In the medical world, we live in a world of hard-driving, overachievers. With limited down time we still find extra work. It can be hard to slow down. There are infinite things we could be doing right now. For others, there may not just be much down time at all. Between overwhelming work responsibilities, a family life, administrative tasks, errands, and so on, it might feel like there’s not a free moment in the day.
But it’s just important to step away from it for a while. This is just a reminder. Take a break, back off, and allow yourself to breathe. Give yourself a break. It’s okay to just sit back and be now and again.
For me, time off allows me to reset. I get a chance to step away from my work and view things from a broader perspective. I’m reminded that work is just one part of my life and it isn’t my life. It makes me realize that all of those things at work that really bother me are really trivial. Sometimes I find new, creative solutions to problems I’ve been wrestling with. And other times, I just simply feel more present and notice greater enjoyment in my days.
Most importantly, when I’m away from work for a while, I actually start to miss it. I think about all the people that I’ve worked with over the years. Making clinical decisions. Being at the bedside of a patient. All the crazy drama of an emergency room! I’m reminded that I’m really fortunate to get to do my job for a living.
I’ve said it to my friends many times – medicine has given me so much in my life. I still feel very lucky. And I often appreciate my job more when I have time to reflect, rather than being stuck in a long run off shifts.
Stepping away from work reduces my stress. I’m allowed to care for myself for a while. It gives me an opportunity to look back and be appreciative of my life. And simply, it makes me happier. I truly believe happier doctors are better and more compassionate and that’s what we need more of.
Ideas for breaks
Long breaks
- mini-retirements – perhaps a short few weeks or few months away from your job, interspersed throughout your career
- international locums
- sabbaticals to pursue other passions – a friend of mine is taking a year off to write a book
- expedition medicine – join a cruise, a concert, an expedition to somewhere remote (I’ve arranged a two week trip to Antarctica next year – all expenses paid!)
Short breaks
- a regular vacation
- mini- locums – often doctors are looking for coverage in interesting places for short periods of time (so they can get away)
- wellness retreats
- “stay”cations
- Just a few extra days off
Daily breaks
- Meditation – even 3-5 minutes can have a profound impact on how you feel
- Scheduled “me” time in the day to do whatever makes you happy – even if it’s only a few minutes
- Wake up a bit earlier and have some quiet time in the morning
- Turn off your phone or internet for a day
- Take a longer lunch once in a while, or a lunch at all
There’s plenty of opportunities to find some time to just be you.
Or for that matter…..not “you”!
It might make a bigger difference than you think.
What would you do if you could have some more free time?
