September 25, 2024

As Physician moms, we're often caught in a whirlwind of responsibilities. Between patient care, family obligations, and household tasks, it can feel like there's no time left for creativity or personal growth. But what if I told you that tapping into your "flow" state could not only make you more productive but also more fulfilled? And what if the key to accessing that flow was getting the right support?

Understanding "Flow"

First, let's talk about what "flow" means. It's that state where you're fully immersed in a task, feeling energized, focused, and enjoying the process. In medicine, it might look like:

• Performing a surgery where every move feels intuitive

• Being in perfect sync with your team during a complex procedure

• Writing a research paper where ideas flow effortlessly

Flow isn't just for artists or athletes - it's a state that can dramatically improve our performance and satisfaction in any field, including medicine.

The Barriers to Flow for Physician Moms

As rewarding as motherhood and medicine are, they can also create significant barriers to achieving flow:

1. Constant interruptions from family needs

2. Mental load of managing household tasks

3. Physical and emotional exhaustion

4. Lack of uninterrupted time for deep work or creativity

These factors don't just make it hard to enter a flow state - they can make it feel impossible to even remember what flow feels like.

The Crucial Role of Support

This is where support comes in. Having reliable childcare, household help, or even just a few hours of uninterrupted time can make all the difference. Here's why:

1. Mental Space: When you're not constantly thinking about the next task or responsibility, your mind is free to focus deeply on the task at hand.

2. Energy Conservation: Outsourcing tasks means you're not depleting your energy on things that don't require your unique skills.

3. Time for Deep Work: Uninterrupted blocks of time are crucial for entering a flow state.

4. Reduced Stress: Knowing that other aspects of your life are taken care of allows you to fully immerse yourself in your work or creative pursuits.

My Personal Flow Experience

Recently, I experienced this firsthand. Despite a rough start to the day (5 AM wake-up call from the kids, anyone?), I found myself in a state of flow while preparing for a webinar. Ideas were flowing, creativity was surging, and I felt energized and focused.

The key? I had childcare. This support allowed me to capture and act on my creative impulses instead of losing them to the chaos of daily life.

Making Flow Possible in Your Life

So, how can you create more opportunities for flow in your life?

1. Identify Your Flow Activities: What tasks or activities make you lose track of time in a good way?

2. Assess Your Support Needs: What tasks or responsibilities are preventing you from focusing deeply?

3. Explore Support Options: This could be childcare, housekeeping help, meal prep services, or even just trading childcare time with another Physician mom.

4. Create Boundaries: When you do have support, use that time intentionally. Turn off notifications and create a space for deep focus.

5. Practice Mindfulness: Being present can help you recognize and lean into flow states when they occur.

Remember, seeking support isn't selfish - it's a strategic decision that allows you to bring your best self to both your personal and professional life.

The Bigger Picture

Embracing flow isn't just about personal satisfaction (although that's important!). As Physicians, being able to enter a flow state can improve our patient care, enhance our problem-solving abilities, and even help prevent burnout.

By prioritizing the support we need to access our flow states, we're not just improving our own lives - we're potentially improving outcomes for our patients and modeling healthy work-life integration for the next generation of Physicians.

So, doc, I challenge you this week: Identify one area where additional support could help you tap into your flow state more often. Then, take one small step towards making that support a reality. Your future flowing self will thank you!

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