Physicians have always had stress in their lives but when COVID surfaced, it just seemed to mount higher. We all probably thought at the beginning that this would only affect our lives for a short period of time and then we could go back to our “normal” routines. But as we sit here six months into this PHE (Public Health Emergency) called COVID-19, we’re living with a totally new normal.
This article was based on a poll of 150 physicians by the California Healthcare Foundation that showed half (51%) of physicians are experiencing increased stress levels. Stress in medicine isn’t new, but in the COVID era, it is more critical than ever for physicians to take better care of themselves, especially their mental health. The author suggested five self-care tips to limit physician stress and also boost patient care.
- Choose happiness: It’s easy in this day and age to focus on the negative, but it’s important to start the day by electing to have a positive attitude and trying to focus on the good things that occur during that day. This habit can, in turn, rub off on patients, family & friends encountered throughout the day.
- Connect with others: It’s important to reach out to others and not seclude ourselves after a long day at work. If it’s not possible to meet or see people in-person, we can utilize one of the best things to come out of this mess: Zoom calls. People can host a family reunion or even attend happy hour!
- Find something bigger than yourself: Volunteering is the best way but physicians may be concerned about unintentionally spreading the virus from a “possible” exposure. There are other ways to do this without putting ourselves or others at risk. Some ideas include putting together food donations, writing letters to patients at nursing homes who can’t see their loved ones at this time, etc.
- Set life goals: Whether professional or personal, the important thing is to write down those goals. A 2018 article in Psychology Magazine concluded that by just writing down our goals, we’re 33% more likely to achieve them.
- Monitor physical health: With the increase in telehealth visits, physicians are less likely to be walking around the office, stores or even going to a gym, but it’s important to stay physically active. If we can’t get to the gym, some good ideas are walking in the fresh air for a bit, or before and after virtual visits, making it a point to get up and walk around a couple of times. Being active can combat stress and help with your mental health at the same time. This is also another great reason to utilize Zoom because many gyms or counties are offering online classes we can attend from the privacy of our own home.