How to Avoid Burnout for Osteopaths

1 – Take a (short) holiday

Can’t remember the last time you went away? Book one for next year – at least 2 weeks. Even a scheduled day off makes all the difference.

It doesn’t have to cost you any money either. Fellow osteopath Rory Tyrrell told me that he tells his patient’s to spend some time walking alone in the woods, across a beach or wherever is silent and full of nature. Why not do the same? Take your shoes off or get into some flip-flops and get reconnected with nature. You’ll automatically find yourself reflecting and problem-solving.

2 – Have a daily recharge

Ensure you have enough energy for your patients. However, you need to look after your body and mind by taking the time to eat food, reflect and stretch.

If you find yourself skipping meals, thinking about getting treatment yourself or always thinking about how ‘time-poor’ you are, it’s time to change. Have a read of our blog on how busy osteopaths can claw back time into their day and put that into your strategies for avoiding burnout in osteopathy.

Start looking after yourself every day. One of my personal favourites is to meditate at least 3 times per week and practise yoga daily.

I don’t always hit my targets, and that’s okay.

Use the 2-day rule

If you don’t do something on one day, make it number 1 priority on the next. In other words, never miss two days in a row. The 2 Day Rule is one of the 3 ways time-poor osteopaths can grow their clinic.

3 – Keep osteopathy at work

Finish all your work-related tasks at work. Studies suggest that working at home may lead to a negative association with your home. Work never ends if you take it with you everywhere.

Listen up students!

While studying I had a crappy desk and chair in my bedroom. I always used to work there, never in the library.

I started to hate my bedroom because when I would try to relax I’d have my desk guilt-tripping me into not working. Throw your desk and chair out. Or at least get it out of your room. Go and study in the library. You’ll feel better once you leave knowing you don’t have to work more when you’re not in that environment.

4 – Accountability is your friend

Don’t let your buddy burnout! Talk with someone who will keep you from working too hard for too long. Make them hold you to account. Moreover, start exercising with someone you know to maintain your motivation.

You can go one step further in work by suggesting monthly meetings.

Don’t feel like there’s anyone who can hold you accountable in a respectful way? Having someone keep them accountable is one of the top reasons why osteopaths use a business coach.

5 – Double-down on relationships

Double down on relationships and friendships. Osteopathy may be your life but osteopathy isn’t your life. If you don’t, before you know it, you’re alone. Not an easy battle to win.

Being an osteopath is one of the loneliest jobs. That why it’s so important to practice avoiding burnout in osteopathy. We typically spend our time in a small room on our own. Do yourself a favour and start getting to know other Osteopaths in your local area. You may gain more than just friendship – business tips too!

So, it doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced practitioner or fresh out of osteo uni, you are at risk of burnout.

A final tip, if you can help it, take a holiday before you start your first associateship out of university. In other words, allow your body and mind to recover. So many osteopaths I’ve spoken to, including myself, agree with it.