Summary: When you’re in the healthcare sector, i.e. a doctor, you’re always on call and on shifting schedules with so many responsibilities. It becomes stressful. Unfortunately, no pill that can help you remove stress. In this episode of the Enduring Health Podcast, I speak with The Third Eye Doctor, also known as Dr. Haidar Al-Hakim. Haidar has been relieving doctors of burnout for almost one and a half years now. Haidar and I talk in a very candid manner about our own experiences of stress after working in healthcare for almost two decades each, and he describes several different approaches that people can quickly adapt to manage and avoid burnout. Remember that there’s a difference between releasing and escaping stress. Always choose to release stress whenever possible. While enjoyable, please note this conversation may involve the use of language that has the potential to offend. If you are of fragile disposition concerning the use of profanities, please skip over this episode. All opinions are our own and not representative of any other institution, organisation or governing body. KEY TAKEAWAYS Haidar shares that despite all the trauma he experienced, the stress and challenges he faces as a doctor still surprises him sometimes. It’s vital that there is someone who can help you get you the rough times – someone who can listen to your stories and push you to keep going. You can be physically or psychologically burnt-out, but for Haidar, it was the spiritual burnout that’s difficult for him. His purpose and passion change in life. Introspection is important to check in with your energy levels. You know the roots and causes of everything that’s happening internally & externally. Exercise is a MUST. It’s not just to keep your body healthy and fit, but also to have clarity of mind. For Haidar, new ideas come whenever he’s, for example, on the treadmill. He gets so much inspiration after he does these kinds of physical activities. “Humility is a powerful way to reduce stress and burnout. And the humbler you are, the more successful you are.” – Haidar From a stressed-out senior registrar to the Third Eye Doctor. It wasn’t his purpose anymore to be in the field, then he got interested in being a life coach. BEST MOMENTS “We need to be self-aware. You need to be aware of your energy levels and aware of what the other person is doing to your energy levels. It does take a bit of practice of introspection.” “Quality sleep is actually going to bed happy.” “There’s no shame in apologising. What’s important is focusing on who you are and how you’re serving.” VALUABLE RESOURCES Surgical Spirit Podcast iTunes Physician On Fire by Dr Haidar Al-hakim Brendon Burchard ABOUT THE HOST Dr Shan Hussain is an author, general practitioner, health coach, wellness advisor and ambassador to the World Health Innovation Summit. As Founder of The Health Studio and a medical doctor of 18 years, he has a special interest in health promotion and disease prevention. He works with individuals and organisations to help naturally improve health in a sustainable, holistic manner. Dr Hussain has developed several coaching and mentorship programmes designed to help reverse the symptoms of many stress-related health problems. His best-selling book, 'The Big Prescription' serves as a guide for readers to learn about evidence-based holistic health practices that create the foundation of his work. ABOUT THE GUEST Dr Haidar Al-Hakim is a practising ophthalmic surgeon who also provides coaching, mentorship, support and guidance for professionals experiencing stress-related health problems, overwhelm and burnout. He is the author of "Physician On Fire: How to Banish Burnout and Regain Control of Your Mind, Your Body, and Your Life in Just 30 Days” and he runs a successful practice in Knightsbridge, London. CONTACT METHOD Dr Shan Hussain Connect with Dr Shan Hussain through his website at http://www.thehealthstudio.net. If you would like to support our Podcast, please visit our Patreon page at patreon.com/enduringhealth Dr Haidar Al-Hakim The Third Eye Doctor Haidar’s LinkedIn Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/enduringhealth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
