Since surgeons can’t go on a Caribbean retreat every time they feel overwhelmed, they must find other ways to cope with the daily demands of the job. Operating at an elite level day in and day out is understandably stressful, and providers who fail to take care of themselves will eventually be unable to take care of their patients. Here are just a few of the most effective ways surgeons can relieve stress when they feel as though they're approaching burnout. 3 Tips for Relieving Stress as a Surgeon 1. Track Your Tasks Surgeons may not be able to control everything that happens in the operating room, but they can certainly control what happens out of it. Since eliminating stress in their personal lives will make it easier to focus on their professional obligations, creating to-do lists is essential. Writing down daily, weekly, and monthly tasks—as well as checking items off as soon as they're complete—will ensure nothing falls through the cracks. 2. Step Outside Spending time in nature has proven to relieve stress and anxiety. You don’t need a wellness-themed Caribbean retreat to reap the benefits of nature, though. Surgeons can simply plan outdoor activities on their days off, such as taking a walk in the park or playing a round of golf. And when they're on the clock, they should try to get at least a few minutes of fresh air during every break. This will prevent stress from building up as they see patient after patient. Even a five-minute walk to the nearest coffee shop can work wonders for your mental health, so when you’re feeling overwhelmed, find a way to get outside. 3. Just Breathe Deep breathing is one of the easiest ways to relieve stress immediately, and you can do it virtually anywhere—including in the operating room. There are all kinds of breathing techniques for relieving stress, so try a few different exercises until you find one that seems especially effective for you. Incorporate it into your daily life until it’s second nature. Source
