Last night my husband got home relatively early for a change. We quickly packed up and went to the community pool to make the most of his early arrival. We came back home for dinner and his phone never stopped ringing. Can you relate? He would scoop pasta into a bowl and then pause to answer a text. Add meatballs and zucchini and pause to answer another text. Some cheese and tomato sauce were poured on top and then the bowl went into the microwave because the food was now cold. He stood at the microwave vigorously typing away. I watched my husband impulsively grab his phone and respond to messages without triaging their level of importance. This is a reaction that was learned in residency and has continued into his attending position.
Doctors face unique challenges in maintaining a work-life balance due to the demanding nature of their profession. Long hours, high-stress situations, and the emotional toll of patient care can make it difficult to find equilibrium. We attended the AMA Alliance Annual convention in May and many of the presentations focused on physician burnout and the toll it takes on the family.
Here is a short list of ways you (and I) can implement better boundaries/ routines/ structure with the goal of achieving a stronger work life balance. There are exceptions to every rule but I challenge you to find something from this list to try.
Set a specific schedule. When possible, define your work hours and stick to them. Advocate for administrative time and then make it your goal to protect it. Designate personal time. Make sure to schedule time for yourself to go to the dentist, eye doctor, primary care physician etc.
Use your vacation time and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Spend this time doing something rejuvenating.
Set boundaries around after-hours communication: Consider one of the following:
- no phones at dinner
- designated ring tone for the hospital phone number
- charting during your child's screen time
- Put your phone on DND after 9:00pm unless on call
- Only do work in a designated work area of the house to minimize distractions
- Set a timer for doing work during off hours
Regular exercise. Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine whether that is going to the gym or chasing your kids on their bike after work.
Healthy diet. Focus on balanced nutrition to keep your energy levels up. Check out your local farmer's market for inspiration.
Use scheduling tools. Utilize calendars, planners, and scheduling software to manage appointments and tasks efficiently.
Delegate non-medical tasks to administrative staff or other team members
Prioritize tasks. Focus on high-priority tasks and avoid overcommitting to additional responsibilities that can lead to burnout. It is okay to say no.
Pursue hobbies. Dedicate time to activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading, gardening, or playing a musical instrument.
Spend time with loved ones. Prioritize quality time with family and friends. Take a walk after a long day, invite others over for a bbq, find a trivia night for some friendly competition.
