Keeping well is easier than getting well.
Get the basics right – eat healthily, stay hydrated, exercise, sleep well, develop and maintain interests, keep up with family and friends, and enjoy yourself. If you enjoy alcohol, do so in moderation (everything in moderation, except moderation itself – you can’t overdo that!).
At work – do the same – give yourself a break, metaphorically and literally speaking. That break clears your head, restores your energy and focus and allows you to achieve more while feeling better. Take a walk in the fresh air, have a healthy snack, or just have a cup of tea and a chat with a colleague.
Maintain your work/life balance. Arrive and finish on time while being professional as being a doctor doesn’t always fit into a 9-5 existence. Plan and commit to your time away from work as much as you do for work. Do include time for just doing nothing.
What can you do if it’s not working?
Speak to someone. Your colleague, your supervisor, your F/TPD, family or friends. You choose – it may be to just offload, to seek advice, to request a solution(s), or just to flag it’s not working for you.
What does your employer offer?
Lots! Check your employer’s intranet under health and wellbeing, occupational health, or human resources. Ask your supervisor.
What does the Deanery offer?
A chat with your TPD
Access to a coach from the trainee development and wellbeing service, so outwith your normal training structure and supports, help with exam failures, careers advice, advice about less than full-time training, or just an (experienced) pair of ears.
What else is out there?
Academy of Medical Royal Colleges – supports list
NHS - 5 steps to mental wellbeing
Sources of support for your wellbeing (bma.org.uk)
Take home messages
Work at being and staying well. Don’t sweat the small stuff or something not in your control. If it’s not working do something yourself, ask for help when needed and not when it all becomes too much. If it does get too much get help.
This page was last updated on: 24.10.2023 at 15.12
