A recent survey from Medscape found that close to half of the doctors surveyed were feeling “Burnt Out.” The highest contributing factor? The J-O-B. On a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 being “does not contribute” and 7 being “contributes significantly,” the daily grind scored a 5.6 with respondents. The good news is that those in the eye care field were least likely to suffer from feeling grouchy with work.
Here are some strategies you can employ to make sure the commute to work isn’t filled with dread.
Exercise. Experts agree that regular exercise plays a significant factor in creating a positive outlook on life.
Get away. Take your vacation days and use that time to unplug from your practice. Only a little over 20 percent of workers in the US used all their vacation days last year, despite studies that show time away from work makes us much more productive when we are at work. And make sure when you are on vacation, you unplug. If you’re constantly checking emails from your beach chair, you’re not giving your brain the break it needs from workplace stress.
Find a Hobby. Doing something we enjoy in our off-hours can minimize the effects of stress and help stave off burnout.
Practice Self-Care. Take a yoga class, get a massage, go for a run or see a movie. Don’t be afraid to treat yourself, you deserve it!
Get Enough Sleep. Giving our brain the rest it needs makes us better problem solvers, enhances our mood, and boosts our resiliency.
See a Professional. If the thought of one more day in the office makes you duck back under the covers, don’t be afraid to find a therapist who can help you work through your work issues.