Medical training can be demanding; long working hours, heavy workloads, and constant stress take a toll on body and mind alike. Recently, I came across research with solid evidence that mindfulness practices, which are simple techniques to experience the present moment, can largely help medical students and professionals to reduce stress, improve resilience, and even enhance patient care delivered.
What the study found
The study ran a 60-minute session combining an evidence-based lecture with a short mindfulness exercise. The results were encouraging: 90% of participants expressed their interest to learn more & were enthusiastic about using mindfulness for personal well-being and patient care.
A personal vow!
As a meditation trainer myself, I can personally vouch for the benefits of mindfulness. It is a tool I have been using long time to manage stress, enhance focus, and emotional balance.
I truly wish that such sessions as mentioned in the study be conducted in and adapted by more medical schools and other settings outside health care, for that matter. Requirements are simple: a knowledgeable instructor, a quiet space, and basic presentation tools. The million-dollar question is whether we are willing to do that for ourselves and thereby for our patients’ well-being.
I believe that mindfulness shouldn’t be dismissed as another wellness fad. When wisely used, & integrated into medical training, it can have a real & lasting impact.
Your thoughts?
Have you ever tried mindfulness in your day-to-day life?
Do you think it could help you in managing stress and delivering robust patient care?
https://doi.org/10.15766/mep_2374-8265.10472
MBH/AB