In this episode of the podcast, Rachel is joined by Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee, a portfolio GP with a special interest in occupational health, a Next Gen GP lead and the RCGP First5 Wellbeing lead as well as mother to two small children. 

We talk about the power of positivity and how this works during difficult times such as those we are experiencing right now. Ami is undertaking a Masters in Positive Psychology and we discuss some of the positive psychology principles and research around how this can help us. 

Keeping a list of things we are grateful for, creating an album of meaningful photos and reflecting on why they are meaningful are two ways in which we can increase our positivity – which the helps to re-wire our brains. 

We discuss the importance of accepting what we can and can’t control, the importance of autonomy and purpose in our lives and chat about the small and practical changes we can all make to increase these elements in our work and home life. 

Ami’s top tips:

1. Plan positivity
2. Do team check-ins regularly
3. Remember the basic stuff – it’s OK to laugh.

Keep up the good work. Keep your heads. Keep caring. 

Access the free Shapes Webinar ‘How to support your team through the COVID crisis without trying to fix it for everyone’ here - https://shapes-toolkit.mykajabi.com/support-your-team-webinar

Watch Ami and Rachel’s FMLM webinar on wellbeing here https://www.fmlm.ac.uk/resources/webinar-maintaining-your-wellbeing-through-covid-19

Contact Rachel – [email protected] 

Twitter - @DrRachel Morris

We are sending out a weekly email with new resources, tips and useful content especially for doctors and healthcare professionals throughout the COVID-19 crisis. If you’d like to receive this and other resources about thriving at work then please sign up here

You can watch this podcast episode on YouTube here.

Podcast links

Get the COVID Team Wellbeing Toolkit which includes instructions on how to run a team check in chat here.

Follow Ami on twitter @YourwellbeingDr

Here’s her website https://yourwellbeing.doctor/

Get in touch with her [email protected]

24 hour support for NHS staff: Call 0300 131 7000 between 7am and 11pm or text FRONTLINE to 85258 24/7.

Coronavirus wellbeing support for doctors Facebook group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/777257999463566/

Shapes for Doctors Website http://www.shapesfordoctors.com

You Are Not A Frog website http://shapesfordoctors.co.uk/podcasts/

The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living by Russ Harris

BMA Wellbeing Service