform for healthcare professionals, such as Docquity.
Docquity is an AI-based state-of-the-art private & secure continual learning network of verified doctors, bringing you real-time knowledge from thousands of doctors worldwide. Today, Docquity has over 400,000 doctors spread across six countries in Asia. Meet experts and trusted peers across Asia where you can safely discuss clinical cases, get up-to-date insights from webinars and research journals, and earn CME/CPD credits through certified courses from Docquity Academy. All with the ease of a mobile app available on Android & iOS platforms!
