Netflix (Vudu/Amazon Prime/HBO … whatever channel): Binge watching your favorite show that will keep your rear stuck on the couch/sofa/bed, away from the computer screen/iPhone/iPad, in the “DO NOT TALK TO ME NOW” zone you create, is an effective strategic recovery plan.
Explore This Issue
October 2018Three types of shows to consider:
- Watch shows like “Westworld,” in which you don’t understand what is going on (like me) and ask your spouse questions repeatedly, reducing his enjoyment, but at least you watch together on couch or bed and get “quality time” (hold hands for bonus points).
- Snuggle with your child/children every night for at least one episode of whatever series. My 12-year-old, Claire, and I spent the past year, with dedication, on “Gilmore Girls” and “Parenthood,” and we just finished “Anne with an ‘E.’”
- Indulge in a show only you love. Currently I am addicted to “Mr. Sunshine,” a Korean soap opera (I am not Korean). This is a historic, noble/slave-times-of-war-and-whatever show, and it has everything: samurai swords, guns, bloody violence, attractive characters, slow motion, visually stunning camera work, and romance, which completely transforms me away from the challenges of healthcare, my daily frustrations, unresolved issues, unrealistic budget, etc. It’s better than “Calgon”! (Bubble baths are so 80s, am I right?)
Sleep: That’s it. Just sleep.
Read something, preferably not on a device. (Haven’t you had enough EMR today?) Magazines, books, articles, newspapers (the black and white thing)
Dr. Wei on vacation with her family in Banff.
courtesey of Julie Wei, MD
Hydrate: As someone who believes she is a camel, and is delusional that I would win on “Survivor” (no need to eat, drink, or pee … well, rarely), anytime I wear high heels now, by Wednesday or Thursday I wake up at night in excruciating pain with severe cramps in my calves. I don’t drink enough (I am talking about WATER!!! I know you’re thinking about the “good stuff”). Trust me, you’re not either. If your pee has color, drink more water.
Quiet or active meditation (Zumba, spin, cross-fit, running, etc.).
Write in a journal and reflect: What is your “True North”? Are you living the life you want and how you want to live it? If not, keep writing.
Plan non-work time: Do this with as much effort as you do your work schedule. I spent years upset that when I was “free” for family quality time, the rest of my family did not respond when I was ready. If you don’t plan it, it won’t happen. I speak to many physicians who are “victims”: They haven’t been on vacation in “X” months, are “booked” out for clinic for “y” months, and “can’t” take time off. I call “B.S.” So painful to plan vacations, but so critical to have them. Please email me, and I will send you all my recent itineraries for you and your family. I spend more, always on trips involving nature, away from people/crowds. This summer, we did Lake Louise/Banff/Alberta, as well as “glamping” at Autocamp Russian River. (I don’t do tents, bugs, or outhouses, and I must shower). Oh, and I am a foodie, so every trip is about where we eat each night.