How are you feeling as we approach the end of another year? Exhausted by the last 12 months? Optimistic about the future? Or perhaps somewhere in between?
Working in palliative care comes with challenges and rewards. In this post, we explore habits that could help you have a more sustainable year ahead. Why not use the Christmas and New Year break to start planning how you could use these habits to have a more balanced year in 2025.
- Micro-Moments of Mindfulness
In the whirlwind of daily responsibilities, finding time for extended meditation or mindfulness sessions may seem impractical. Instead, focus on integrating micro-moments of mindfulness into your routine. Take a few intentional breaths before entering a meeting or during a short break. These brief pauses can contribute to a sense of calm and clarity amidst the busyness.
For more ideas, take a look at:
- Weekly Reflection Sessions
Set aside a dedicated time each week for reflection. This doesn’t have to be an elaborate process—just a few minutes to review your accomplishments, challenges, and areas for improvement. Regular reflection fosters self-awareness and can guide your professional development in a practical and manageable way.
Find out more about weekly reflection sessions here:
- Learn a New Skill
Sometimes, if we’re feeling stuck or frustrated, one of the best ways to foster a sense of optimism about the future is to learn something new – especially if you can identify some small, complementary skills that can be easily integrated into your existing skill set. New skills can be fun to learn, while also offering you an exciting challenge, and potential career development opportunities.
Explore some of the options below:
- Replace Screen Time with Real World Activities
After a hard day’s work caring for others, it can be tempting to scroll mindlessly through social media or binge watch your favourite show until sleep overtakes you (we’ve all been there!).
While there are a definitely times when you just need to chill out in front of the TV, the reality is you’re probably be better turning off the telly, putting down your phone, and heading out for a walk or run. Or if getting moving just feels impossible, do something non-digital at home like reading a physical book, painting, crafting, or gardening.
Want to learn more? These links will help:
- Psychology Today – Protect the brain from daily screen time
- BBC Future – How phones are changing our brains
- Tips on managing screen time for good mental health
This story was first featured on BeRecruitment.