Happiness is a widely debated and researched topic. This dream, or the ideal world of happiness, is something that many people claim to want but struggle to find. So, what exactly is happiness? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, happiness is a state of well-being and contentment.
Do you remember your happiest moments? As I write this, I reflect on my happiest moments, like the birth of my first child. Then, when I look back, my happiest times happened years ago, during my “carefree” years of young adulthood and adolescence. Those years were happier because I was younger and had a carefree sense of life. I knew what I wanted to do, but I didn’t get bogged down in the smallest details. I liked going out, I had weekends to myself and I had good relationships. I wasn’t too concerned about society’s expectations, or anyone else’s timetable for my life.
I encourage you to look within and ask yourself: are you truly happy? Do you have that youthful exuberance of a young child or the excitement of a 16-year-old who just got his driver’s license? When was the last time you laughed a big laugh where your face lit up and your eyes blinked? When was the last time you laughed so hard that your cheeks or stomach started to hurt?
I encourage you not to take yourself too seriously, even if you think your job requires you to be serious. In my career, I recognize the importance of a smile and a warm welcome when I open the exam room. When I interact with my young pediatric patients, I let my goofy, silly side show: I’m playful, I make a lot of facial expressions, but I always convey calm and gentleness with professionalism. My older patients receive the same version, although it may be toned down depending on the situation.
Choose joy, confidence, patience, and a listening ear in your clinical interactions because it will make a positive difference in your life and the lives of those you interact with.
Let me share five practical ways to infuse happiness into your clinical life:
Connect with your patients on a personal level. Take the time to get to know them beyond their pathology. Demonstrate empathy and a genuine interest in their lives, which can help build a stronger relationship and increase patient satisfaction. Patients sometimes feel like they are just another number, but that is far from the truth. In primary care, I am privileged to have continuity of care with my patients, to remember seemingly minute details about them, things about them as a person, not just medical diagnoses.
Take care of yourself. As a doctor, it’s easy to get caught up in work and neglect your well-being. I’ve been there, where I’ve gone months and sometimes years without doing activities just for myself, activities unrelated to my medical career. Prioritize self-care by making sure you get enough rest, exercise regularly, eat healthily, and participate in activities that bring you joy. Taking care of yourself will make you a happier and more effective doctor.
Find gratitude in your work. Instead of focusing on the challenges and stress of being a doctor, consciously shift your mindset to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of your job. Take time to reflect on your impact on your patients’ lives and find joy in the progress and successes you witness.
Foster a positive work environment. Surround yourself with colleagues who encourage and inspire you. Look for opportunities to collaborate and support each other. Creating a positive work environment fosters a sense of camaraderie, which can significantly improve overall happiness and job satisfaction.
Continuously learn and grow. Engaging in lifelong learning can increase job satisfaction and happiness as a physician. Seek new knowledge, attend conferences, participate in workshops, and stay up to date with the latest research and advancements in your field. The feeling of personal and professional growth can bring fulfillment and renewed passion for your clinical work. During my professional career, my love for learning has brought me incredible opportunities for future growth, and I have met similar people who share the same values and interests. Stepping away from the clinical world of practicing medicine and participating in growth activities that fuel my passions has recharged me.
The pursuit of happiness is an active process that requires us to step out of our comfort zones and routines. This pursuit requires us to set new goals that push us beyond our current “limits.” Happiness can manifest even in the face of challenges, defying conventional logic. It’s a choice we make every day. Make way for your health and happiness: may your quest for happiness be fulfilling and joyful.
Tomi Mitchell is a family doctor and founder, Dr. Tomi Mitchell Holistic Wellness Strategies. She can be contacted on Twitter @DrTomiMitchell, Facebook, PinterestAnd Clubhouse.
