Dr. Michelle Bailey
  • Home
  • About
  • Work with Michelle
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Work with Michelle
  • Blog
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

10/24/2021 0 Comments

A Simple Practice to Restore Calm on a Stressful Day

Picture
A career in medicine is gratifying and immensely rewarding. And the realities of practice don't often match the expectations you had when you first entered the field. Clinical practice is often stressful as a result of the demanding schedule, important responsibilities you’re entrusted with and the challenge it imposes on the balance between personal and professional life. 

Vacations can help you to restore that balance and feeling of calm as you take a break from all the demands of day to day life.  But, you don't have to wait until you go on vacation. There is a simple exercise you can practice that will allow you to take a “vacation” whenever you need a break. Incorporate this exercise into your daily or weekly routine to help you return to a sense of calm and control whenever you need it.
 
Allow 10-15 minutes of time where you are not likely to be distracted.


  • Find a comfortable position…you may be seated or if you prefer you may lay down.
  • If you are comfortable, close your eyes and turn your attention to your breathing.
  • Notice your breath as air moves in through your nose and out through your mouth. Continue this pattern for several breaths.
  • Now picture a place that you want to go to relax. This may be somewhere you've visited in the past or just someplace you’ve read about or seen in a movie/tv.
  • Create a vibrant picture in your mind of this relaxing place to fully experience this event.
  • What do you see as you look around (e.g., blue skies or mountain peaks)?
  • What sounds do you hear (e.g. birds chirping, waves crashing over the rocks)?
  • What do you feel in your environment?  Perhaps the cool sea breeze if you’re on the beach.
  • What do you smell?  You may notice familiar scents as you inhale slowly and deeply.
  • What do you taste?  Exotic flavors of food and/or beverages, whatever you imagine that’s enjoyable to you.
  • Spend some time lingering in this comfortable and relaxing environment.
  • When you are ready, let your attention rest again on your breathing.  You may notice that your muscles are relaxed; you may notice a new sense of calm.
  • Remember that you may return to this place (or visit someplace different) at any time with this exercise practice.

Although 10-15 minutes can transport you to another place, even a brief practice can activate the relaxation response. If you're short on time, aim for 3-5 minutes. 

So here's my challenge to you. Commit to explore this practice at least once over the next week.

I'd love to hear about your experience with this practice. Let me know what impact it had for you. And, if you feel like this isn't something that would work for you, I'm interested in hearing why. Share your perspective in the comments below or send me a personal note, michelle@drmichellebailey.com. 
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    The Physician Career Path Reimagined
    - with Dr. Michelle Bailey
    The physician's weekly dose of nonclinical career guidance

    Picture
    Dr. Michelle Bailey is a board-certified pediatrician who retired early from clinical practice and successfully transitioned to a nonclinical career. She helps physicians considering a departure from clinical practice successfully make the leap to a nonclinical career they love. Connect with Michelle in her private Facebook community for physicians to learn about all things related to your nonclinical career transition.  Join here.

    Archives

    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    July 2020
    April 2020
    December 2018
    June 2017
    December 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014

    Categories

    All Being Present End Of Year Energy Drains Exercise Feel Free Fitness Free Yourself Getting Things Done Goals Health Leadership Life Lessons Life Vision Mind Body Connection Mind-body Connection Mindfulness Recharging Your Batteries Ritual Self Care Self-care Success Women's Empowerment Women's Health Work Life Balance

    RSS Feed

Copyright 2019-2021.  Michelle Bailey & Company, LLC.
​www.drmichellebailey.com.  All Rights Reserved.
Proudly powered by Weebly