Staying grounded during hectic clinic days isn’t always easy, but small, intentional routines can make a big difference. This week's question asked our community about the healthy habits they utilize to reduce their stress and support overall well-being.
Whether it’s a mindful moment between patients or a quick morning ritual, these simple practices can keep you centered amidst the chaos.
Read the consults below for a snapshot of the habits shared by your peers, then log in or sign up to see the consensus and share your own.
What is one small habit that helps you stay grounded during busy clinic days?
Key takeaways about healthy habits for busy practitioners:
Unspecified/Other
"I like to do a breathing exercise prior to each patient visit. I do about 3-5 minutes of 4-7-8 breathing (breathing in for 4 seconds, holding for 7 seconds, and breathing out for 8 seconds). This helps to activate my parasympathetic relaxation response, and grounds me prior to seeing patients."
Family Practice
"I try to pace my day and week in a way to balance the schedule. I try to plan the day at the start of the day and go over what must be done and plan for the completion of the items needed. Taking these few moments at the start of the day/week helps to pace and balance the rest of the time."
Infectious Diseases/HIV
"The day before, I always set my phone alarm with reminders for various items during the day, phone calls, meetings, etc. Secondly, start the day with exercise, walk 4 miles. I always start clinic with a huddle with the team for all patients coming in that day to identify primary care and other needs that can be done before seeing the patient."
Dermatology
"Make connections with patients, especially long-standing patients, asking about them and their families. FIND HUMOR. Humor is the key to all successful relationships and the key to surviving a stressful day."
Psychiatry
"I get to the office early. I want an hour before I start seeing patients to get charts together (yes, I still use paper charts), make any phone calls, check on any referrals, and confer with my office manager and other staff. I check back in with staff frequently, and we use a lot of humor!"
Surgeon
"One habit is that I must write the patient note right after seeing the patient. No matter how behind I am, I have a habit of finishing the patient note before moving on."
Family Practice
"While not practiced during the clinic itself, I think regular exercise and adequate sleep are the two habits that have the most positive impact on my work life. They help both my mood and energy level and help me feel confident giving healthy lifestyle guidance since I practice what I preach."
Family Practice
"I prep and prepare for my day by seeing who is coming in and what is needed for their care that day. I make notes to discuss at their visit so we do not forget anything, and I always set up their next needed visit before they leave."
Nurse Practitioner
"I take time to breathe when I feel a sense of being overwhelmed. Taking 5-10 minutes to focus inward renews my mind and spirit, giving a new drive to continue."
Oncology/Hematology
"I try to take 30-60 seconds to sit with my eyes closed before walking into work and remember that I am here to help people and try to make a difference in their lives. I remind myself of 1 thing I'm thankful for (my family, my health, my job, a fun weekend plan, etc). Then, I go in and give it my best."
Review all of the habits shared by our community, or share yours, by reading the full post on Healthcasts.