Tiffany Brown, DO Chair, DO, FACOEP-D

The Physicians Wellness Committee recently sent out a survey to gauge the needs of our great organization. We had 148 survey participants from the college and will use this information to help us address the high level of both physician fatigue and lack of focus on provider wellness. We will do this by offering education, resources, options, and interventions to help providers thrive during their careers.

As a committee, we want to create opportunities for wellness and health. Achieving wellness is a multifaceted journey that involves various strategies and practices. Some key actions people often take to attain wellness include regular exercise, eating a balanced diet and paying attention to nutritional value, getting adequate sleep, stress management practices, building social connections, focusing on mental health care, steps toward better self-care, participating in preventative healthcare, maintaining a healthy work life balance, working toward a positive mindset, limiting harmful habits, engaging in continuous learning, increasing environmental awareness.

In our survey we asked, “What do you specifically do to achieve wellness?” Participants answered that they exercise (32%), go on vacations (28%), and partake in hobbies (22%). We all know that engaging in physical activity is essential for maintaining good health. Taking time for self-care activities like hobbies or relaxation can help maintain emotional balance. 12% of participants answered “other” and their answers were a combination of the top 3 survey answers. Seeking professional help when dealing with mental health challenges is vital. Therapy, counseling, or support groups can be beneficial. Practicing stress reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing and mindfulness can help manage daily pressures and promote mental wellness.

We asked, “What are the elements of wellness that you desire?” There were 3 elements that accounted for over 75% of the responses. These elements were “Decreased workload” at 29%, “Control Over Schedule” at 26%, and “Time with Family” at 21%. I believe that if we start by centering our attention on these 3 elements, this will contribute the most to improving health and wellness among our members.

Decreased Workload

Research suggests that reducing work hours can decrease employee stress and improve well-being without impacting productivity. the benefits that organizations and individuals can experience by implementing workload reduction strategies are improved employee well-being, increased productivity, enhanced job satisfaction, maximized employee retention, improved work life balance, and prevention of burnout.

Control Over Schedule

Having control over your schedule can significantly improve wellness. Research indicates that having little discretion over how work gets done is associated not only with poorer mental health but also with higher rates of heart disease. Conversely, giving workers more choice or control over their work schedules has been found to improve their mental health. Even relatively small changes in worker autonomy can make a difference in employee well-being.

In addition to the workplace, having control over your schedule outside of work can also contribute to wellness. Having a regular routine can help lower stress levels, form good daily habits, take better care of your health, feel more productive, and feel more focused. Developing healthier routines and habits in our lives can lead to positive feelings, relationship satisfaction, increased energy, inspiration, and a feeling that we are using our creative talents, skills, and abilities to engage in activities.

By having control over your schedule, you can better manage your time and allocate it to activities that promote well-being. This includes spending quality time with family and loved ones, engaging in physical fitness activities, pursuing hobbies and interests, and taking breaks when needed. Ultimately, having control over your schedule allows you to strike a balance between work commitments and personal life, leading to improved overall wellness.

Time with Family

Spending more time with family instead of working all the time can have numerous benefits. Taking breaks from work and spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. It can foster open communication, strengthen bonds and reinforce positive family dynamics. Quality family time has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced risk of posttraumatic stress disorders. Regularly engaging in activities with family members can boost self-esteem and create a sense of belonging leading to increased happiness and satisfaction. It’s important to strike a balance between work commitments and spending quality time with loved ones.

Achieving wellness can be hindered by various elements, both internal and external. One significant internal barrier is a lack of motivation or discipline, making it challenging to adopt healthier habits. Poor selfesteem and negative self-perception can also impede progress, as can unresolved emotional issues and stress. Additionally, external factors such as a fast-paced lifestyle, financial constraints, and limited access to healthcare can create obstacles to wellness. Social pressures, unrealistic beauty standards as well as environmental factors can also negatively impact overall well-being. Recognizing and addressing these obstacles is crucial for individuals striving to attain a state of wellness, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to health.

In our survey we also asked, “What are the elements that are preventing wellness?” Our poll shows that the top elements that are preventing wellness include stress (33%), lack of autonomy (24%), and other (25%). When we looked at what “other” entailed, it was workload, uncooperative administration, horrible work schedules, high taxes, regulatory bodies and their mandates, patients’ unrealistic expectations and our legal malpractice system.

Stress is modifiable and having a plan of action to combat the many stressors of life is key. Stress can have a significant impact on wellness. Chronic stress can lead to a range of physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, anxiety, and depression. Stress can also cause inflammation in the body, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases.

Stress can also affect your behavior and lifestyle choices. For example, when you’re stressed, you may be more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors such as overeating, smoking, or drinking alcohol. These behaviors can further exacerbate the negative effects of stress on your health.

In addition to physical health problems, stress can also impact your mental health. Chronic stress has been linked to depression and anxiety disorders. It can also lead to burnout, which is characterized by emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy.

In conclusion, it’s important to remember that achieving wellness is a personal journey, and what works for one person may differ from another. Everyone’s journey towards wellness is unique. It’s important to assess the specific needs of your life and tailor these strategies accordingly. –•–