Just back from skiing holiday over Christmas. Lots of snow, blue skies, fresh air, exercise and relaxation. No TV or internet, and quality time with the family.
When I was a full time GP I took 8 weeks holiday a year, plus bank holidays and had a half day off a week with no nights or week-ends on call.
However, my first job as a surgical houseman was 108 hours a week with no days off and 2 weeks holiday each six months.
My early years in general practice we had eleven hour days, worked Saturday mornings and did a night and a week-end rota of 1 in 5. It was hard, yet rewarding. However looking back we all suffered various degrees of burnout, and in some instances depression and stress related illness. So I would not go back to those days.
As a holistic doctor I feel it is important to take time out to enjoy yourself and pursue other interests. And to have time for friends and family. But more importantly time for yourself-to relax and reflect -to have space to think, ponder and process feelings.
This needs planning. Book holidays and on days off do something you enjoy that is not work related. Also during your working day have breaks, even short ones. I play a short tracks from a CD on relaxation which is on my practice computer called Just-a-minute. These are one minute relaxation and meditation tracks. I find really helpful to keep up my energy and enthusiasm. You can download all 21 tracks for free.
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