However, burnout can be kept at bay. Ms. Knight outlines the do’s and don’ts of overcoming burnout in a Harvard Business Review article. Here are her suggestions.
- Do: Take breaks on a daily basis to restore mental energy.
- Don’t: Take breaks when your energy is highest, whether that is in the morning or afternoon. Instead, use this time to maximize productivity and take a break when energy wanes.
- Do: Limit electronic device usage after work.
- Don’t: Focus on avoiding using electronic devices and work. Rather than using “avoidance” goals use “approach” goals — goals that focus on engaging activities unrelated to work, such as cooking dinner with friends and family.
- Do: Focus on why work is important and try tying it to a personal goal, such as a promotion.
- Don’t: Ignore burnout. If you can’t find a meaning in your work, it is time to take a break. Ms. Knight suggests taking long weekends more regularly, as opposed to a long, two-week vacation to maximize stress reduction over time.
If these suggestions are not effective, it is possible burnout is not the issue. It could be time for a career change, according to Ms. Knight.
More articles on integration and physician issues:
7 ways lean strategies can combat physician burnout
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