These are tough times professionally and personally, so just a few thoughts about how to hang in there today and return refreshed for another day tomorrow:
· Modify your expectations for how you feel. We’re facing many dynamic stressors at a rapid pace, and information and protocols are changing by the hour, so it’s hard to be your normal “settled self.” Know that everyone is in the same boat. There is some consolation in a community of shared suffering so share your worries with colleagues, family, and friends. I have found much needed reassurance from wonderful conversations and Teams chats with colleagues, groups texts with family and friends, and inspirational social media posts from Permanente colleagues throughout Northern California. If you would like to speak to a professional counselor, you can reach out to our Employee Assistance Program (contact information found on our Sac Valley home page) or use our supplemental Cigna mental health plan to get discounted counseling in the community. I’m also available for anyone who wants to chat with a grey haired family doctor. Text me at 530-919-9705 to set up a time.
· Now more than ever, calming and centering practices such as mindfulness, prayer, and yoga can bring you some inner peace. Being present in this moment (without regrets about what’s already happened and excess anxiety about what tomorrow brings) empowers you to make more adaptive choices about your own feelings and behavior and also positions you to be at your best for patient encounters. Just this morning, Nichole Tyson informed me that Headspace is making its mindfulness app free to healthcare providers through 2020. Click here to register.
· Be worried enough to be vigilant about best practices to protect yourself and others, but not so worried that you become anxious and less functional. Click here for some suggestions for interrupting your worry with some healthy pleasures.
· Remember that much of our patients’ fear about COVID-19 is related to an information deficit. While we do not know nearly everything we need to know, we have the advantage of medical training, clinical experience, and daily updates from our infectious disease leaders and world experts. I have found that the vast majority of patients are reassured by brief but reassuring conversations.
· Know that our patients and communities are extremely grateful for our commitment to keeping them safe. I received this email from a patient yesterday: “I just wanted to give a shout-out to you and your co-workers at Kaiser for all you are doing to help patients during this coronavirus pandemic. I'm sure it must be difficult being a healthcare worker now, with the potential exposure to this particular virus. Perhaps you and your team members at Kaiser don't hear it often enough, but the community appreciates your efforts! Best wishes.”
· Do your best to eat healthy foods, get good rest, and go outside for some physical activity, even if it’s just a ten minute walk.
· Good news for fans of evidence based wellness: the best university-based wellness programming can be found just down Highway 80 at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. The GGSC’s director, Dacher Keltner, has been a frequent speaker at TPMG wellness events. I signed up for their emails several years ago and enjoy receiving their uplifting messages on a regular basis.
· And finally, there is always a little room for humor in tough times, so here you go . . .
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