INSURE YOUR WELL BEING WITH BUFFER TIME AND BREAKS

March 27, 2016

Something that I learned early on in my surgical career was the need to factor in a buffer into the regular week as well as to block out breaks on a regular basis. I know many of my surgical colleagues work a full “10 sessions” from Monday to Friday as well as ward rounds on the weekend. I don’t quite know how they do it, but I do notice that they are often tired and jaded by the constant demands that they have chosen. It’s important to appreciate the fact that these demands have been chosen, not imposed.

Instead you can choose to schedule in “buffer time”. For me this generally means that in a 10 session week, I aim to have 2 buffer sessions. If things are calm on the work front, then these sessions can be used for catching up on paperwork, getting some exercise, picking up the kids from school, or simply getting a haircut. For me, a game of golf is my best relief and reprise from the daily pulls from all corners of life.

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I understand that if you have a 9-5pm job working for someone else, this may not be a luxury you can choose, but please understand that our workforce is changing like never before, and that greater flexibility is demanded by employees and allow by good employers. Part time work suits the needs of many people. If you can make your role important enough, your employer will find a way to accommodate your requirements. That might mean that you get an afternoon off per week, which is enough to get a little down time.

On a personal level, I know that I need to have a complete break from work every 10-12 weeks. It may only be a few days off, but I do know that I need to be 100% out of my work environment to recharge my work batteries. A short visit to a beach or a forest clears the head and when I return, I’m charged up and ready to give it my best again. I do this by blocking it out on my work calendar at the start of the year.

Nothing is more important than your health, well being and happiness. Make sure you insure this by factoring in some buffer time, breaks and fun into your routine. I’ll be taking a dose of that in a few weeks!

In Health and Wellness

Ranjit