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How Clinicians Can Prevent Professional Burnout: Life's a POP!

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05/23/2022
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By Larijean Brooks-Estrada Physical Therapist LSVT BIG Certified Shenandoah Valley

Burnout, by definition, is the "reduction of a fuel or substance to nothing through use or combustion." I read the definition again and it got me thinking—to NOTHING! That thought scared me and provided a much-needed wake-up call to explore new perspectives. I've read through countless articles and Facebook posts about how our practice is not appreciated due to several ongoing budget cuts, the new payment systems that change the backdrop of the practice, and the increasing need to make changes to documentation to show the need for skilled care. The list goes on and on, and it's easy to see why this would leave a lot of clinicians fried. Sometimes it feels like there is just too much noise in the background and I can't hear myself think. You hear that prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to combat fuel depletion is to act before you reach an empty tank. Find ways to refill the different tanks in your life. You will not reach a certain level of clarity unless you strip yourself down to your core. As I would put it - POP your hood!

How a POP Mindset Helps Clinicians Avoid Burnout

It's a simple acronym, but one that has helped me stay focused and energized in both my professional and personal life. POP simply stands for:
  • Perspective
  • Objective
  • Physical Wellbeing
I adapted the Keep Your Life POP attitude from several books and podcasts I've read and listened to in an attempt to re-energize my purpose. I realized that you cannot give what you don't have. Then it hit me! There is no one-size-fits-all answer, no magic formula. It's a series of events that can happen if you allow things to start happening. Everything you want to happen in your life must be things that reflect your core values—if it doesn't speak to you, don't let any of your resources be wasted by it. If you are ready for the ride, I suggest you fasten your seat belt, rev up that engine, and let's get started.

Perspective/Mindset

I am no expert on how anyone should live their life but my own. I have reached a point where I questioned if I was doing enough—if I was enough. I had to strip myself down from my different roles—a woman, a daughter, a wife, a mother, a clinician, and a friend—to be able to understand my whole being. When my mindset changed to understanding that these are my roles, these are the things I do and not the things that define me, I felt a sigh of relief. This new perspective enabled me to become better in every silo of my life. It has impacted my relationships because I have a better understanding of my different roles. When I put on my clinician hat, I have pride that I am able to do what I do each day. Making a difference, one patient at a time fills that gratitude bucket each time.

Objective / Purpose

This is a good place to start to learn who you are. What makes you tick? What can you spend your time doing, even if you're not getting paid? This "thing" is the closest description you can get to your purpose. You may still be looking for it, but the best way to start is to find your “why”. I embraced this level of enthusiasm when I read the book Start With Your Why by Simon Sinek. It's a great book to begin if you are looking for that extra push to know your purpose. Don’t get me wrong—I am not close to nailing down my “why”—but it is not the destination that matters, just enjoy the journey. 

Physical Wellbeing

We are advocates for keeping our patients at their highest levels, so it's fitting that we do the same for ourselves. Know your numbers! Make sure to have your annual physical exam completed. Knowing the state of your health will encourage you to have a better outlook. Know your family's medical history and start identifying ways to prevent any predisposing factors. Healthcare is now moving to a different model that is focused more on preventive medicine, and we need to join this transition.  These suggestions may not answer all your questions about how to get out of a funk. However, this is the method I've applied to unravel my own life's journey. It gave me the knowledge of how I would like my time spent. You can start any time, anywhere, and anyhow. It is your life, start to live it! 

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