How to Protect Yourself from Physician Burnout
Something we don't talk about enough is burnout. Nobody ever wants to talk about the downsides of a job. What happens when we are at an overload with emotional tiredness, a loss of feeling of personal accomplishment, and depersonalization? Zoning in specifically on physician burnout, why? Because it's an industry I've been in for years, and it's a very common, real thing. Although burnout can occur in any field, it is more common in the healthcare industry due to the high demands of the job, the culture of medicine, and institutional issues. It's not just a small issue—it's a big, bad one. It affects not only individuals but their families too.
By shining a light on it, we can actually do something about it. Today I want to discuss how you can protect yourself from physician burnout.
What is Burnout?
So, what exactly is this beast called burnout? Have you ever felt like you were hitting a wall, but not just any wall—a big, brick one? Burnout is when you're running on empty, both physically and emotionally. Your energy levels? Non-existent. Your enthusiasm for work? Fading fast. Signs of burnout start creeping in: exhaustion sets in, draining you of all energy, both physical and emotional. You find yourself going through the motions at work, but feeling completely disconnected from it all, like you're on autopilot. Cynicism and sarcasm become your default mode, and the need to rant about everything feels overwhelming. Your effectiveness takes a nosedive, and it's like you're swimming against the tide, barely keeping your head above water.
That's burnout in a nutshell—an overwhelming sense of depletion and disconnection from your work. AND many physicians go through this. Imagine having to go to work feeling the disconnect and depletion when you're supposed to be helping others.
Causes of Physician’s Burnout
So, why do physicians burn out? There are SOOO many factors at play.
First off, the demands of the job are off the charts. When your job requires a high-stress mix and a lot of responsibility but offers very little control, it's a recipe for burnout. Plus, we have long hours, high patient loads, and constant pressure to perform.
Then there's the unspoken expectation to always be on your game and the crucial personality qualities that are necessary. Whether you're needed to be a workaholic or believed to need to solve every burden, you're also looked at as a perfectionist.
It's no wonder so many physicians end up burning out.
How to Protect Yourself From Burnout
To address burnout among physicians, we must first acknowledge the inevitability of pain in our profession. As the saying goes, "Pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional." By adopting this mindset, we recognize that while certain aspects of our work may be challenging, it's up to us whether we allow them to cause us prolonged suffering.
Instead, we can take proactive steps to manage our well-being and prevent burnout from taking hold. It's important to emphasize that there is no quick fix for addressing burnout, but rather it requires ongoing effort and commitment to self-care and well-being.
Acknowledging the Inevitability of Pain: Recognize that pain is inherent in the profession, but suffering is optional. This mindset shift helps in accepting challenges without letting them lead to prolonged suffering. Also, adopting a growth mindset would help with this, for more insight on this click here for 3 Tips on How to Cultivate and Embrace a Growth Mindset. — Whole Body Optimism
Reducing Stress and Draining Effects: Implement strategies to manage workload, set boundaries, and prioritize self-care activities. This involves minimizing stressors and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to protect against burnout. Maybe setting up intentional date nights, or making a weekly bucket list!
Work-Life Harmony: Strive for flexible integration of work and personal commitments rather than a perfect balance. Use tools like the life calendar to prioritize activities that bring joy and fulfillment outside of work. This is basically grabbing a calendar, any type, and scheduling out your month. Now you are able to take this calendar into defense. When someone asks you to do “a few more extra hours”, you now have the ability to say no!!
Strategies for Stress Management: Implement stress management techniques to cope with the demands of our profession more effectively. This involves minimizing stressors and maintaining a healthy work-life balance to protect against burnout. To learn more about stress management check out my post on Clean Living Made Easy: 7 Stress Management Strategies — Whole Body Optimism
Advocating for supportive workplace environments: addressing any discomfort or issues that arise, will not only safeguard our well-being but also enhance our ability to thrive in our profession and beyond. The setting can have a big impact on how well the workforce performs. Employers should be evaluating the workplace to make sure it is more relaxing and eco-friendlier.
Establishing Clear Boundaries: Create rituals that mark the transition between work and home to prevent work-related stress from spilling over into personal life. Recognize that setting boundaries is essential for recharging and maintaining well-being.
Building Stronger Connections: Cultivate meaningful relationships with colleagues, patients, and community members. Invest time in building rapport and fostering genuine connections. Engaging in regular conversations, expressing appreciation, and offering support can create a sense of belonging and mutual trust. Stronger connections not only enhance workplace satisfaction but also serve as a buffer against burnout by providing emotional support and shared experiences.
No Quick Fix: Emphasize that addressing physician burnout requires a multifaceted approach and there is no quick fix. It involves ongoing effort and commitment to self-care and well-being.
In the end, addressing physician burnout goes beyond just managing workload; it's about embracing a lifestyle of cleaner living. By nurturing our mind, body, and soul, we not only safeguard our well-being but also enhance our ability to thrive in our profession and beyond. Remember, there is no quick fix, but taking proactive steps, such as joining my bootcamp, can be a valuable investment in your well-being and the well-being of those around you.
