Tips for finding balance and refreshing oneself from the Women Physicians Congress (WPC):
When making a choice, ask yourself which event or activity you will remember one year from now.
Learn mediation skills to help you slow down throughout the day and to re-energize yourself before moving on to a project or activity.
Don't feel guilty about hiring help- housecleaning, pet care, chef. You'll be doing everyone involved a favor.
Keep dinnertime as intact as possible. Things that help: easy meals, crock pot cookery, cooking doubles and freezing the leftovers.
Protect family/friends time even if it is for a walk, bike ride, or pizza night. Coordinate times with your friends and your spouse or significant other.
Forgive yourself for not getting things done and congratulate yourself for doing as well as you did.
Make sure to laugh often.
Schedule time for regular exerise and take care of your physical health. "The first wealth is health." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
When making choices, remember to sometimes choose something that is new and a "stretch" to your usual schedule. This will enliven you, awaken your soul and can enrich your life.
Tape your favorite TV show and watch it on your own schedule.
Take the kids on rounds as a way of sharing your world. But remember to allow extra time for visiting and explaining so that you are not adding more stress to your schedule.
Create some time for yourself on a regular basis. And make sure that you actually schedule it in. Even an hour a week to read a magazine can make you feel good.
Find at least one hobby or activity that is not related to the field of medicine.
Plan ahead- don't let the days slip by. Don't be afraid to commit- just warn your friends if there's a chance you may have to cancel because of the call schedule.
Talk to others who have "been there." More experienced colleagues may have a lot to share about life balance.
Spend time with friends who are not physicians. It's amazing how that helps to put things in perspective.
Don't wait for vacation time. Plan a short get-away now and then to get a change of pace.
If you have children, think about hiring a live-in childcare provider who will add to all of your lives.
Remind your family and friends that you are not superwoman by not acting like it. Ask for help or advice when you need it.
If you're married, allow your spouse time to adjust to a call schedule, long days, etc. Remember, cognitive understanding is not the same as living it.
Be creative and allow yourself a few silly luxuries.
Keep things in perspective. "There is a proper balance between not asking enough of oneself and asking or expecting too much." (May Sarton)
If you have a life balance tip that you would like to share with us send us an email.
Content provided by: Women Physicians Congress