Stress
A certain amount of stress can be beneficial as it can add purpose to your work which can result in a goal being reached and a feeling of accomplishment at the end. But even a positive change in your life, like a big promotion or purchasing a practice may cause a great deal of stress. Not all stress comes from your job. Stress from other sources, such as personal relationships and money concerns can impact job performance which adds to stress levels. The important thing is to recognize the signs of stress and to take steps to overcome it before it gets out of control. It is important to intervene before destructive or addictive behaviors develop as a coping mechanism in your search for life balance. (This article is not meant to diagnose or treat serious problems. Professional help is a lifeline that should be pursued with all haste when needed.)
- Remember what led you into the profession in the first place, and how good it felt when you got your degree and then your first job. Identify what it was that made you look forward to going to work each day. Try to regain your passion, dreams and plans for the future.
- Avoid complaining or associating with people that always are unhappy. Look for supportive people with positive attitudes. Negative thoughts and gossip reinforce negative feelings.
- Concentrate on the future. Dwelling on past disappointments is useless since there is nothing you can do to change it.
- Overcome adversity with dignity and grace. Return to a state of balance and pleasantness so people look forward to your presence.
- Take some time off to rejuvenate your skills. A great conference or convention with top-rated scientific sessions and opportunities to socialize with your peers works wonders to remind you what a great profession you have joined. You may realize that all you needed was some time away.
- Get involved with your community. Try to make where you live a little better because you are there.
- Delegate when you can.
- If you are bored with doing the same thing day after day, ask if there are different types of tasks at work that you can take on that will help you develop a different set of skills.
- Exercise both physically and mentally to boost your feeling of well-being.
- Spend time with your loved ones as they are your advocates more than anyone else in your life.
- Talk to a career or other professional to get back on track and start enjoying what you worked so hard to achieve.
Find a full range of tools and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing at avma.org/Wellbeing.