Although working as an ED physician can be exciting and fulfilling, there is no denying that it is an environment that can be very stressful. From making life-altering decisions under immense pressure to the hectic shifts, many ED physicians consider stress to be a normal part of life in the ED.
Although stress can play a role in increasing productivity for some people, it without a doubt has negative short term and long-term effects ranging from sleep deprivation to chronic illnesses. Therefore, it is extremely important to find ways to cope with this stress and avoid it whenever possible in order to prevent physician burn out and live a balanced and happy life.
There is no one simple rule people can follow to avoid stress as it can be triggered and resolved differently among individuals, but there are some tips that we can follow to protect our mental health.
Do things that you enjoy
Whether you enjoy sewing or running, make sure you do things that you enjoy a few times a week. For instance, if you enjoy exercising, go for a walk or a run before or after work in order to relief stress. Sometimes it can be something as simple as enjoying a cup of coffee while listening to a podcast before work or driving while playing music that you enjoy to and from work.
Balance your work and social life
Since we work in shifts, it is inevitable that we will miss important events such as birthdays, weddings, festivals and other important events. This might lead to a poor social life and miscommunication with loved ones, however, it is important to remember to keep a good work-life balance. Try to maintain your connection with your loved ones and have a life outside of work. The most frequent advice I have gotten since starting my residency is to keep doing what I love and maintain a normal social life outside work.
Time Management
Procrastination is a bad habit that most of us find hard to give up. However, having an organized schedule and plan can help reduce stress immensely. For instance, if you delay starting a project you’re working on, it will stay on your mind and cause you stress until you finish it. On the other hand. if you come up with a plan and time frame and stick to it, this will greatly reduce the pressure, not to mention the relief you will feel once you’re done with your project. Good time management will also improve your overall productivity and your long-term success.
Take care of your own self
Many times, we get so wrapped up with taking care of other people and forget to take care of our own needs. Please remember to protect your mental health, it is okay to say no when you feel overwhelmed. if you feel stressed, read books or listen to podcasts, speak to loved ones or colleagues or see a professional when needed. Take care of your physical health, eat healthy, exercise, meditate and do things that make you happy.
Talk it out with your colleagues
It is important to talk to your fellow residents or mentors when dealing with work related stress. This can help enormously because more often than not, they have been through what you’re going through and sharing their own experiences and solutions with you and reassuring you can be very beneficial.
About Author:
Dr. Ivyan Hashim
Emergency Medicine Resident PGY1, Rashid Hospital.
Graduated from Zhejiang University, China.
Hobbies: Watching movies, tv shows & documentaries, travelling, learning about different cultures
and practices.
Passionate about human rights and equality, mental and spiritual wellness and continuous self-
improvement.