Welcome to the third instalment of our ongoing blog series on the PERMA Model and its relevance to enhancing the wellbeing of healthcare professionals. In our previous post, we delved into the subject of positive emotions, examining how fostering positive emotions they can enhance wellbeing. In this post we shift our focus to the second element of the PERMA Model: Engagement.
It can be easy as health professionals to become consumed by our responsibilities and neglect our own wellbeing. However, nurturing your own engagement and finding fulfillment is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Engagement is a state of being fully absorbed and immersed in activities that challenge and captivate you. It’s a state of flow where time seems to disappear, and you experience a deep sense of enjoyment and fulfillment.
Practical Ways to Cultivate Engagement
Identify Your Passions: Take time to reflect on your interests and passions outside of your professional role. What activities make you lose track of time? What topics or hobbies excite you? By recognising your passions, you can intentionally integrate them into your life.
Pursue Professional Development: Continuously seek opportunities for growth and learning within your field. Attend conferences, workshops, or seminars to stay updated with advancements and expand your knowledge. Engaging in ongoing education can reignite your enthusiasm for your work.
Set MASTERFUL Goals: Establish clear and meaningful goals that align with your values and aspirations and also give you a slight challenge that you know you can handle. These goals can be related to professional development, personal growth, or even wellness initiatives. Break them down into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate your progress along the way.
Embrace Variety and Creativity: Explore innovative approaches to your work and introduce variety into your routines. Find creative solutions to challenges, try new techniques, and seek different perspectives. Embracing novelty can infuse excitement and engagement into your daily tasks.
Connect with Colleagues: Foster collaborative relationships with your colleagues and engage in team-based projects. Collaborative work not only enhances engagement but also cultivates a sense of camaraderie and support. Engage in open communication and share ideas to create a stimulating work environment.
Find Purpose in Your Work: Pay attention to the impact you have on patients’ lives and the broader community. Connect with the underlying purpose and meaning behind your profession. Why did you choose this field in the first place? Remind yourself of the positive difference you make, which can reignite your passion for your work.
Benefits of Engagement
Renewed Passion: Engaging in activities that align with your passions reignites your enthusiasm for your work. Rediscovering your sense of purpose can bring joy and fulfillment back into your professional life.
Improved Work Satisfaction: Actively pursuing engagement fosters a greater sense of satisfaction with your role. By immersing yourself in challenging and meaningful activities, you enhance your work experience and overall wellbeing.
Enhanced Creativity and Problem-Solving: Engaging activities stimulate your creativity and innovation. By embracing variety and seeking new perspectives, you can develop creative solutions to challenges, improving patient care and outcomes.
Increased Resilience: Engaging activities provide a sense of control, mastery, and accomplishment. This, in turn, enhances your resilience and ability to navigate the inevitable stressors of the healthcare profession.
Positive Impact on Patient Care: When you find fulfillment and passion in your own life, you bring a renewed energy and compassion to your interactions with patients. Your engagement positively influences the patient experience and fosters a deeper sense of trust and connection.
Stay tuned for part 4 next week, as we delve into the next element of the PERMA model: Relationships and explore how it contributes to your overall wellbeing.
