How you can take time to rest once and for all

As physicians, we are accustomed to pushing ourselves at whatever cost, no matter what-it is ingrained in us.  We take care of everyone around us while often neglecting our own needs.  I would find myself depleted being a wife, mother, and physician all in one day.  The birth of my baby boy forced me to try to be the best version of myself.  This best version was possible with deliberate self-care.

 For me, self-care includes working out, meditation, and gratitude practice.  None of this includes just sitting and doing nothing or watching Netflix.  It is active.  It requires effort and discipline.  

 Much of my life, I have worked hard and played hard.  A mantra many physicians practice.  With the pandemic, fun has taken on a different flavor depending on one’s risk aversion.  My family and I are locking down and have stopped going out to eat, seeing friends, and traveling.  As I work on coaching, which I find so fun, I found myself working on the weekends since there was nowhere to go.  

Breaks, vacation days, and sick days are foreign concepts to us.  Last week, I actually took a few days to recoup and rest my brain.  To be undisciplined.  To just be “lazy.”  I came from a home where my only sick days were in the first grade from chicken pox.  

I haven't had a real and proper vacation in over a year with the pandemic. I felt so guilty about taking time for myself to do nothing.  But ultimately, I worked through that thought process and decided to take a break.  I spent a few days relaxing, watching Netflix, talking to friends and felt restored and ready to be my best self at work and at home. 

Another way to address rest is to anticipate your need for it.  Plan some rest time.  I often advise my clients to take one to two planned vacation days per month particularly during the pandemic when many of us are not traveling.  Plan a monthly relaxing weekday for yourself.  When socializing with others is possible again, plan ahead a day of fun with friends.  

If you feel guilty about taking time off, remember that you are giving yourself needed restoration so that you can show up as your best self in your career and home life.  At the end of your life, you will reflect on the connections you made with people, your time with your family, and the fun you had.  Day to day work probably won’t arise.  

I challenge you to take some time to rest when you need it. 

I'm a life coach. Reach out to me if you want help.