Top 6 Well-being Resolutions for Emergency Medicine Physicians

Whether you call them resolutions, intentions, or professional goals, the start of a new year provides a natural moment to reflect on your well-being as an emergency physician. In the demanding world of emergency medicine, self-care isn’t just another task on your endless to-do list – it’s essential for maintaining the energy and focus needed to provide excellent patient care. We know you’re already balancing countless responsibilities, so we recommend starting small: check out these top 6 well-being resolutions for emergency medicine physicians and choose just one or two that resonate most with you.

1. Begin with the end in mind

Before you head into the ED, take a few minutes in the car for a brief centering practice. Take three deep breaths and set an intention for the day. Examples of intentions include “May I Accept What Emerges in the Clinical Encounter,” “May I be Calm in the Face of Uncertainty,” and several others highlighted in Annals of Family Medicine article Looking Within: Intentions of Practice for Person-Centered Care.

2. Optimize Your Workspace

During your shifts, it’s important for you to have a productive space to complete administrative and other tasks. Poor positioning at workstations compounds physical fatigue during long shifts. Adjust your monitor height, invest in a quality chair if your department allows, and maintain proper posture while charting. Consider a standing desk option for variety. And don’t forget to put some snacks in your space to help you recharge.

3. Establish Mindful Micro Breaks During Shifts

Transform small pockets of downtime into intentional recovery moments. Even a 1-minute break between patients can reset your stress response. Try the “5-5-5” technique: observe five things you see, five sounds you hear, and five physical sensations you feel. Repeating positive affirmations is another helpful way to recenter yourself during breaks. Examples include phrases like “I am capable of handling whatever comes through those doors” or “I make a difference in people’s lives, one patient at a time.” Check out our blog on Positive Affirmations for Emergency Medicine Physician Wellness.

4. Find a buddy

Having a colleague with whom you can share difficult cases, celebrate wins, and support each other through challenges is crucial for well-being. Get started by identifying someone you feel comfortable sharing with and establishing a regular check-in time beginning with as little as 90 seconds a week. If you’re interested in a structured program to make the most out of this peer-to-peer time, check out Dr. Mark Greenawald’s free peer-supported program for physicians PeerRxMed.

5. Prioritize Sleep Hygiene and Recovery

Quality sleep is non-negotiable for ED physicians. Design your post-shift routine to promote rest: practice progressive muscle relaxation, use blackout curtains, maintain a cool room temperature, and establish strict phone boundaries. Consider using a white noise machine to block out daytime sounds if you work nights. Learn more from our blog post on Sleep Hygiene for Emergency Medicine Physicians.

6. Develop Your “Third Space” with Intentional Joy

Invest time in activities entirely separate from medicine. Whether it’s playing an instrument, creating art, or spending time outdoors, approach these activities with full presence. This “third space” between work and home is crucial for professional longevity.

Recap

Remember that maintaining well-being isn’t selfish – it’s essential for providing optimal patient care. From mindful moments and shared time with colleagues to an extra hour of sleep and other well-being practices, it’s crucial to find ways to boost resilience. Start with small, consistent actions to protect your physical and mental health compound over time. Your patients, colleagues, and future self will all benefit.