As a woman in the medical field, my journey with mindful self-compassion has become integral to my personal and professional well-being. It has also been tbe key to me healing from burnout as a psychiatrist, and allows me to find sanctuary and purpose in medicine. This practice is rooted in three key aspects: mindfulness, common humanity, and a multi-faceted approach to self-kindness that includes being an inner nourisher, a fierce protector, and an inner coach. 1. **Mindfulness**: In my day-to-day life, mindfulness is vital. It's about being fully present and aware of my current state, emotions, and surroundings without harsh judgment. This practice allows me to acknowledge and accept my feelings, whether it's stress, exhaustion, or frustration, with a sense of calm and understanding. It helps me remain centered amidst the chaos of a medical career. 2. **Common Humanity**: Embracing our common humanity has been a source of great comfort. It's the realization that my experiences of inadequacy or hardship are not unique to me. This understanding fosters a sense of belonging and connection with others, especially fellow women in medicine, reminding me that these challenges are a shared human experience. 3. **Self-Kindness**: - **Inner Nourisher**: This aspect of self-kindness involves treating myself with the same care and compassion I would offer a dear friend. It means acknowledging my need for rest, self-care, and emotional support. By nurturing my well-being, I am better equipped to handle the demands of my profession. - **Fierce Protector**: Fierce compassion involves setting boundaries and saying no when necessary. It's about safeguarding my time, energy, and emotional well-being. This protective aspect of self-kindness empowers me to make tough decisions that prioritize my health and peace of mind. - **Inner Coach**: Adopting a growth mindset, I see mistakes as opportunities for learning rather than signs of failure. This inner coach encourages me to approach challenges with curiosity and a focus on learning. It's a kind and motivating force that drives my personal and professional development. These three pillars of mindful self-compassion – mindfulness, common humanity, and a comprehensive approach to self-kindness – have been transformative for me. They help me navigate the complexities of the medical profession, bring back balance to my life, maintain emotional health, and continually evolve and grow in my career and personal life.

Welcome to Week One of the Self-Compassion Challenge for Women in Medicine 🌿 In this first week, we explore the foundation of self-compassion — what it really means, how it applies to the pressures of medical life, and why it’s a powerful tool for emotional wellbeing. 💡 This Week’s Focus: What is Self-Compassion? Learn how to shift from self-criticism to care, and understand the core components of self-compassion — mindfulness, common humanity, and self-kindness — as developed by Dr. Kristin Neff. 📝 Your Task: ✅ Watch this week’s introductory workshop video ✅ Complete the “How Would I Treat a Friend?” meditation ✅ Take Kristin Neff’s Self-Compassion Scale questionnaire: 👉 https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/ Reflect: In your journal, explore how your self-talk differs from how you treat a friend. Ask yourself: What would it feel like to offer myself the same kindness I offer others? This challenge is part of the Healing the Healers programme, designed for women in medicine seeking to care for their own nervous system, emotions, and energy — with the same compassion they offer others.Remember: caring for yourself is not selfish. It’s essential. 🔗 Want to join the full challenge or learn more? 👉 Sign up at: https://www.mindfitnessdoctor.co.nz/challenges

Healing the Healers – The Self-Compassion Challenge For Women In Medicine. Welcome to Your Journey of Healing Your Mind, Body and Spirit As a dedicated woman in the field of medicine, you tirelessly care for others. Now, it's time to turn that care inward. Join our "New Year: New You – Healing Mind, Body, and Soul" challenge, specially designed to nurture the healers of our world. What is the Healing the Healers: Self Compassion Challenge For Women in Medicine. This four-week program is an invitation to rediscover and nourish yourself. Tailored for women in medicine, the challenge blends mindfulness, self-compassion, and physical wellness, guiding you toward a holistic sense of healing and empowerment. Why Embark on This Journey? Focused on You: Specially designed for the unique challenges and pressures faced by women in medicine. Accessible Anywhere: Engage with the challenge via the MindFitness Dr podcast and our online course – learn and grow at your convenience. Empowering Community: Connect with fellow medical professionals on a similar path of self-discovery and support. Expert-Led Sessions: Gain insights and guidance from seasoned professionals in mindfulness, wellness, and self-care. Your Path to Renewal: Week 1: Begin with exploring the fundamentals of self-compassion and how it can be a powerful tool in your life. Week 2: Challenge and dispel the myths of self-compassion, particularly in the medical profession. Week 3: Embrace fierce self-compassion, learn about assertiveness, and set healthy boundaries. Week 4: Integrate your learnings with self-compassion in action, culminating in a rejuvenating yin yoga session. Exclusive Benefits: Resource Kit: A curated collection of journals, pens, and insightful reading materials. Weekly Inspirational Emails: Regular encouragement and tips to keep you motivated and engaged. Post-Challenge Gathering: A follow-up session to reflect, share, and plan for ongoing self-care. Your Investment: Enroll in the Healing the Healers : Self Compassion Challenge for Women in Medicine Join Us: Sign up today on https://www.mindfitnessdoctor.co.nz/challenges and start your journey towards healing your mind, body, and soul. Begin Your Healing: You've dedicated your life to healing others; now, let us help you heal yourself. Embrace this time of the year year as a time for personal growth, self-care, and rejuvenation.

The Stress Reset Starter Kit: Knowledge of Stress and Burnout

The field of medicine can be incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. With long hours, high stakes, and complex decision-making, it can be easy to get lost in a fog of thoughts and worries about the past and future. For women in medicine, these pressures can be compounded by gender discrimination, imposter syndrome, and other forms of systemic bias. One tool that can be particularly helpful for women in medicine is the STOP practice . This is The S of the SOARING SYSTEM, and is STOP and surrender to your senses to anchor yourself into the present moment, and out of the fog of our thoughts that take us into the future and the past. To begin the STOP practice, find a quiet space where you can sit or stand comfortably. Close your eyes or keep them open, whichever feels most comfortable for you. Take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to release any tension or stress you may be carrying. Then, begin to focus on the sensations in your body. Use the tree metaphor to help you anchor yourself in the present moment. Imagine that your body is like a tree, with your feet firmly rooted to the ground like the roots of a tree. Allow yourself to feel the sensations of your feet on the floor or the earth beneath you. Notice how the ground supports you and how your body responds to that support. Next, turn your attention to your breath. Allow yourself to feel the sensation of your breath moving in and out of your body, like the trunk of a tree expanding and contracting. Notice how your breath feels in your body, whether it is shallow or deep, fast or slow. Finally, imagine your arms outstretched above your head, with each finger representing a branch for your sense of sound, taste, smell, and sight. Allow yourself to notice what you can hear, taste, smell, and see in the present moment. Without judging or analyzing these sensations, simply observe them and let them be. By practicing STOP regularly, you can cultivate greater awareness and resilience in the face of stress and uncertainty. You can learn to respond to challenging situations with greater clarity and intention, rather than reacting impulsively or out of habit. And you can find greater peace and balance in your daily life, even amidst the demands of a career in medicine. For women in medicine, the STOP practice can be especially powerful. By surrendering to your senses and grounding yourself in the present moment, you can create a safe and supportive space for yourself, free from the pressures and expectations of others. You can find greater strength and confidence in your own intuition and expertise, and you can cultivate a deeper sense of connection and compassion for yourself and others.

Created by InShot https://inshotapp.page.link/YTShare