Last updated on January 14th, 2023 at 07:51 pm
People often think that physicians have it all — impressive jobs, high salaries, luxury homes, beautiful cars, etc. etc. But what many don’t realize is that physicians suffer burnout and stress at incredibly high levels, and that takes a serious toll on their mental health.
With better mental health comes a better ability to perform at peak levels, which is a must for physicians in high-pressure careers. Physicians can actually become better at what they do simply by learning how to prioritize their mental health above all else.
From minimizing stressors to learning how to be selfish, here are the seven ways that physicians can start prioritizing their mental health right now.
1. Minimize Stressors
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Stress can lead to everything from anxiety and depression to insomnia to memory problems. Whatever is causing you the most stress, put a plan in place that eliminates (or at least reduces) the key stressor in your life.
Are you a family practitioner with a backlog of daily appointments that makes it impossible to get to your child’s Little League games or dance recitals on time?
It’s time to better organize your schedule so that you can meet your family obligations outside of work.
Are you a surgeon that tosses and turns at night wondering how you would be able to afford your children’s college tuition if you were to lose your $400,000 per year income?
Read this article to learn how having disability insurance can protect you against a loss of income.
2. Schedule Time Off
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is to give yourself mental breaks.
Make it a point to schedule vacation time. Take a day off here and there. When you’re on the job, carve out 30 or 60 minutes in the middle of the day to give yourself a break and eat a healthy meal.
3. Improve Your Physical Health
Mental health is directly tied to physical health. By focusing on your physical health you can improve your mental health without even trying.
One way to do so is to make time for exercise. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain that improve your sense of well-being. If need be, schedule workouts in your daily appointment calendar so that they become a top priority. .
You can also improve your physical health by focusing on your gut health. You can improve gut health by:
- Reducing your intake of sugar
- Cutting processed foods out of your diet
- Eating more fruits and veggies
- Eating more fiber
- Adding prebiotics and probiotics to your diet
The combination of a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine will make you feel better in both mind and body.
4. Learn Relaxation Techniques
Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga are excellent ways to get the mind (and body) to relax. Relaxation techniques improve sleep habits, create a sense of calmness, relax muscles, and boost energy. All of these contribute to better mental health.
5. Establish Better Boundaries at Work
When you’re in the business of saving lives, saying “no” to a patient’s needs or concerns is rarely an option.
But saying “no” to your employer?
That is an option you can exercise.
Physicians are bound by their employment contracts, but if an employer puts additional demands on you, such as asking you to work more hours than required, you have the option to say no.
6. Limit Distractions
It’s easy to get distracted by text messages, email alerts, and app notifications. When you feel a pressing need to check or respond to them immediately, it can disrupt your productivity, increase stress levels, and affect your mental health.
Eliminate digital distractions by closing apps, turning off your laptop, or even turning off your phone outside of work hours so that you can better enjoy the “me time” you deserve. Buy Generic Viagra 100 Mg
7. Embrace the Idea of Being Selfish
Physicians are in the business of caring for others, but caring for yourself is even more important. Some may think that’s a selfish attitude to adopt, but selfishness in this regard is actually a good thing.
With better mental health comes the ability to provide better patient care. After all, if you’re not okay, you won’t be able to provide the level of care that your patients need and deserve.
Practicing self-care and focusing on yourself may seem like a selfish thing to do, but it’s time you embrace it. In the long run, it can actually help you be a better physician than you already are.
In Conclusion
As a physician, your patients rely on you to provide excellent care. Your family relies on you for stability and support. Your staff relies on you for leadership.
To perform at peak levels, mental health must take priority. So put two, three, or all of these action steps into effect today and you, your patients, your family, and your staff will all benefit.
