It is inevitable to feel strained in the practice of Medicine. Clin Assoc Prof Raveen Shahdadpuri, PD of Paediatrics in SingHealth Residency, who is also a Senior Consultant in General Paediatrics Service at KK Women's and Children's Hospital, shares five tips that helped him tide through challenging times.

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“As medical professionals, we work and live in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. It does not necessarily get ‘easier’ as we progress in our career. If left unchecked, this can lead to dissatisfaction and disillusionment.

Despite this, many of us still gladly do what we do because we want to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families, which we surely do on a daily basis. I am also very aware that as Residents and trainees, you may be overwhelmed by multiple 'wellness' emails, and how to do better to cope. Some of you may roll your eyes when you see these in your in-box, “oh no, yet another one!”. As a busy clinician and faculty member, with multiple competing demands and commitments and limited time, I hear you and totally understand.

Though I am no expert, here are five practical tips that have helped me tremendously through some tough times.

1. Be Grateful and Practise Gratitude

Despite what we think or perceive, do not easily assume that the “the grass is greener on the other side”. We are all incredibly fortunate to be living and working in Singapore, especially in the light of the unfortunate events happening in other parts of the world right now. Some keep a gratitude journal. Some make a daily list of “three small things”. There is no one right way. Do whatever works for you. I just remind myself every day when I wake up, of how incredibly lucky I am for all that I have.

2. Exercise

This sounds so cliched, but physical activity will do wonders for you. I used to be quite cynical about this, but for my last New Year Resolution, I set myself a target to do a ‘couch to 5k’ programme by my 50th birthday in March – this may seem very easy to some of the more fit and athletic people out there, but it was a real challenge for me! Since then, I have kept at it. I will not lie to you – it can be a real challenge to get up early to go for a run before work on some days, but most of the time, I feel so much better after having done it than not! This applies to ANY physical activity – jogging, tennis, swimming, soccer, or even walking – you’re spoilt for choice, so take your pick of any sport or activity!

3. Be Mindful

I know practising mindfulness has become a bit of a trendy ‘buzzword’ these days! To be honest, I struggle to do a deliberate and dedicated mindfulness session, as my easily distracted mind tends to drift when I tried to do so! So, I try to incorporate practising mindfulness in all the little daily activities we do – eating, chatting to friends, interacting with our patients and their caregivers, and when we visit our families. Be in the present, give them your undivided attention, be deliberate in our interactions, look at people you talk to in the eye, and refrain from looking at your mobile phone and getting distracted.

4. Sleep and Rest adequately

Again, another seemingly ‘easy’ one, but how many of us truly try to ensure we get sufficient sleep and rest every day!? I know I have never really prioritised this. In fact, I am still struggling with sleeping earlier, but it is something that I am trying to learn to do better. Have a good pre-bedtime routine – no smart phones just before bed; read an old-fashioned book instead. Of course, this can be challenging if you are on-call (or on-take for senior doctors), but do so on your days off at home.

5. Find your passion, and do it

Do something you really like and enjoy and are passionate about. It may be a ‘hobby’, but not necessarily that. It does not matter if you are “good” at it. It is the process that matters. I play the electric guitar – very badly! However, this gives you something to look forward to, as well as energises you. It can be playing a musical instrument, gardening, or pursuing other creative outlets like painting or pottery, or cooking, baking, etc. Some find great fulfilment volunteering for worthy charitable causes or their religious organisations. There is no one thing or one size that fits all. So, you have to explore and find something that you enjoy and resonates with you.

To finish up, I want to share just one final bonus tip with everyone.

6. Just try your best

It is absolutely okay to not be able to do all or any of the things above all the time, or consistently. It is okay to do them occasionally only, rather than not at all. Or lapse, and then come back to it. It is not an absolute, all-or-nothing thing. Whilst it definitely helps to practise some of the above activities daily and consistently, we are all human and we know life gets in the way sometimes. It is more important to remind ourselves of that, and not beat ourselves up over it. Perfection is the enemy of good. I still struggle with being consistent with some of the above. But I try. And tomorrow is another brand-new day. And, we go again.”

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Thank you, Prof Raveen for your insightful sharing. I absolutely agree with the idea that not one size fits all, and I hope that at least one of the tips that Prof Raveen has shared will be beneficial to fellow Residents reading this.

Five Tips to Help You Through Tough Times