Because when I messed around and didn't, I ended up with burnout!
Story time: During my medical internship it was mandatory that we took seven days off every three months. We rotated into a new specialty every 12 weeks, and we got seven days vacation per rotation. Even after I left that hospital to go into clinic based medicine, I continued the practice (no pun intended), but by taking 10-14 days every three months.
Literally, by the last couple of weeks of every three-month period, I would be exhausted and could FEEL it in my bones that a break was needed.
Maybe some would say that it was all in my head, but there were times when I slipped up and let that three months turn into four, or even six months, and by then I would feel as though I was of no use to myself, far less to anyone else!
During the height of the pandemic I worked in three different areas of medicine - I worked at our island's lone COVID hospital, I still ran my palliative care practice, AND I was also doing sessions within a group family practice. Not to mention I was busy building a personal brand on the side. I went for MONTHS without so much as a long weekend off work. And the only prize I got for that bit of insanity was a hefty dose of burnout. Did I know I was burnt out? Nope. I just knew that nothing felt right and everything felt off.
I was irritable, moody, my appetite was the pits, I had constant headaches, and the type of exhaustion that no amount of sleep seemed to be able to resolve. So I finally had enough and went to see my doctor. Truthfully, when she told me I was experiencing burnout I was ashamed, because how? Here I was, a practicing physician who told others practically every day how they should be looking after themselves. Yet, I wasn't walking the walk.
So, like the obedient patient that I expect my own patients to be, I reevaluated and decided that I needed to make some changes, and one of them was to make sure I included my quarterly vacations into my yearly planning... and can I tell you? Everything changed.
- I was able to recharge my energy and actually enjoy my work again.
- And I could focus better, get more done in less time, and stop feeling like I was constantly playing catch-up.
- Added to that, I felt more creative, patient, and present in both my business and personal life.
Oh, and can I tell you? My vacations are a non-negotiable now; the only negotiating we're doing is about where Sis is headed for the next one!
I'm realistic though, and maybe your set up doesn't allow for such frequent breaks, or maybe you can, but only for three days, instead of seven. Or, maybe you can take 1-2 weeks every four months, or have a solid 2 weeks every 6 months.
I have to warn you though, and I see this a lot in my coaching clients: Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you won't be that tired, or that you don't need a break more than once a year. That's the self-sacrificial side of you talking, and it's about time you started to ignore them.
What I want you to get is that you've more than likely been underestimating the value and importance of taking a vacation from your work!
If you want to start feeling more in control of your time and energy, here are a couple of energy/burnout avoidance hacks for you:
- Start with this small step: practice taking a break. Sounds simple right? Except that you probably NEVER actually disconnect from work, even when you're supposed to be off the clock. I'm looking at you, the one whose mind is always in the office, or whose nose is always in your inbox, or your ear is always stuck to the phone receiver when you're supposed to be relaxing. Start small. 30 minutes, once a week. Switch off and do something that has nothing to do with your work. Next work on building up to longer periods (an hour, 3 hours, half day, an entire day!), or shorter periods but more frequently (think: switch off for an hour every evening).
- Scheduling regular breaks or vacations into your calendar, and STICKING to them--even a long weekend can make a huge difference!
Remember that habits are made with effort and repetition, and it's ok to slip up occasionally, we're human after all. Good luck!
Your Coach & Newest BFF,
Lesley,💛
Dr. Lesley Reece is an MD and women's life coach. She enjoys teaching others about navigating a life well-lived, instead of just existing. Check out her latest course offering, Burnout Bootcamp here. Have a question? Feel free to DM or email her at info@lesleyreece.com.