Tools to help prevent and manage burnout
The Burnout Task Force developed this toolkit to help physicians, residents and trainees
Stress is a normal human response, and it might actually help us function during difficult times. The important thing is to manage it effectively so that stress does not become distress. If you are experiencing burnout, you are not alone. The supports in this toolkit, which are organized by Dr. Mamta Gautam’s 5 Cs of resilience — control, commitment, connections, calming and care for self — can make a difference.
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Control
Focusing on what you can control — and letting go of what you can’t — can help you to cope when things feel uncertain. These resources can help you to control how much time and energy you spend focusing on COVID-19.
Commitment
Reflecting on your commitment as a practitioner, why you were drawn to the profession, and the value and purpose of what you do can reconnect you with a sense of meaning and be an effective way of managing stress.
Connections
Social connection is one of the most important factors in effectively coping with high-stress events. Fostering connections with others, through professional counselling or peer support, can help you feel supported and realize you’re not alone.
Calming
Mindful awareness fostered by tuning into your feelings and practicing acceptance of where you are in the present moment can provide a sense of calm. Finding ways to regulate sleep can also benefit your sense of well-being.
Care for Self
Taking care of your own physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs can help you cope with stress. Self-care can cultivate a compassionate way of relating to yourself and nurturing balance in your life.
Wellness
From strategies on understanding physician burnout and how to address it to how to enhance awareness of physician wellness, these resources focus on well-being, burnout, depression and the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.