Whole Hearted Medicine

Doctors are human!  Nobody can push on 24/7 without eventually facing burnout. Rest is as productive as the work we do. Our brains have limits and need downtime to function at their best. Constant busyness doesn’t equal worth—remember, your value doesn’t hinge on how much you get done. You’re valuable just by being you.  How do you remind yourself that it’s okay to take a breather? 🔄 Share this post to help spread the message. #humansinhealthcare #doctorwellbeing #investinrest #selfcarejourney

Mindfulness offers us all a chance to pause, breathe, and reconnect with ourselves. World Mindfulness Day is a gentle reminder of the power of simply being present in the moment—focusing on the tasks we’re already doing, not adding more to our to-do list. Often, we think we need to be ‘good’ at mindfulness or that there’s a right and wrong way to practice it. But if we strip it back, mindfulness is just about bringing our focus back to the present moment. The challenge isn’t in the doing, but in remembering to do it. Mindfulness is about tuning into what’s happening right now—sensations, sounds, smells, your breath, and even your heart rate. It’s a tool to help us tune back into our bodies and observe the thoughts and patterns that occur in our minds. The hardest part? Remembering to use it when we need it most. Here are some simple tips to help you practice mindfulness anytime, anywhere: Set a reminder. Mindfulness is most effective when it’s practised consistently. To help you develop this habit, set a reminder on your phone—maybe every hour or at a manageable frequency. When the alarm goes off, take a moment to check in with yourself. How do you feel? What’s happening around you? This reminder helps build mindfulness into your routine, making it easier to call on when stress hits. Use breathing as a tool. Your breath is an anchor to the present moment. It’s always with you. Focus on how the air feels as it moves in and out of your body. This simple practice can help ground you, especially when your mind wanders. You can gently pull yourself back into the now by paying attention to your breath. Use your senses: don’t block them out. Mindfulness doesn’t mean blocking everything out. The present moment is full of sights, sounds, and sensations that can actually help you stay present. Instead of fighting distractions, embrace them. Listen to every sound, feel the textures around you, and let your mind explore what’s happening. The trick is to avoid letting your thoughts run off on tangents. This is where the work comes in—gently guiding your attention back to what’s in front of you. Remember, mindfulness is a practice. It’s not about perfection. It’s about small, intentional moments where you reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Start small, stay curious, and don’t be hard on yourself. Over time, mindfulness becomes a powerful tool you can call on whenever needed. Share this to encourage others to take a mindful moment for themselves on World Mindfulness Day.  #WorldMindfulnessDay

Navigating the healthcare profession can be challenging, and sadly, seeking help is often one of the biggest hurdles doctors face. There's a tough internal and external landscape—fear of appearing weak, concerns over professional repercussions, and a culture that often pushes doctors to "soldier on" in silence. For a profession dedicated to caring for others, it hits hard just how unforgiving the medical culture can be towards its own. As our healthcare system strains under the pressures of an ageing population and increasing demands, the well-being of those who care for us must become a priority. The pandemic exposed many cracks in our healthcare system, and burnout among doctors and healthcare professionals has reached alarming levels. A 2022 study by Mental Health Australia revealed that burnout rates among health professionals are at a staggering 84%, with these numbers remaining disturbingly high. But it's not just about the risk of doctors leaving the field; burnout can also lead to clinical errors and compromised care. These are more than just numbers—they represent real risks to the quality of care we provide. While we at Whole Hearted Medicine can't solve all the problems in our overstretched system, we are committed to making a difference. By integrating well-being education and support into the CPD framework, we aim to break down barriers and drive a cultural shift in healthcare. For us it  isn't just about offering education, it's about sparking a movement for meaningful change across the industry - creating a ripple effect. #DoctorWellbeing #HumansinHealthCare #DoctorWellbeing #RetreatsforDoctors #RippleEffect #CreatingChange

One of the conversations we often have on our retreats is about the power of adopting a mindset of curiosity. It's incredible how shifting your perspective to one of curiosity can change the way you approach challenges and everyday situations. When we lead with curiosity, we open ourselves up to deeper insights—not just into the circumstances we face, but also our reactions and emotions. So, why is curiosity so impactful? When we approach life with curiosity, we're naturally inclined to ask more questions and explore beyond the surface. This leads to a richer, more nuanced understanding of the situations and people we encounter. It also makes us more adaptable. By staying curious, we remain open to new ideas and perspectives, which enhances our ability to navigate change with ease. Curiosity also plays a crucial role in fostering empathy. As we become more attuned to our own reactions, we gain a better understanding of others, which improves our relationships and communication. And let's not forget about personal growth—curiosity is a key driver, empowering us to take control of our own journey. It pushes us to explore new paths, learn, and grow in ways we might not have considered before. By consistently asking ourselves, "Isn't that interesting?" we're broadening our understanding of the world around us and deepening our self-awareness. It's a simple mindset shift that can lead to profound changes in how we experience life. 📌 SAVE on this post to return anytime you need a reminder. #SelfAwareness #MindsetShift #Curiosity #DoctorWellbeing #CPDApproved

One of our goals at Whole Hearted Medicine is to dismantle barriers and help drive a cultural shift in healthcare. Navigating the healthcare profession is no small feat, and seeking help remains a significant challenge for many doctors. The barriers are substantial—fear of appearing vulnerable, concerns about professional repercussions, and a culture that often insists on "soldiering on" in silence. In a field dedicated to caring for others, it can hit hard just how unforgiving the medical culture can be toward its own. With our healthcare system under immense strain from an ageing population and escalating demands, prioritising the well-being of those who care for us is crucial. The pandemic has highlighted deep issues within our healthcare system, and burnout among doctors and healthcare professionals has reached alarming levels. According to a 2022 study by Mental Health Australia, burnout rates are at a staggering 84%, with no sign of improvement. This isn't just about the risk of doctors leaving the field—it's about the real threat to patient care and clinical accuracy. These figures represent significant risks to the quality of care we provide. At Whole Hearted Medicine, we're committed to addressing these challenges. While we can't solve all the issues in our overstretched system, we're dedicated to integrating well-being education and support into the CPD framework. We're not just providing education; we're igniting a movement for meaningful change, aiming to create a ripple effect across the industry. #humansinhealthcare #CPDApproved #DoctorWellbeing #SelfCareJourney

We are so excited to be partnering with the amazing team at Capstan Partners to deliver some amazing new #wellnesscentredleadership retreats for #healthcare leaders in 2025! Time and time again we have heard from retreat attendees that they are so thankful for the opportunity to pause and consider their own wellbeing that coming on one of our retreats gives them, but that they really want to know how to share that with their teams and the people they lead. Along with the accomplished Rita Holland and Sarah Dalton from Capstan, in 2025 we are proud to bring you this holistic offering that not only acknowledges the importance of your own wellbeing as a #healthcareleader but also the profound effect that leading coach-like conversations and leading by example can have on your team. We would love for you to join us in 2025. For more information click on the links below ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

As doctors, our role often comes with a sense of urgency, and it’s easy for that urgency to start spilling over into other areas of our lives. Here’s a little trick that might help, give yourself some intentional transition time. When you’re moving from one task to another—like finishing up at work and heading home or switching from a work thought to a personal moment—pause for a few deep breaths. This simple act of pausing helps create a mental boundary, letting you leave the urgency behind, it’s all about carving out those small moments of calm. Have you tried this before? #intentionaltime #doctorwellbeing #momentsofcalm #stillness #healthehealers #humansinhealth #CPDApproved

Even the most successful doctors can struggle with self-doubt and insecurity. It’s all too common to compare ourselves to others, magnifying their achievements while overlooking our own progress. If you have ever found yourself wondering, "Am I measuring up to my colleagues?" you are not alone. This constant comparison can leave us feeling inadequate. Many of us share these insecurities but keep them hidden, creating the illusion that everyone else has it all together. Imposter syndrome—the belief that our successes are due to luck and that we're frauds—affects many doctors, especially during transitions or new challenges. So, what can we do? Start by shifting your focus. Instead of fixating on what you haven't achieved, take a moment to appreciate how far you've come. Having a supportive mentor can also help, offering guidance and perspective during tough times. Remember, mistakes don't define you—they're opportunities to learn and grow. It's okay to feel uncertain, but you don't have to go through it alone. The more real conversations about the real struggles we all face, we can support each other in overcoming them.  You're not alone in this journey, and together, we can thrive. 🔄 Share this with someone who might need this reminder today. #doctorwellbeing #healthehealers #cpdapproved #selfcarejourney

Our Whole Hearted Medicine Retreats foster sustainable change by providing doctors with well-being education within the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework. The serene beauty of our retreats is the icing on the cake; the true impact lies in the powerful education happening behind the scenes. We're committed to integrating practical tools like mindfulness, self-compassion, and stress management into doctors' daily lives, helping them thrive both professionally and personally. Recognised by leading colleges like the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, our programs go beyond relaxation—they equip doctors with the skills to manage burnout, set compassionate boundaries, and sustain their well-being over the long term. Every small change we inspire uplifts individual doctors and strengthens the entire medical community. Join us and experience the transformation for yourself. Two rare spots are available for 2024 retreats in October, and our 2025 dates, have been released to our email list. https://lnkd.in/g5ZrxHiB #HumansinHealthCare #HealtheHealers #DoctorWellbeing #SelfCareJourneyforDoctors #CPDApprovedRetreats #RetreatsForDoctors

Today Whole Hearted Medicine will be having our Q&A with the amazing team at Telstra Small Business for this, the final round of the Telstra Best of Business Awards before the state finals. To say that we are humbled and excited to be here is a complete understatement. The selection and judging process over the last few months has been such an amazing opportunity to pause and reflect on our business, to re-commit to our mission and to appreciate the journey we’ve been on over the last four years. In a profession that is built upon caring for the wellbeing of others, doctors and all healthcare professionals deserve to know that their #wellbeing is a workforce priority. Our goal has always been to have #wellbeingeducation embedded into the recognised framework of #continuingprofessionaldevelopment . Too often well-being education is seen as an after thought to the ‘more important’ business of CPD/CME clinical education. The implication being, your knowledge and skills are important to us- but you are not. So here we are, about to run our 20th retreat, having connected with over 300 doctors throughout the last 4 years who feel the same way. Our 2025 retreats have just gone on sale and we are looking at another beautiful year of connection, coaching and education as we continue to cast our own small #ripplesofchange within the broader system of #healthcare ❤️🩺