Last week I went to Medscape offices to attend their panel discussion Beating Burnout: Essential Help for Physicians. The take-away I had was that about 60 – 80% of the burnout can be relieved by external changes, their responsibility. This might involve more system and EHR changes, team care, workflow changes and other suggestions which have been explored by the AMA. Some of the ideas are available at Steps Forward.
That leaves 20 – 40% of your well-being in your control. There are changes that you can make to overcome exhaustion, depersonalization and your limited sense of accomplishment. Sonja Lyubomirsky has found that 40% of happiness is within your control. In her book the How of Happiness, she discusses the importance of person-activity fit.
While what enhances your happiness is individual, there are a few areas which are important for healthcare professionals. Within these there needs to be person-activity fit also.
- Self-care – What replenishes you? Time to exercise, cook, read, regular massage, weekly date with a loved one?
- Engage in flow activities that generate a meaningful sense of accomplishment. When do you lose track of time? What do you do that is rewarding in and of itself? The idea of being in the flow is that you are so engaged that self-consciousness is dropped; you become completely absorbed in what you are doing. You are fully immersed with a feeling of energized focus and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Flow usually involves a challenge that does not overwhelm you. The activity is rewarding for you in and of itself.
- Relate Positively – Relationships are the biggest determinant of your happiness. Cultivate relationships with thoughtfulness and kindness. You might want to engage in Appreciative Inquiry, asking yourself what you appreciate about the individuals you interact with. What is important or valuable about the relationship you have with this person as well? While you’re at it, what do you appreciate about yourself? With difficult patients and colleagues, it can be especially helpful to find something you appreciate, even if it is just the color of their shirt.
By personalizing each of these, you can move from burnout toward well-being. What will you do? Leave a comment and let us know.
For ways to find your person-activity fit, contact me.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683), Well-Being Coach
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“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein
