I was planning on writing something else altogether for today. However, I spent the entire weekend trying to catch up on work, and I just didn’t have the energy to edit my planned post. Maybe for next week.
As it was, last week I had a difficult return to work. After taking time off for the holiday, I returned to a bursting in-box, all the while dealing with a full schedule and teaching two different courses over video. While one course was brand new, which was stressful, the other was almost as time-consuming, as I had always taught it in-person.
I must confess, coming back to all this, I started thinking about retirement more seriously. The argument that financial independence leads to happier doctors at work seemed highly suspect to me by Tuesday.
Anyway, I was holding on (if barely), when Wednesday happened.
Strangely enough, watching a horde of people invading the Capitol did not help my mental state. I slept poorly that night, and Thursday was a disaster: a crowded schedule, problems ordering labs, no notes were finished. I gave up and went to bed early. Friday was a little better, but I fell behind on notes again.
This weekend I had to work on catching up, and also attend to self-care.
By that, I mean, I tried really hard to do those things that I know make me feel better: walking outdoors, getting enough sleep, calling family, socializing (via video), feeling that I’ve accomplished something worthwhile.
I managed some of that, though the accomplishments were pretty small. Like writing condolence cards for the families of two patients who passed away recently (not exactly uplifting and joyful).
It took me until Sunday night to plow through all my work. I am hoping that the coming week will be less time consuming. Avoiding the news might help.
How is your 2021 coming along so far?