Prepared by: Rola Itani, MD Student
How to finish tasks on time while avoiding burnout and staying sane!
We’re in this pandemic together, but let’s face it: it’s not going away any time soon. This is the new normal: physical distancing, virtual meetings, and masked faces.
Whether you are a student in your pre-clinical years studying remotely, or a clinical student moving through rotations and sitting for online lectures, or even an attending juggling between patients and teaching, we are all experiencing a difficult time. We are not only our work identity, but also daughters, sons, mothers, and fathers. The separation we had before between work and home has been distorted ever since the start of the pandemic. Home, our previous comfort zone and relaxation space, is where we bring our work to now. All this creates extra stress that is unasked for.
Follow these recommendations to finish tasks on time while avoiding burnout:
1. Set routines. Even if you don’t go to your office or class on a regular basis, create a routine for yourself and take scheduled breaks.
2. Practice proper sleep hygiene. Develop a consistent sleep schedule and try to keep your work away from the bedroom.
3. Have a healthy breakfast. Start your day with an energy-boosting breakfast to help you stay productive throughout the day.
4. Get dressed for work. Change your pyjamas into working clothes as if your are going out! This will spark a sense of purpose and boost your mental state.
5. Choose a quiet workspace. It can be next to a window, in the living room, or on the balcony. It's important to have all your things gathered in one quiet place in order to help you stay focused.
6. Avoid distractions. Set a time to study/finish your work. Let people around the house know you are busy. Don’t check your phone or keep up with COVID-19 updates during these set hours. Try to partially dissociate just until finish your tasks.
7. Focus on your physical health. Make sure you are taking care of your physical health by working out and stretching regularly.
8. Limit screen time. This can be super hard especially with everything going virtual. Try to reflect back and stop when you find yourself scrolling aimlessly through social media.