So, "occasionally fit" doesn't even begin to describe the lack of activity and dedicated crap eating that I've been up to. Some of it was enjoyable, some of it, not so much, but it's time to get back on track. At school we completed an activity where we were supposed to write a letter to our future selves to remind us that we should be engaging in self care. Well, sure enought, that shit came in the mail over the weekend and I've been doing such a poor job at it that I didn't even want to open it up. This letter was well timed though, because I had been thinking of how to do better. Five days of 12-14 hour shifts will do that for you.
They always say that you should put on your own mask before you try to help someone else with theirs. Nowhere is this procedure more absent than at the hospital. I have frankly been alarmed at the way that some of the hospital PAs and nurses work. No wonder healthcare workers are in such poor shape! High stress plus mostly sedentary work and long hours is no bueno. It didn't take me long to look at that set up and say "Oh hell no!" These people truly care about their patients and want to do a good job, but I can see burn out on the horizon. How do we avoid this? The only thing that I can think of is mindfulness and meditation. If we try to take care of everyone, we won't be able to take care of anyone. This is true personally and professionally.
So today, eveyone take a deep breath, take a long break, and step away from the McDonalds! It's easy, and comforting in the moment, I know. It's not a good long term survival strategy, IJS. Oh, and the letter that I didn't want to open says this:
"Remember to keep time for yourself and your family and remember what's truly important."
Apparently my 6 weeks ago self was a little more in touch with reality than I have been these days. Here's hoping that we can all come back to the middle, at least once a day, to gather our thoughts and renew ourselves for the next one.
Good read
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