Work and life can often be a juggle. Technology has evolved so much that we are never far away from work, making work/life balance that little bit more difficult. Solo practitioners in particular can find it hard to implement work/life balance – often feeling the pressure to always be available to their patients. While patients are important so too is being able to ‘switch off’ and have the time to recharge.
Long hours and increased workloads can impact health, increase stress levels and reduce the time you have for the things you love. A healthy work/life balance not only ensures solo practitioners are taking time out for themselves but that they’re also able to function effectively so they can provide optimal care to their patients.
Tips for a Healthy Work/Life Balance
Time Management
We all often wonder where the day went. Managing your time effectively can ensure you get all your work done and still have time for yourself. As a solo practitioner, treating patients is the priority however, there are always other tasks, often administrative that need to be done and often eat away at time. Making to-do lists and prioritising tasks can help with getting the ‘must do’ tasks out of the way so you can carve out some time for yourself.
Schedule in ‘Me Time’
Tasks that are scheduled in our calendars or put on our ‘to do’ list often get completed. So why not schedule in ‘me time’? Set aside time in your day or week to do something purely for yourself. Whether it’s watching a movie, having a massage or just going for a walk, that time you carve out for yourself will leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Disconnect
Technology has meant we are often buried in our phone and never out of reach. We have constant access to emails and texts and often feel the need to ‘just quickly deal with this work issue’. By disconnecting for short amounts of time, you can reduce stress and just enjoy what you’re doing in the moment.
Do Something You Love
If you have a hobby or pastime you love, get out and do it. Doing something you enjoy has been proven to have emotional, mental and physical benefits.
Set Boundaries
As a solo practitioner, you may feel the need to always be available to your patients, however it’s important to set boundaries. Ensuring your patients and other support staff (admin staff, pathology, pharmacy etc) know you’re off the clock (except in the case of emergencies) can ensure you get the downtime you need.
Prioritising a healthy work/life balance will ensure that as a solo practitioner you are not only looking after yourself but giving your patients the best version of you.