Chapter 6 - Solution #2: Engage in Self-Care

Summary

Beyond understanding one’s own personality, possible associated risk factors for burnout, and personality-based strategies to reduce that risk, it is critically important for individuals to attend to self-care. Self-care strategies are relatively easily implemented and are largely under the control of the individual. Such self-care strategies center on rest and relaxation, healthy diet, and regular exercise. We present and elaborate on a list of “Ten Pillars” of self-care, which include health literacy; mental well-being; physical activity; healthy eating; risk-avoidance or mitigation; good hygiene; rational and responsible use of products, services, diagnostics, and medicines; social self-care; emotional self-care; and a comprehensive workplace self-care strategy. Active self-care on the part of physicians and other healthcare providers can influence similar behaviors on the part of their coworkers. We emphasize that the self-care strategies we overview are largely under the control of the individual and are relatively easily implemented. They should be a primary focus of all healthcare providers.