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.

Mentioned in this episode:

Work Well Programme for Healthcare Teams
Help all the staff in your organisation thrive under pressure with a programme of wellbeing resources, team activities, monthly webinars, and additional support.

Join FrogXtra
The monthly membership for doctors and busy professionals in high stress jobs, who want to beat burnout and work happier.