How to avoid burnout and keep your spark

Be grateful. Gratitude can reduce depression and boost happiness and life satisfaction.^29,30 For the next month, try keeping a “gratitude journal,” writing 3 to 5 things you are grateful for each day. It can produce a positive shift in mood, even after a frustrating or demanding workday.³¹ Start now, by writing what you are grateful for today.

Live fully in this moment. Avoid the “someday” game, waiting to be happy until… you’re caught up with your work, your children are in (or out) of school, you’re wealthy/old enough to retire, etc. Live right now, with this patient, this colleague, this family member. Focus 100% on the person or task of the moment.

Don’t let the task get between us.³² If your spouse or friend wants to visit or share feelings, make the time, even if you’re “busy.” If your patient wants an “extra minute” to thank you for your help or to show you a picture, make time happily.

Play a little every day. Take mini-vacations: walk outside, listen to or make music (a colleague next door lightens my day playing his guitar). Call your spouse or give him/her a funny greeting card, wear a light-hearted tie, bring flowers to your nurses or receptionist. Play with your patients: read poetry; have them bring in pictures of themselves when they were young to help them remember their vitality and spirit. Create your own change of pace (Box 3).

Box 3

• Institute for Healing in Society and Medicine. Martin Sullivan, MD. www.healinginmedicine.org
  
• Center for Professional Well-Being. John-Henry Pfifferling, PhD. www.cpwb.org
  
• Renew. Linda Clever, MD. www.renewnow.org
  
• WorkLife Design. Kernan Manion, MD. www.worklifedesign.org
  
• Menninger Clinic. Professionals in Crisis Program. www.menningerclinic.com
  
• Rachel Naomi Remen. Author of Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal. www.rachelremen.com.