How to Survive Even When Times are Tough with Dr. Caroline Walker

This week, Dr Caroline Walker joins us on another episode of the COVID-19 Supporting Doctors series to share key strategies you need to learn to keep going through the crisis.

Episode Highlights

[00:56] Our Prospects in 2021

• Everyone is excited to leave 2020 behind.
• COVID-19 is still present despite the promise of vaccines.
• We are experiencing an acute stress response due to scary, threatening or difficult situations.

[04:28] Pacing Ourselves

• People are too tired to keep going.
• We need to pace ourselves.
• It may be hard to take some time off, but we have to look after ourselves.

[07:33] Self-Care Basics

• Start with the simplest things.
• Drink water.
• Eat, sleep and rest well.
• Do deep breathing exercises.
• Your self-care methods should be sustainable for your lifestyle.

[11:46] Importance of Breaks and Boundaries 

• Limit your social media exposure.
• Don’t worry about missing the news.
• Learn to set boundaries.

[16:10] Learning to Prioritise

• Set your emails or phones off at certain times.
• Learn to do your tasks in batches.

[20:07] Staying Connected

• Talk and catch up with people who are important to you.
• Check on your team regularly.

[24:50] Planning and Setting Goals

• You need to plan and design your life.
• Permit yourself to pursue things that are important to you.
• Ask yourself questions to guide you towards your goals

[31:18] Culture of Rushing

• Caroline recommends the concept of underscheduling.
• It’s normal to be overbooked, but it is not sustainable nor healthy.
• When we keep rushing, we lose so much joy and meaning in our life.

[36:28] Strategies to Keep You Going Forward

• Stay alive and survive, especially during these times.
• Breathe slowly.
• Stay connected with others.
• Stay within your zone of power.

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Podcast Links

• Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky
• 5 minute team check-in and COVID team wellbeing toolkit
• Essentialism by Greg McKeown
• eGPlearning
• Headspace
• Calm
• The Joyful Doctor COVID-19 Resources. Visit Caroline's site for her socials!
• Permission to Thrive CPD club for doctors
• YANAF COVID-19 Supporting Doctors Series with Dr Caroline Walker: E27, E28, E30, E33.

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