Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/96739
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ + +++ +PHYSICIAN LIFE BALANCE U+++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Work-Life Imbalance: A Serious Problem EVERYONE STRIVES TO BALANCE THE DEMANDS OF PERSONAL AND WORK LIFE. THIS CAN PARTICULARLY CHALLENGE PHYSICIANS, WHOSE PROFESSION OFTEN REQUIRES EXTENDED AND WEEKEND HOURS, AS WELL AS REGULAR ON-CALL PERIODS. IN ���BURNOUT AND SATISFACTION with Work-Life Balance Among U.S. Physicians Relative to the General U.S. Population,��� an Archives of Internal Medicine study published online in August 2012, study authors, led by Mayo Clinic���s Tait D. Shanafelt, M.D., used the 22-question Maslach Burnout Inventory to score burnout in physicians compared with the rest of the U.S. workforce. The results of the voluntary survey and subsequent study show that approximately 46% of physicians report at least one symptom of burnout ��� characterized as ���a loss of enthusiasm for work, feelings of cynicism and a low sense of personal accomplishment.��� Physicians in emergency medicine, family medicine and general internal medicine showed the highest frequency of burnout. Relative to the U.S. workforce, physicians were approximately 10% more likely to show symptoms of burnout. Finding Balance Although scienti���c studies have yet to provide a de���nitive resolution for physician burnout, there is no shortage of recommended steps to ensure a healthy work-life balance. Try employing some of these tips. + Time Management: Apply similar principles at home and at work. Mayo Clinic recommends against saving your household chores for your day off. If possible, do laundry, run errands and perform any other necessary tasks throughout the week so you can spend your day off doing what you want to do. In addition, Mental Health America emphasizes the importance of taking proper breaks. + Prioritization: To ensure no aspect of life is ignored, Rebecca Harrison, M.D., FACP, associate professor 20 | Mid Hudson MD NEWS I MDNEWS.COM of medicine at Oregon Health & Science University, recommends assessing values and priorities. Once you���ve identified what is most important, saying ���no��� to competing activities that do no align with your priorities becomes easier. Because your values change, regular re-evaluation of priorities is necessary, she adds. + Health Consciousness: Personal health is vital to preventing burnout. According to Mayo Clinic, eating healthfully, maintaining a routine of physical exercise and engaging in activities of interest, such as sports or hobbies, are the basic building blocks of cultivating a balanced life. ���Recognize the importance of protective factors, including exercise, leisure activities and friendships,��� the United Kingdom���s Mental Health Foundation writes about work-life balance. ���Try to ensure that these are not sacrificed to working longer hours, or try to ensure that you spend your spare time on these things.��� + Openness: In the A merica n Academy of Fa mily Physicians��� publication Family Practice Management, an article titled ���Eight Ideas for Managing Stress and Extinguishing Burnout��� by William Zeckhausen, D.Min., points to physician support groups as a resource for stress relief. Who better to share your concerns with than other people experiencing the same problems? Even if a support group does not appeal to you, talking it out can help lighten the burden. A 2011 article published in the journal Pediatrics recommends physicians ���seek out senior colleagues to serve as mentors and role models in career development and personal/family life.��� I