You may be in the midst of your busy medical practice dealing with the daily pressures wondering what I mean by “Do it Now.” Coaches guide people closer to their desired goal and help them experience the desired outcome in the here and now. Often the question asked is “How can you have more of that desirable experience now?” I’ve been thinking a lot about vacation since I’ll be leaving in the next several days. I’ve been anticipating what I’m looking forward to and thinking about how I can bring this experience in, even now.
What can you do now to connect with those good vacation vibrations? Seeing your patients, completing charts, following up on last minute details, making sure you have results and follow up with patients and generally organizing so that you won’t be overwhelmed upon return, perhaps just overwhelmed now, where is there an opportunity to connect with your vacation experience? As a physician or nurse, you have a lot of responsibility and most likely want to leave things in order for those who are going to cover for you. On your way to avoid burnout, by going on vacation, you may be experiencing it a bit more strongly.
Here are some ideas of how you can revitalize and experience the well-being of your vacation, at least briefly, now, before you take your time off.
- Identify what it is that you enjoy about vacation. By identifying it you have a word that can help give you access to the experience. The saying “A picture can paint a thousand words” is true and also, one word can conjure up a 1,000 pictures for you.
- If it is the lack of schedule or time pressure that you enjoy, look for a period of time during the day when you can “go with the flow” even for 15 minutes. Use this time to be present with what comes up. It could be when you’re preparing dinner or putting kids to bed; for a few minutes let go of the feeling ‘it’s got to get done now’ and allow for what comes up. Perhaps, this will lead to a few more minutes of focused talking or playing with your child, or allowing for speaking with a neighbor when you go for a brief walk.
- If it’s appreciation of nature, take a few minutes during your day to stop and look outside. Even on your way to work, you can probably drive a little slower so that you can see the fullness of green in the trees. Take a moment to step outside and take the time to appreciate the natural beauty near your home. Today, I made it a point to listen to the chirping birds and rushing stream that was present after the overnight storm; it was a moment of appreciation and awe.
- Relaxed feeling you’re looking forward to. Do some conscious deep breathing, even 3 slow deep abdominal breaths help people to center. You can enhance this by looking at something in your environment that attracts you; then with a soft gaze on the object take your slow deep breaths.* If you want to connect even more to where you are going, you can use a picture of the place as your point for soft focus as you breathe.
- Connection and ease with a loved one. Think of some of the things you tend to notice more about your beloved when you’re on vacation. How is it showing up today? Acknowledge this both to yourself and your friend or family member. I bet you’ll both smile.
How will you connect with those good vacation vibrations? Leave comments by clicking the text bubble at the top of the blog post. For more personal ways to bring well-being into your life, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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