Self-Care for Health Professionals
“The expectation that we can be immersed in suffering and loss daily, and not be touched by it, is as unrealistic as expecting to be able to walk through water without getting wet”
– Dr. Rachel Remen
One thing that we must do as health professionals is to be intentional about our self-care.
Self-care is not a luxury nor is it optional, it is a professional requirement for those immersed in suffering and loss each day and working at the frontline of humanity.
The following blog posts below are a selection of my best work on self-care and working in Palliative Care.
Rest – The foundation of intentional self-care
Dark Days in Palliative Care – The importance of intentional self-care
I think that your life is making you tired
The power and purpose of failure
Burnout, depression and not wanting to be a doctor anymore
Here are 2 important Self-care links:
Validated self-care questionnaire by Cooke-Cotton & Guyker
Palliative Care Australia’s 2020 “Self-Care Matters” Campaign created, edited and curated by my good friend Dr. Jason Mills – special cameo by yours truly!!
Rest - the foundation of intentional self-care
Why do we fill our lives with endless activity which doesn’t actually matter in the end? Who are we trying to please and what are we actually trying to do? Why do we sacrifice our health and our best years at the altar of work and not chase after our own dreams and found passions?…
Dark days in Palliative Care – The importance of intentional self-care
I love my job as a Palliative Care doctor. There is nothing that I look forward to more on a Monday morning than meeting with our team, solving problems and helping to relieve suffering in our patients and their families. It compels me out of bed early and is the only job that I see…
I think that your life is making you tired
Summary: In the absence of disease, a busy life lacking personal replenishment is detrimental to your health and future Take home message: Reverse engineer the type of life that you desire, cut out the distractions, live intentionally and replenish yourself daily Key beneficiaries: Anyone who lives in this busy, distracted and in this connected world! Time to…
The power and purpose of failure
Summary: Failure can be a powerful catalyst for self-examination and feedback on your life. In the right hands with the right mindset, failure can be a powerful catalyst to personal growth. Take home message: The purpose of failure is feedback. The power of failure is unlimited. Key beneficiaries: Those willing to step outside their comfort zone…
Burnout, depression and not wanting to be a doctor anymore
I have been here a few times over the last 9 years of doctoring. Not too long ago I understood what it felt to be sad everyday for no good reason and have no energy. Things were getting strained at home and I wasn’t enjoying my work. I’d like to share a story and talk…
The healthy GP 