Tackling Interruptions and Distractions

Send us Fan MailEver find yourself busy all day yet feeling like you've accomplished nothing? You're not alone. As physicians, we face an overwhelming number of interruptions in our day - many of which didn't exist even a few years ago.What You'll Learn:Why constant interruptions are destroying your focus and productivityHow to set clear, kind boundaries with staff and colleaguesWhy multitasking is actually procrastination in disguisePractical strategies to handle both external interruptions and internal distractionsThe Interruption ProblemWe're bombarded with distractions that our brains aren't designed to handle - from Epic messages popping up during patient visits to constant texts and emails. These interruptions don't just slow us down; they can make patient care unsafe.When someone interrupts you with a non-urgent question:Don't respond immediatelyUse clear, kind language: "I can't answer that right now. Please refer to the clinic policy."Remember that each time you allow an interruption, you teach people it's okay to interrupt youSetting BoundariesYou can take control by:Teaching others when you'll respond (not immediately!)Setting specific times to check messages and emailCommunicating clear windows when staff can bring questions to you (e.g., "between 12-12:30 when I'm done with morning patients")Handling Internal DistractionsWhen you feel bored, frustrated, or low energy during your workday, you likely seek distractions (checking email, social media, grabbing unnecessary snacks). Instead:Recognize these feelings as normalTake quick, intentional breaks that serve you (deep breathing, jumping jacks, brief colleague interaction)Choose the "uphill" task (finishing notes now) over the "downhill" task (checking email)Remember: Finishing a note immediately after seeing a patient takes minutes, while coming back to it days later can take 10-15 minutes. Those small choices add up to major time savings.Take Action NowYou are not lazy or broken for struggling with focus. Our human brains seek dopamine and relief from discomfort. But by making different choices about how you handle interruptions and distractions, you can regain control of your day and finally feel accomplished when you leave work."I will not be stopped by interruptions anymore outside of medical emergencies. I will not let my brain get disrupted. I will not blame myself or say unkind words to myself. I will just choose to make some different decisions." Support the showTo learn more about my coaching practice and group offerings, head over to www.healthierforgood.com. I help Physicians and Allied Health Professional women to let go of toxic perfectionist and people-pleasing habits that leave them frustrated and exhausted. If you are ready to learn skills that help you set boundaries and prioritize yourself, without becoming a cynical a-hole, come work with me.Want to contact me directly?Email: [email protected] me on Instagram!@MeganMeloMD