Online Therapy for Physician Burnout: Fill Your Cup
I hope you’re reading this while taking a well-deserved day off from work. I know those days can be far and few between. Today, I want to talk about refilling your cup- the metaphorical cup that holds your time, energy, and soul, which you pour into others daily. This cup can run extremely low, or even dry, and as the saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup.
Avoid Activities That Drain You
Many people mistake activities that drain them for activities that refill their cups. Vegging out in front of the TV, getting drunk or high, or endlessly scrolling on your phone may seem like easy ways to unwind, but they often leave you feeling more exhausted and empty. Instead, engaging in activities that actively refill your energy is crucial.
Identify what Fills your Cup
To truly refill your cup, it’s important to engage in activities that bring you joy, satisfaction, and sense of accomplishment. These activities can vary greatly from person to person, so it’s essential to identify what works best for you. For me, some activities that fill my cup include spending time with friends and family, lifting heavy weights, reading a good book, winning at Monopoly Deal, and making competition bbq.
Importance of Active Engagement
Activities that fill your cup typically require you to actively participate. Passive activities, while relaxing in the moment, often don’t provide the same long-term benefits as those that require you to be fully present and engaged.
Finding Your Cup-Filling Activities
If you’re unsure what activities refill your cup, take some time to reflect on past experiences. Think about times when you felt truly happy, energized, and fulfilled. What were you doing? Who were you with? Here’s a few suggestions to get you started:
Creative Pursuits: It could be painting, writing, knitting, or jamming on a musical instrument. Go pick up that ukulele you said you were going to learn how to play.
Walks and Hikes: Spending time in nature can be amazing. The fresh air, beautiful scenery, and physical activity can help clear your mind.
Learn Something New: Taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill can be exciting and rewarding. It keeps your mind sharp and gives you a sense of achievement.
Online Therapy for Physician Burnout: Refilling Your Cup
Physicians and healthcare professionals are particularly susceptible to burnout due to the high demands of their jobs. One effective way to refill your cup is through online therapy. This type of therapy provides a convenient and accessible way to receive support and develop strategies to manage stress and burnout. You can learn how to develop coping skills and setting boundaries.
Prioritizing Self-Care
It’s easy to put self-care on the back burner, especially since you don’t have any extra time in your day. Making time for activities that refill your cup is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional health. During your time off, you need to schedule time for self care. If you don’t schedule it in, other activities will fill your schedule. Make sure your time off includes activities that truly rejuvenate you. Avoid the temptation to fill your time with obligations that don’t bring you joy.
Refilling your cup is essential for maintaining your mental and emotional health. By identifying activities that bring you joy and actively engaging in them, you can ensure that you have energy to handle life’s challenges. This 4th of July, and in all your time off, prioritize activities that genuinely replenish your soul. Your future self will thank you.
Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself, and you’ll be better equipped to take care of others. Enjoy your holiday and make the most of your time off by doing what truly fills your cup.
Reach out for Therapy for Physician Burnout
When you’re ready to start therapy with Chris Rabanera, take the first steps with a free 15-minute consultation. I provide online therapy in California, online therapy in Michigan, online therapy in Nebraska, online therapy in Las Vegas, and online therapy in Utah. As an experienced therapist, I specialize in physician burnout, grief counseling, anxiety, and depression. I also provide mental health treatment for men.
