Being a doctor can be stressful, especially with the existing and increasing pressure in the health care system. Many doctors are burned out, sick of the routine, and tired of the ever-increasing workload. Economic difficulties make some doctors take multiple shifts and longer working hours. It may feel overwhelming sometimes, and because medicine seems one-dimensional, many people find nothing else to do to create balance.
I sometimes feel the same way and recently sat down to think of things I could do to avoid the overwhelming thoughts. Combining work with having a family can quickly overwhelm even those with the strongest of hearts.
During my musings, I realised that a few things could help you deal with the pressures of working in the health industry.
6 Ways To Manage The Stress Of Clinical Medicine
Book Taster Sessions In Other Departments
Booking taster sessions in other departments can help you switch things up. This switch-up can help you break off from an otherwise dull and routine schedule. It could also enable you to see and feel how a different department may feel. For example, if you are already a qualified GP, you can book sessions in the contraception, paediatrics, or dermatology clinic. However, this depends on your interests and what triggers your curiosity. Even as an SHO, a trainee, you could do the same, and as long as it is relevant to what you are doing, your supervisor should be able to approve this. Remember, do not offer yourself to only provide services; aim to grow, learn and build your competence.
Reduce Your Hours
Reducing your working hours by one hour can significantly improve the time you have to rest. You can work less than full time if working full time seems tedious. Thankfully, you are not obligated to work full time. However, you must be aware of the pay drop that working less than full time may cause. Nevertheless, a pay drop seems like a fair trade if you notice that working full-time is stressful and gives you no time to de-stress. In addition, you should prioritise your overall well-being over money. This choice, of course, depends on your peculiar situation. The extra time off could mean more time to spend with your family and friends and do other things you love.
Take Advantage Of Available Vacations.
Several types of vacations are available to health workers, albeit dependent on the establishment. However, some vacations, such as maternity, annual and sick leaves, and public holidays, are statutory. Some establishments may give you bereavement leaves, personal time off, religious holidays, or paternity leaves. Taking advantage of which vacations are available in your establishment is essential. It is best to use them for rest and recreation, to spend time with family and friends, and to de-stress. Most people forget to use them up and are forced to use them at the end of the tax year. Planning and using them effectively would be challenging if you are not intentional about your vacations. Use your available leaves wisely to be refreshed when you resume and can work effectively.
Attend Conferences And Events
During your vacations, you look up events and conferences that may be happening around your area and attend. These events may be an excellent way to use your leaves. Some establishments may also organise seminars or workshops in which you can participate. Attending such events is also an opportunity to network or make new friends. Such conferences provide a wealth of knowledge while taking you away from work pressures. Many conferences use fun activities to make them even more enjoyable.
Find A New Hobby
A Hobby is an excellent way to de-stress and is undoubtedly a perfect way to spend your leaves and holidays. If you do not have a hobby, finding one is a great idea. However, finding a new hobby may be helpful if you already have one and still feel overwhelmed by work. Whether gardening, dancing, singing, or blogging, a new hobby is a sure way to help you relax. A new hobby is also excellent at making you feel good about yourself and improving your productivity at work.
Leave Work At Work
Leave all work-related activities at work and practice not taking them home with you. You can easily fall into the habit of sending reports and doing entries when you get home, but this is not always a good idea. You can just as easily fool your brain into thinking you are still at work, thus, making you unable to relax completely. Your home should be your safe zone where you can rest and feel refreshed when you go for your next shift. If it is unavoidable that you have to take work home, ensure that you do not do this too often.
Conclusion
The job of a health worker can quickly take its toll on the hardest worker. Today's economic realities mean that health workers may need multiple jobs just to survive.
However, it would defeat the purpose if you break down under stress. Younger people are now more prone to stress-related issues like hypertension, anxiety, depression, and headaches. Therefore, taking time to relax properly and managing the stress of clinical medicine is essential to living a wholesome lifestyle.
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Cheers
Dr Mute