BLOG: Hobbies are the fun way to avoid burnout

ByJohn D. Kelly IV, MD

Do you have a hobby? If your vocation in medicine has not left you any room for outside interests, you are on a fast track to emotional exhaustion.

The adoption of a hobby can be a game changer in increasing the quality of your life and has been shown to safeguard against burnout. Outside interests give our nervous system a break as these allow us to escape from the ever-present mental demands that patient care can generate. Hobbies also allow us to utilize different parts of our brains and can foster increased creativity and ingenuity. A non-medical pursuit may open up an entirely different and diverse social network where conversations do not revolve around the latest implant.

An Israeli study that examined nephrology nurses demonstrated those without hobbies experienced a significantly higher incidence of burnout. Moreover, those who had several hobbies had no less burnout than those who enjoyed a single hobby. Finally, whether the hobby was active (sports) vs. non-active (theater) made no difference. The point is any singular activity that rests your nervous system and diverts attention from the continual vigilance that a medical vocation demands, will add years and joy to one’s life.

Hobbies and ‘locus of control’

Resilient physicians take more responsibility for their emotional well-being. That is, they believe their “locus of control” is internal and that they (not circumstances) determine the nature and quality of their lives. This is in sharp contrast to those at higher risk for burnout who believe it’s up to others, organizations or external forces to protect them. Their locus of control has no relationship to their own volition. Resilient physicians recognize there is more to life than just medicine and have adopted what Christina Maslach, PhD, has labelled as a “detached concern,” the ability to engage responsibly in one’s work, yet have the capacity to regularly “detach” in order to maintain vitality and nourish one’s soul.

Again, hobbies serve as a perfect means to disengage from the seemingly omnipresent demands of patient care.

Comedy

For years, I have dabbled in stand-up comedy as a means to find respite from the rigors of a busy surgical practice. This avocation has served me well for many reasons.

Obviously, engaging in humor will generate laughs for both me and, hopefully, my audience. Much has been written on laughter and its positive health benefits.

More importantly, when I accept an invitation to perform, my attention immediately shifts from rotator cuff tears to jokes. I immerse myself in the creative act of crafting something that I hope the audience will like, and detach from my hyperactive mind which is preoccupied with yesterday’s cases.

Furthermore, when I am backstage and conversing with my comedy friends, I look at life differently and gain different perspectives. Non-medical friendships help me to engage in a world so far removed from medicine that my nervous system truly enjoys a much-needed rest.

It is no surprise that non-work friendships are considerably more protective against burnout than those forged at the workplace.

Data are clear

Hobbies, especially knitting, have received particular attention as effective “stress busters.” The simple act of knitting or quilting can serve as an excellent means of a “moving meditation.” Such activities cultivate mindfulness — the virtue of being totally immersed into the present moment.

It is no wonder that “therapeutic knitters” increase their knitting time during times of increased stress. Finally, the practice of hobby has been linked to increased longevity, as well as decreased risk of dementia.

Just do it

The most successful and vibrant orthopedic surgeons I know are invariably engaged in a hobby about which they are passionate. Whether it is gardening, golf, guitar or rescuing animals, they have discovered something that is of great interest to them and engage in it regularly.

Feed your soul what it needs so that come Monday, you are ready to take care of business. One good friend plays the guitar whenever and wherever he can. The result is one of the most productive and scholarly sports medicine practices on record.

Another close surgeon friend owns a deer farm and derives great joy on weekends surveying his property as he relishes the activities of his furry friends. The result is one of the most prolific research careers of this century.

It is never too late. Take up a hobby now, and add years to your life and life to your years.

References:

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Hoglund MW, et al. J Mens Health. 2009;6(4):354-365.

Hughes TF, et al. Am J Alzheimers Dis Other Demen. 2010;doi:10.1177/1533317510368399.

Manning TJ. Mindful knitting: Inviting contemplative practice to the craft. 2004;Tuttle Publishing.

Maslach C. Burnout: The cost of caring. 1982; Prentice-Hall.

Seidman SA, et al. Work & Stress.1991;5(3):205-216.

Utsch H. Knitting and stress reduction. 2007; Diss. Antioch; University New England.