Abstract
How can we promote wellbeing for ourselves?
In our annual NHS England appraisals, we are expected to carry out a self-rating questionnaire; a reflective look at our wellbeing and health. Is this something we should look at more than once a year for our own benefit rather than as a tick box exercise?
Do I have a good work–life balance? Would I recognise the signs of an imbalance? While these questions seem easy on the surface, it does take headspace, time and discipline to look at these elements for ourselves. As clinicians, we all know that we need to create a balance between our work and our lives to create a sense of wellbeing. This we promote to our patients regularly.
We all have different personalities and respond to stressors differently. We will prefer different daily schedules that involve different ways of managing workload, workflow and the events of the day.
At your next annual work appraisal, even if it is not brought up, consider discussing your wellbeing at work and whether demands and expectations are manageable.
Peers often complain of not having time for regular breaks. Consider being creative in making breaks happen. Taking proper breaks at work – and taking them in full – can be a powerful way of achieving a positive mood and feeling more refreshed. Examples include taking a lunch break; leaving your desk or office for a stretch between patients; going for a walk between home visits; finding a new place to have lunch nearby. It is easy to feel unwell and exacerbate stress by not exercising enough or eating appropriately. Looking after ourselves throughout the week can build resilience. We may feel better prepared for work and less tired.
Creating time for ourselves is always difficult especially with caring responsibilities, an unpredictable schedule or small children.
Meditating, listening to music, reading and doing yoga are just some of the ways we can give ourselves more head space. Accessing mentoring or coaching through the local training hub can be another way of finding time to focus on wellbeing, as this relates to career and workplace issues.
Final thoughts
GPs are having to work harder to meet growing demand, but inexorable increases in demand are not sustainable. In 2022, a survey of RCGP members in the UK found that 39% of the GP workforce are seriously considering leaving the profession within the next 5 years. Work–life balance and our own wellbeing have never been more relevant or important issues to consider. Take all available opportunities to look at ways of improving your wellbeing in order to work more effectively and to enjoy work more for longer.
