Stressors and constraints such as lack of resources, time constraints, and structural issues are all leading causes of burnout, depression, moral distress, fatigue, and much more. As these issues arise, it is important to recognize how they can affect patient care.
A burnt-out provider is most likely not doing their best work, being thorough, or taking patient concerns seriously. As a result, diagnoses could be missed, a critical test may not be ordered, or some other form of misstep can be detrimental. That is why it is incredibly important to focus on self-care so you can be present and focused in your work environment.
How can you accomplish this? Well, it looks different for everyone, but there are some general things you can do to reset, revive yourself, and thrive at work. Emotionally, you should create time during the workday to check in, detach, and see how you are feeling. Whether you are overwhelmed or doing well, having a break in the day or some time to meditate can put you back into a place of focus.
For physical care, maybe you take a walk on your lunch break or practice yoga at home, but physical exercise is one of the best ways to release stress in the body. In addition, fueling the body with fruits, vegetables, and having a regulated sleep schedule are all ways to manage physical self-care. What you can do outside of the clinic, hospital or workplace significantly contributes to how you can perform at work.
Taking care of your mental, physical, and emotional states can greatly help the patients you see and the work you do. In the healthcare world, much of what you do is for patients, so it is time to focus on you and your health!
Caring for Me Is Caring for You: The Power of Physician Self-Care and Personal Transformation | AAFP
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