As healthcare providers, physicians like you might consider the idea of relaxation as the last thing on your list of priorities. Higher demands from hospital leadership to see more patients on a given day, reimbursement changes and the expanding shortage of physicians, it is no wonder there is higher burnout rate for doctors. It is even more important now more than ever for doctors to take those unused vacation hours accrued, take the much needed rest they prescribe their patients.
According to an article from Medical News Today, dissatisfaction, depression, and burnout are common amongst physicians. Research shows that physicians have developed an increase in job dissatisfaction over the years. If any profession needs some time off, doctors definitely rise to the top of the roster. So how can a doctor with a hectic schedule find enough time to nurture his own health? Here are some worthwhile ideas.
Exercise
Exercise is a common recommendation many physicians prescribe to their. Although a good number of physicians exercise, finding a consistent time in the day is challenging. Clinic or surgical schedules may not allow for consistency in getting regular exercise. Instead of trying to find a break in your day to exercise, it may be beneficial to schedule, just like scheduling an appointment for your workouts. A 30 minute physical activity a day is enough to provide you with the benefits of a much needed endorphin rush; clearing your head to focus on providing quality patient care.
Meditate
When you’re busy most of the time, stress can result in frequent mood swings and eventually, unstable emotional well-being. This is normal and can be remedied by taking a bit of time — say 10 minutes — out of your daily routine to meditate or get some fresh air.. Mindful meditation isn’t only helpful for yogis; anyone can benefit from it, especially someone as heavily stressed as a physician.
Volunteer
Volunteering may not be the first choice you have in mind when it comes to activities for relaxation, but it can actually be a great break from your usual daily grind. It doesn’t have to be related to your profession either; volunteering in shelters or soup kitchens, for example, or something that is totally out-of-the-box not only enriches you as a person but may widen your perspective as a physician.
Go on a Vacation
There’s no better way to relieve stress and refresh one’s mind and body than a nice vacation. Doctors oftentimes don’t have much opportunity to indulge in a vacation, so it’s important to make it count by choosing the best option. You can make the most of your time off as well by going on a continuing medical education cruise conferences.
CME cruises for physicians are definitely your best bet when it comes to quality cruising that’s best suited for doctors. Not only are you treated to a lovely vacation, but you get to improve your practice as a physician as well. Now that’s an all-around win-win that enriches you both professionally and personally.
Got some ideas how you can spend your down time? Know that you can do all of the aforementioned aboard Healthy MD CME cruise. It’s a cruising experience specially curated for doctors, planned by doctors. Apart from luxury cruise travel, you are treated to a life changing educational adventure that’s accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, too.
For a worthwhile and all-around enriching relaxation, Healthy MD CME is just the cream of the crop. Learn more by subscribing to our newsletter today!