Holiday season. We are stuck in traffic at a standstill on the A303. Grey cloud and rain. Kids bickering in the back. “Daft Punk”, our holiday music blaring from the speakers in defiance to it all. We will enjoy this holiday… And then, a pause. The rain and noise stops. I notice the summer meadow … Continue reading # 3 Good Things
Category: mindfulness
I was recently asked by a reader how I had recovered. As I started writing my response, I suddenly appreciated that I had got better. It may seem odd that this would not be obvious as I have been ‘better’ for a long time. Complete recovery though and feeling stronger as a result of what … Continue reading Recovery – 9 key things that helped me
“Control the controllables” is what an ex-professional rugby player friend told me when I confessed to feeling anxious. I was reminded of this recently when listening to Patrick McKeown. He talked about a famous Irish rugby player who would get really anxious and lose sleep before a big match, despite many years experience. So what … Continue reading Anxiety: 8 keys things that have helped me
When I was first writing about preventing burnout, I did not feel that I could add much personal value. I bypassed the prevention stage completely. I headed straight to having to think about recovering from burnout. If I had recognised where my escalating stress would have led me, if I had appreciated how unwell I … Continue reading Preventing burnout – what I would do differently knowing what I know now
A post by the inspirational Dr Jenny Napier. She and Dr Thuli Whitehouse are running a weekend retreat for doctors on 11-13th November, offering 'a space for stepping back, recharging your batteries and learning some new skills for maintaining your balance.' What is the nature of your inner dialogue when you do something you regret? … Continue reading How can self-compassion support our learning and development?
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Jon Kabat-Zin When I talk or listen to peers and colleagues, I am amazed at how many healthcare professionals are already integrating mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques into their lives on a regular basis in order to ground themselves and find headspace and calm . Many successful apps, like Headspace … Continue reading Mindfulness meditation
Dr Jenny Napier has written a fantastic article in the journal of holistic medicine “Resilience – How we keep sailing”. She “draws parallels between resilience and what is required for safe sailing and navigation”. She talks about the importance of social networks, both within and outside of work”- the stronger these are, “the more resilient we become” … Continue reading Improving our resilience
