Ready or not, it’s time to take a break

In June last year, as the first COVID-19 surge was dying down in many areas of the country, I wrote about the need to take holiday. If it seemed odd to talk about holidays then, it probably seems even odder now in the middle of yet another lockdown with very strict rules around travel, but I think we need to re-explore the topic.

Things are undoubtedly different this time compared to last summer when we were emerging from something very few of us had experienced before. This time we feel more anxious about how we will emerge from lockdown. We know there are many patients urgently waiting for us to restart normal activity and provide them with the care they need. However, many - if not all of us - need time for rest and recuperation.

It would, of course, be naive to think that a week’s break could be a cure-all or enough to make the psychological effects of the pandemic disappear. Even prior to the emergence of COVID-19, it was clear that some anaesthetists were in danger of burnout. Our latest College snap survey has shown that over a third of anaesthetists report poor, or very poor, mental health due to the pandemic, and nearly a fifth are thinking of leaving the profession altogether.

We also know from previous surveys that some anaesthetists have had trouble taking annual leave during the pandemic. Others said that they had cancelled their own leave because they wanted to postpone taking a break until they could go away. This is understandable but nonetheless, a rested workforce is an effective and safe workforce which is essential in order to be able to restart normal activity.

If you get the chance to have a break, I strongly encourage you to do so. I would also encourage leaders to build staff recuperation time into their strategies for exiting this surge and for catching up with the backlog as we restart normal activity.

I know that life doesn’t conveniently stop during annual leave and there are many routine worries that still have to be dealt with, not to mention those work extras such as exams, job applications, interviews and the like, but the importance of downtime should not be underestimated.

Even though a traditional holiday isn’t possible, you can still have a meaningful break provided you exercise a bit of discipline. I hope that if you can follow just a few of my tips, they might help you to have an effective break during lockdown.

1. Cut yourself off from work commitments and responsibilities.

None of us are indispensable. Don’t look at emails. I know this is difficult but even checking once a day will bring work worries back into your mind. While you might feel anxious at the beginning of your week off, within a couple of days the urge to check emails should have diminished. Rest assured that if anybody really needs to get hold of you, they will find you.

2. Don’t use your holiday to catch up on work tasks, such as guideline production or your e-portfolio.

As with your emails, these things will still be there when you get back and by then you may be able to manage them more effectively. If you absolutely have to do something, allocate a designated amount of time to the task and stick to it. If there are other people working in the house, it might be helpful to make sure your work time coincides with theirs.

3. Give your days some structure by planning activities.

These will be limited by the lockdown rules in your area but even getting out for a walk with one other person can do a lot for your physical and mental health. Try and avoid staying up later than you normally would or getting up later in the morning. Routine will help your sleep pattern which will help your state of mind.

4. Think about devoting some time to a hobby – new or old.

Sourdough bread making seems to be popular and requires a level of concentration that will block out any thoughts of work. If possible, I would choose an activity that doesn’t involve a screen. Who among us is not heartily sick of virtual meetings? Really try and limit your screen time while on leave.

5. Don’t feel guilty.

You work hard when you are not on holiday and you deserve some time off. No one will criticise you for not working during your holiday but they will expect you to come back refreshed and ready to start again.

6. Repeat.

Finally, make time off a regular thing. Try and plan breaks for the coming months so you can keep topping up the benefits. With a bit of luck, you might even be able to have a proper holiday in the not-too-distant future.

Dr Fiona Donald, RCoA Vice President