Stress Management & Resilience

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 I've read a lot of articles about burnout lately. Until now I'd considered burnout a type of luxury. Taking time off for mental health or a mid-life pivot seemed to have a high correlation with the onset of economic security. Like those razor commercials where they hire models with no whiskers to demo the product, outcome seemed to have more to do with the starting condition than the process. The Great Resignation proved me wrong. It was led by the economically vulnerable.

Over the span of several decades, I've experienced my ups and downs. I'm not sure I've been through a burnout, but I've learned some tools that have helped me personally.

  1. Mental health and physical health are closely linked.
    1. Strive to stay physically fit. If you've let it go, work to get it back.
    2. Sitting at a desk every day is unhealthy.  Take breaks to move.  Posture matters.
    3. Don't decide by comparing yourself to others. Know your own body.
    4. Consider not just exercise but also nutrition. Learn about food.
    5. Get a physical every year.
    6. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy and can continue. Stick with it. Don't overdo it.
  2. Maintain a state of readiness - Try to stay around 80% exertion. You're pushing yourself but not so hard that you can't maintain long term.  Keep a reserve for emergencies.
  3. Cultivate a garden - We all need to allow for moments of respite. Even if yours is only in your imagination or memory, save a peaceful spot for retreat and visit periodically.
  4. Develop an impervious smile.
    1. When I think of the best leaders I've worked with, I think of them smiling. Surely faced with huge pressures they're able to retain the ability to smile.
    2. A smile is powerful. It's infectious. When you're feeling low, forcing a smile has the power to boost even your own mood.
    3. Avoid the aggressive, sarcastic, or deceitful smile. Generously share the sincere ability to feel a calm positivity despite all external pressures.
  5. Listen to your intuition.  Monitor your emotional state. 
    1. Slowing down may at times improve productivity.  It's counter intuitive and hard to measure.

Part of a doctor's job is bedside manner. If the doctor cares too much about his/her patients, the stress may build up and manifest as abrasive personal interactions. The doctor will be less effective. If the doctor cares too little it could result in negligence. The doctor has to monitor his/her state of mind and strive for balance. Like the song says, "Hold on Loosely."

 

7 Level of Busy

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