In today’s fast-paced world, the relentless pursuit of success often leaves little room for rest and relaxation. People often view vacations as luxuries, rather than necessities, amid the constant grind. However, the value of taking vacations extends far beyond mere leisure; it is a vital investment in both mental and physical health. Stepping away from the daily routine offers a chance to recharge, reducing stress levels that can lead to burnout.
The Health Value of Vacations
A JAMA Open research study involving more than 3,000 physicians (38% female) looked at the number of vacation days taken annually and their relationship to physician burnout.3 It demonstrated that taking less than three weeks of vacation per year was associated with higher rates of burnout – serious mental distress.
But the harms of too little vacation are not isolated to mental health. Researchers studied the frequency of vacationing among more than 12,000 men over a nine-year period.2 They found that men who take infrequent annual vacations were 27% more likely to die from any cause and 47% more likely to die from heart disease.
A 40-year Finnish study of 1,222 middle-aged male executives found shorter vacations were associated with excess cardiovascular deaths.4 Men who took less than three weeks of annual vacation had a 37% greater chance of dying than those who took more than three weeks.
The landmark Framingham Heart Study, the largest and longest-running study of cardiovascular disease, revealed that men who did not take a vacation for several years were 30% more likely to have heart attacks compared to men who did take time off.1
We need to take vacations seriously. We are good at eating healthy and exercising appropriately, but we are terrible at taking vacations. We have a cultural belief that not working is a bad thing. Vacations are not just breaks from work; they are also crucial for maintaining a balanced, healthy life.
As more research highlights these benefits, it becomes clear that prioritizing time away is essential for sustaining both mental and physical health, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and productive life. Vacation is a vital restorative activity.
Planning Your Break
Physicians face unique barriers to taking vacation time, including financial costs and ongoing clinical responsibilities. But taking a vacation is essential for maintaining work-life balance and preventing burnout and heart disease, even in a busy clinic environment. Fortunately, you can schedule time off without significantly impacting clinic income, even if you currently have no associate to cover for you. By following a strategic clinic vacation schedule, you can enjoy a full seven-day vacation while ensuring minimal disruption to your patients and practice.
Work Schedule: Organize your practice hours so that you work intensively on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Ensure that you accommodate as many patients as possible during these days by extending your hours if necessary.
Vacation Timing: Leave for your vacation on Wednesday night. You will then have Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and the following Wednesday off. This period covers a full seven days of vacation time.
Return to Work: Come back on Wednesday night and be ready to resume your practice on Thursday. For the remainder of that week, you will work Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
This scheduling method allows you to enjoy a full week off while still maintaining quality patient coverage.
Patient Coverage: By working Monday through Wednesday before your vacation and Thursday through Saturday after your return, you ensure that your clinic is open three days each week. This usually provides more than 95% coverage for your patients’ needs.
Extended Hours: While you may need to extend your working hours on the days you are in the clinic, this temporary adjustment is balanced by the benefit of having a full week off.
No Need for Locum: Since you are covering the majority of the days yourself, there is no need to hire a locum tenens, which can save on additional costs and logistical challenges.
This clinic-vacation schedule allows you to take a much-needed break without significantly impacting your clinic’s operations or income. The key is to plan carefully and be willing to put in a few longer days before and after your vacation. This strategy ensures that you can recharge with a full seven-day vacation while maintaining the high level of care your patients expect.
References
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