You are a clinician, a caregiver, and a healer.  Although it may not always feel like it, you are a patient too.  Care for the caregiver has its own unique challenges.  We don’t necessarily take better care of ourselves than we take care of our patients.  Why?  Because, among other reasons, we get too busy taking care of our patients to take time for self-care!

All of the elements of personal health planning apply to your own care, but there are some elements related to the Integrative Health approach that apply specifically to clinicians and their practice lives as well.  Some of those topics are covered in a list of questions in the table below.

Think of this as an opportunity for mindful awareness.  It is not about being self-critical or beating yourself up.  Try not to strive or feel competitive with colleagues.  The goal is simply to notice patterns.  Later, you can choose how to respond (if at all) to what you observe.

Heal Thyself: Unique Integrative Health Concerns for Health Care Professionals

Me at the Center

• What really matters to you in terms of your work in health care?  Are you fulfilled by your work?
• As someone who cares for others, how much time do you actually spend tuning in to your own needs?

Mindful Awareness

• On a typical day, how much of your attention goes toward taking care of yourself?
• How many times a day do you notice yourself feeling rushed or under time constraints?
• Are you able to “reset” before each patient encounter?  That is, can you be in the present moment with your patients?