Recently in Connecticut, we experienced a full lunar eclipse. It was beautiful and interesting, and even knowing the explanation there was something mysterious about it. Though the moon was considered to be fully in shadow around 10 pm, there was still a little light remaining at about 5 pm on the face of the moon. This light was an indication of the emerging light which followed.
This is a good metaphor for what it can be like when you are experiencing burnout. With ICD-10 coming on board and the already existing pressures you may be experiencing physician burnout as if your life is in the shadow – emotional exhaustion, depersonalization when it comes to patient care and a lack of personal impact. Overcoming burnout takes hope, some determination and a willingness to implement some changes in your life. You don’t have to go it alone. Partnering with me, an experienced coach can speed your way to well-being.
As with the eclipse, there is a light that still exists in you and indicates the possibility of new light for your life. There are a variety of ways to increase the light in your life. One of the mainstays of Positive Psychology is Gratitude.* When you are grateful you shift your focus to what you appreciate. It is difficult to hold gratitude and negativity at the same time.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll share several gratitude practices with you. For this week, here are several ideas:
Express gratitude directly – by phone or in person. Let people know what you appreciate in concrete terms, be specific as to what you appreciate.
Use Your Signature Strengths – To find out your signature strengths visit VIA and take the free online test. When people use their signature strengths they feel more empowered and positive.
Write a Gratitude letter and make a gratitude visit – Write a letter to someone you appreciate. This is a thoughtful note which describes a particular experience, something about that person and the positive impact s/he has had on your life. Writing the letter boosts your happiness, and the power increases when you deliver either in person or over the phone. Reading the letter to the intended recipient increases the recipient’s happiness, and in studies, the writer was found to be happier and less depressed at one month from the time of reading the letter.+ To receive a gift is truly a pleasure but isn’t the giver receiving the treasure.^
Click on the text bubble on the linked page to share your experience with gratitude.
May your experiences of the shadow of burnout be as rare as a total lunar eclipse.
To increase your well-being, contact me, an experienced healthcare coach.
Revitalize Your Life,
Dina, 203.744.YOU3 (9683)
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* Lyubomirsky, Sonja, The How of Happiness, Penguin Books, NY, 2007, pp. 90-95.
+ Seligman, Martin, Flourish, Free Press, New York, 2011, pp. 30 – 34
^ A saying on a sampler my sister embroidered when a girl.
For more pictures of the lunar eclipse.
