Doctors take care of us: we should take care of them.
It's a common misconception that those who dedicate their lives to healing others are themselves perfectly healthy. But the reality, in the context of our failing medical system, couldn’t be more different.
Emergency doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists and others — the people we entrust with our most critical health needs — are battling their own struggles. And they’re often battling them in silence: they certainly don’t get much empathy in the media, that’s for sure.
The common refrain is something along the lines of, “well, they’re wealthy — what extra help could they possibly need?” But as these highly skilled, expertly trained professionals will tell you — money doesn’t necessarily buy you the thing you need most: time. In fact, it’s often a direct exchange.
The lack of time means most medical specialists can’t afford the travel time to visit a yoga studio, or a gym, and the timetables aren’t flexible, even if they could. So, if we are to start taking care of the specialists that take care of us — we must find simple solutions that work around them, instead of the other way around. We can’t change the health system overnight, but we can ensure our support services better adapt to it — for the benefit of all involved.
Chronically overworked — and chronically out of time
The chronic overload faced by New Zealand's medical specialists is not a recent revelation. It's a persistent wound, festering for years, with little to no visible healing.
A survey of senior doctors and dentists in New Zealand revealed that many attribute their feelings of burnout to intense and unrelenting workloads. The average hours worked per week, as reported in one study, was a staggering 61.5 hours, highlighting the extraordinary time commitment required of these professionals.
Our docs exist in a culture where the value of their expertise and dedication is consistently undermined. It's a recipe for burnout, a breeding ground for resentment, and a direct assault on the morale of an already stretched workforce. As the ASMS recently decried, its as though medical specialists are simply expected to "settle for less."
Chaotic daily lives
The daily lives of medical specialists include intense workloads, unpredictable schedules, and the constant pressure of rapid medical advancements. Their days are filled with long, often irregular hours, punctuated by critical decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. They shoulder the emotional burden of supporting patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments, offering comfort and guidance in the face of fear and uncertainty.
Research underscores the severity of the situation, indicating that New Zealand doctors face nearly double the risk of burnout compared to other professionals. The primary culprit? The overwhelming burden of workload.
The vicious cycle: stress, fatigue, and inaction
The consistently high levels of stress and the resulting chronic fatigue experienced by medical specialists create a challenging cycle that actively hinders the adoption of healthy habits. The very pressures that necessitate practices like yoga also diminish the energy and motivation required to engage in them.
Healthcare workers in New Zealand report alarmingly high levels of physical and emotional exhaustion, as well as stress. This state of chronic fatigue, exacerbated by financial and systemic pressures, often leads to prioritising immediate rest and recovery over more proactive health behaviors. The prospect of adding exercise or mindfulness practices to their already packed schedules can feel overwhelming rather than restorative.
Yoga’s benefits for medical professionals
Many health professionals already recommend yoga to their own patients facing intense, stressful workloads. Studies have long shown yoga’s benefits for our health — and it’s no longer seen as a ‘woo-woo’ form of therapeutic excercise.
Scientific studies have demonstrated that yoga can lead to a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol and an improvement in heart rate variability, an indicator of the body's ability to handle stress. Regular engagement in yoga practice may contribute to healthier cardiovascular function by reducing overall stress levels and inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to a decrease in high blood pressure. Research also suggests that incorporating a consistent yoga routine, particularly before bedtime, can significantly improve the quality of sleep, a crucial factor in managing stress and preventing burnout.
Beyond the physical benefits, yoga offers profound psychological advantages that are particularly relevant for healthcare professionals. The practice of yoga, especially its mindfulness and meditation components, cultivates present-moment awareness and enhances resilience in the face of adversity. Mindfulness-based interventions, which are integral to many yoga styles, have been shown in numerous studies to lead to significant reductions in both burnout and overall stress levels among physicians.
If yoga’s so good for us, why aren’t docs running to their nearest yoga studio?
Again, it all comes back to time. Their workloads and demanding, unpredictable schedules make it nearly impossible to find the time to commit to a studio’s schedule — if they even have the time to travel there to begin with.
That’s why we believe health and therapeutic solutions for hard-working professionals must prioritise convenience Any solutions must work around the professional, as opposed to the other way around. And no — that doesn’t mean doing online yoga classes or reading about wellbeing. People still need to be able to get access to therapeutic modalities like yoga in-person, as part of the therapeutic aspect of yoga is the human, 1:1 connection. Online exercise classes have their time and place, but at Yoga@Yours, we value convenience and human connection in equal measure.
The solution: Yoga@Yours
Medical specialists need a convenient and flexible approach to well-being that aligns with their unpredictable schedules and demanding lives. Yoga@Yours provides on-demand private yoga sessions, hosted anywhere within Christchurch, offering a tailored solution to their unique needs.
Convenience and flexibility: Private lessons offer the flexibility to practice at a time and place that suits their schedule, eliminating the need for travel and rigid studio timetables.
Privacy and downtime: One-on-one sessions provide a private and comfortable environment, allowing for focused self-care and stress reduction.
Personalised guidance: Tailored to individual needs, goals, and limitations, ensuring proper alignment, maximizing benefits, and minimizing the risk of injury.
Yoga@Yours recognises the unique challenges faced by medical specialists and offers a bespoke solution that brings the tranquility and transformative power of yoga directly to their doorstep. By choosing Yoga@Yours, they are investing in their long-term well-being, ensuring they can continue to excel in their vital role.
Ready to tackle your burn out, Doc? Book your session today.