Having mastery over your immediate environment, especially during break time or during off-hours, yields greater peace of mind and makes you more productive when back on the job.
Individuals who control aspects of their environment may actually be able to perform better in fast-paced and stressful situations as well as more easily recover from that performance.
As physicians and other healthcare professionals face those types of situations every day, finding ways to de-stress and recharge before, during, and after work is vital.
Here are four ways to take control of your immediate environment when you have the option to do so.
As demonstrated by the music studies mentioned earlier, it's to your benefit to play the songs that are most comforting to you. Seek opportunities to close doors, turn off noisy equipment, or, if needed, turn on equipment for its white noise capabilities.
Adjust the lighting (both natural and artificial) to find that level of lumens that works for you. Close or open shades and blinds, and regulate overhead and desk lighting, the visibility of your computer tablet or cell phone screen, and so on. You're likely to have greater comfort while you work, to be more productive, and to have more energy when you're done.
Whether it's posting a note on your door or leaving a message on your voicemail, let others know when you need to have an uninterrupted, quiet stretch. Most people today will respect that because they have the same need themselves.
Find a quiet place near where you work-maybe the conference room, the last table in the cafeteria, a rooftop terrace, or even a park bench.
