Nature as a Burnout Remedy: How Introverts in Healthcare Can Restore Their Energy

Introverts in Healthcare,

Tap into nature.

Managing energy as an introvert isn’t a “nice to have”. It’s essential.

This is especially true when you work in the field of medicine. By its nature (no pun intended) medicine requires you to bump up against others’ pain, fears, and uncertainty. While rewarding, it can also be immensely draining.  

As an introvert, the very qualities that make you a compassionate and empathetic clinician are the ones that can pull you into burnout if you’re not intentional about your energy.

One of my favorite ways to recharge is by engaging with nature. It’s good for you, mentally and physically.

Studies show that a mere 120 minutes of nature exposure per week correlates to improved health and well-being. While this might sound like a lot at first blush, it amounts to less than 18 minutes per day if you decide to go for a daily dose. 

Here are some easy ways you can tap into this abundant, low-cost resource for well-being.

Decrease Burnout Symptoms by Bringing Nature To You

If you’re stuck inside or live in a highly urban area, never fear. While the real thing is, in my opinion, the crème de la crème, there are still ways to soak in all the goodness nature has to offer if you’re stuck inside.

Surround Yourself with Natural Images:

Hang them on a wall, set them on your desk, or download them as a screen saver. Find breathtaking photos that inspire you and keep them nearby. Images including greenery have been shown to contribute to a sense of calm.

Recreate the Smells of the Great Outdoors:

Grab a diffuser and some essential oils. Close your eyes and let scents like pine, cedarwood, or juniper berry transport you to the forest.

Bring in Plants:

Use low-maintenance potted plants to surround yourself with living greenery. Plants like the Chinese Evergreen have lush, interesting leaves and can thrive simply in a vase with water.

Listen to Nature Tracks:

It’s easy to find soundtracks of nature. Pop in your earbuds and listen to the birds, a thunderstorm, or the waves of the ocean. With today’s technology, the options are limitless. You can even create your own recordings when you’re out in your favorite nature hangout.

Decrease Burnout Symptoms by Going to Nature 

When you can, enjoy the real deal. It doesn’t have to be a big to-do. Here are some simple ways to connect.

Head Outside:

If you have a few minutes free during the day, enjoy them outside. Just feeling the sun or breeze on your skin can be a welcome change from the stagnant, regulated indoor environment you’re in all day.

Put Your Feet in the Grass:

This is so simple. When’s the last time you did it? Feel the cool earth on your feet. Let yourself truly be grounded.

Grow Something:

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Get your hands in the dirt. Enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing and growing something from seed. Zinnias and squash are easy to grow from seed and, most often, reward you with beautiful blooms.

Watch the Sky:

Put out a blanket, lay down, and watch the clouds go by. Or venture out at night, and watch the stars.

Obviously, these ideas just scratch the surface. But when burnout leaves you exhausted and depleted, it’s good to start with simple things. You don’t need one more thing you “should” do. You just need something that feels good.  

The idea here is to find small things that nourish you with minimal additional effort on your part.

If the idea of simplicity and connecting with nature feels like a breath of fresh air, let’s connect. These are two of my favorite things when it comes to escaping burnout.

For ways to ‘retreat’ during your workday, check out my Quickie Retreat Workbook. It’s full of simple ideas to boost your energy during the middle of a busy day.