Wellbeing checklist

As a doctor is important to take care of your physical health and wellbeing. Dr Hilton Koppe has devised a checklist to help you make the most of your career and life. Find out more about Dr Koppe.

Physical health and wellbeing

How is your health? Do you have a regular GP? Just because you are a doctor, it doesn’t mean you should prescribe your own medications. Take care of your physical health. Register with a GP, eat well and take regular exercise.

Mental wellbeing

It is not just anxiety or depression that is a cause for concern; negative thought patterns can have a huge impact on your mental wellbeing. Identify negative thoughts such as “I don’t have enough time…..”, “I’m not good enough……” or “Things never turn out right for me”. Then make a conscious effort to change your thoughts to positive ones. This will have a dramatic improvement on your mental well-being.

Spiritual wellbeing

Spirituality means different things to different people but having thoughts about meaning in life, or a world view can help prevent burnout and poor choices and decision making.

Relationships

Good relationships are important to your health and well-being. Make sure you make time to nurture and cultivate good relationships. It is especially important to have a friend or mentor who you can discuss and debrief events that happen at work and in your personal life.

Activities

We all need out of work activities. To have work/life balance make sure you have one enjoyable activity a week that doesn’t involve work. If you’re not committed to anything right now think about trying a new hobby, or sport.

Environment

What is your work environment and home environment like? A cluttered, uncomfortable, or unorganised physical environment can cause stress and discontent. Make sure your environment makes you feel content and happy.