Many of us who work in medicine face several challenges that can sap the joy from our days: lack of adequate time with patients, pressure to "move faster," documentation demands, insurance hassles, being understaffed, generally rushing around in a hurry, and a lack of time for our health, family, and hobbies.
In this current climate of medicine, how can we possibly find joy and meaning? I've spent considerable time finding ways to bring joy to my days, and here are five things that have helped me:
1) Restoring connection with patients
The joy of our work is in connecting with others. It's why we entered this career, and it brings deep meaning to lives: helping other people through their most challenging days. Building a career that provides ample time to connect with patients will sustain us. If possible, expand your time slots with patients, even if that means you'll make less money (it's worth it). If you don't have control over this, you can still connect with others by a) setting an intention before stepping into the room, b) sitting down and removing distractions, c) finding small ways to connect by asking questions like, "What do you like to do for fun?"
2) Carving out time for what matters most
We each have unique gifts and talents, and our energy, intellect, and empathy are not limitless. What matters most to you? What are your top five priorities? When you're 80 years old, what will matter most when you look back at your life? Try to get as clear on this as possible, then strategically carve out time for these elements. Ideally, your relationships and your health would be among these. How can you kindly minimize, postpone, or eliminate the extra asks that don't align with your priorities?
3) Building a joy list
What truly brings joy to your days, and how can you incorporate more of that into your life? For many of us, reflecting on these questions and even making a list is helpful. Is it certain music? Places? People? Activities? Sunsets? Pet therapy? What helps you relax in healthy ways? What makes you feel joyful? Make sure to regularly build these into your days.
4) Making the commute as enjoyable as possible
Most of our clinical work requires physically commuting to a hospital or clinic. How can we make the most of our commute? I recommend four things: a) leave early, if even by 5-10 minutes, to lower the stress of rushing (it also can give you more capacity to be a kinder driver and let others in, which boosts your happiness), b) make yourself as cozy as possible with comfortable shoes and a driving sweater, c) have multiple options for feel-good audiobooks and favorite playlists, and d) when you're about one minute from work (and again when you're one minute from home), mentally go through a gratitude list. (For example, I'm grateful I have a job. I'm lucky to have these caring people to work with. I'm thankful my body is healthy...). This helps me reframe the day.
5) Having self-compassion and being kinder to yourself
Remember that you are one human being, and your capacity has limits. You can do your best each day and also know you can't be all things to all people. Take time to restore yourself, and remember that you are human. You will have bad days. You will make mistakes. Learn from them, apologize, and forgive yourself (and others). You are more than your bad days. You are more than your failures. And in the same breath, you are more than your achievements or career. Be kind to yourself on this path and know you aren't isolated in what you're facing.
Thank you for caring so well for others. Thank you for being present for their most vulnerable moments. Wishing you more joy in your days as you do this work.