Richard
G Soper is concerned about the rising rates of depression and other mental
issues among medical professionals. While healthcare is fulfilling both
financially and professionally, the long hours and heavy workload associated
with the industry mean that many practitioners neglect their own welfare. One
of the keys of thriving in the medical field is to maintain a healthy work-life
balance. Richard G Soper lists three ways to maintain this balance below.
1. Set a
schedule and stick to it. While doctors cannot predict exactly when the next emergency case
would arrive, they can still maintain control over things at home and in other
interactions. At home, they can set routines for such activities as meal
preparation or deciding which clothes to wear for the coming days at work. This
can also be applied to interactions with patients and co-workers. A doctor
should develop his or her own way of ending irrelevant conversations as they
prepare to see their next patient.
2. Take care
of your own health. Some studies show that doctors and others working in hospitals are
generally less healthy than those engaged in other fields. This could be
attributed mostly to the long hours and constant flow of work, especially in
high-pressure environments such as operating or emergency rooms. Medical
professionals should set schedules for exercise routines that are quick and
easy to perform, such as high-intensity interval training. Setting aside time
for spiritual practice, for those inclined to do so, could also help doctors
find their balance.
3. Take a
break. A
doctor shouldn’t let work take over his or her life. Richard G Soper suggests
that as long as a doctor isn’t on call, responding to text messages, email, and
phone calls can wait for a few more hours. Days off are supposed to be spent on
things that are not related to work. Studies show that taking days off and
vacations leads to higher productivity in the workplace.
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