SafeSpace is proudly sponsored by Pastest: a fantastic resource with a huge library of high-quality practice questions and mock exams for a wide range of healthcare professions. So, if you're serious about acing your exams, head over to Pastest.com.
In this episode, Melany guides listeners through a calming meditation designed to help them recharge and find stillness after a busy day. She encourages participants to set an intention for their meditation, focusing on letting go of stress and embracing a sense of peace.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
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Taking time to relax and recharge is essential, especially after a busy day of giving to others. Engaging in meditation can help achieve this state of calm.
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Utilising specific breathing patterns, such as inhaling for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for six, can effectively calm the mind and body, helping to release stress and tension.
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Before beginning meditation, it's beneficial to set a personal intention, whether it’s to let go of stress, find peace, or simply be present with oneself.
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Reflecting on moments of gratitude, no matter how small, can foster a positive mindset and help acknowledge the good one brings into the world, even during challenging times.
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Acknowledging difficult moments without judgment and wrapping them in self-compassion allows for emotional release, promoting a healthier mental state and enhancing overall well-being.
BEST MOMENTS
"Take a comfortable seat or lie down in a position where you can fully relax. Allow your body to feel supported by the surface beneath you."
"After a day of giving so much to others, you deserve this moment to recharge and find stillness."
"As you breathe out, just allow your shoulders to drop and your neck to relax as though a heavy weight is being lifted."
"Just take a moment to recognise the good you bring into the world through your work even on the most challenging days."
"Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup; by taking time for yourself, you're better able to care for others."
HOST BIO
Mariam is a GP trainee in Wales passionate about improving our healthcare colleagues' wellbeing. She has experience on the Schwartz Round Steering group and as a facilitator for her health board, and she created and led the Balint Group Programme for Foundation Doctors in her hospital. These are regular spaces for healthcare professionals to speak about real issues that affect their well-being amongst colleagues to improve mutual support and camaraderie in the workplace. She also holds qualifications in Life Coaching and healthcare leadership and management. Whatever your reason for joining us on this podcast, we are glad you have taken the time.
Dr Melany McKenna is a Clinical Psychologist, Cognitive Analytic Therapy practitioner, and Executive Coach. With a specialist interest in staff wellbeing, and supporting NHS professionals, Dr McKenna offers psychologically informed reflections, prompting us to consider staff wellbeing from a systemic perspective.
If you are having stressful days at work, leaving you feeling demotivated, and depleted, I'm hoping I can help here.
PODCAST DESCRIPTION
SafeSpace is a new grounding and respite podcast aimed at Healthcare Professionals focused on staff wellbeing in the healthcare work environment, a grossly overlooked issue and yet, the cornerstone of the healthcare system which is why it is crumbling. There are 3 components to the podcast:
- Candid interviews with healthcare leaders, and a wide variety of passionate healthcare professionals about their own experiences and struggles with their well-being as they have progressed through their careers
- Reflective discussions with a clinical psychologist, my co-host, regarding key topics that have arisen such as coping with bullying, depression, burnout, grief, menopause, etc
- Guided meditations specific to the healthcare worker getting ready for the day ahead, pausing during, winding down, and accepting following the working day.
This podcast is not a panacea or substitute for a formal management plan, but a motivating, and catharsis tool to help during a stressful day.