The term “rat race” refers to a competitive and stressful way of life in which people are relentlessly pursuing wealth, status, or success, often at the expense of their own well-being and values. It is usually associated with a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment in which individuals feel the need to constantly strive, hustle, and compete to get ahead. The term is often used to denote a sense of futility and emptiness that characterizes a life locked in this kind of race.

Identify Triggers – What is making you feel stuck in the rat race? Is it your job, Lifestyle, or mindset? Recognize triggers and address them, or at least formulate a plan for attack!

Prioritize Self-Care – In order to break free from the rat race, it’s important to prioritize self-care. Push that pause button and take inventory of what is important to you. It will help you with identifying triggers.

1. Set clear goals: Identify what you want to achieve and set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals.
2. Prioritize tasks: Assess your tasks and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency.
3. Delegate tasks: Identify tasks that can be delegated to others to free up your time and focus on more important tasks.
4. Practice time management: Use time management techniques, like the Pomodoro Technique, to manage your time more efficiently.
5. Take breaks: Take regular breaks to clear your mind and come back to your work with renewed energy.
6. Get organized: Organize your work environment and create systems to streamline your work process.
7. Learn to say no: Say no to unnecessary tasks and commitments that take up your time and distract you from your priorities.
8. Focus on self-care: Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental health by practicing self-care activities like Exercise, Meditation or hobbies that relax you and provide satisfaction. 

Originally Published on https://www.theworthyphysician.com/blog

Sapna Shah-Haque Internal Medicine Physician

Dr. Sapna Shah-Haque, MD is a board certified Internal Medicine physician. She was born and raised in Kansas, and attended medical school at the University of Kansas [KU] School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency at KU-Wichita as well. After experiencing burnout herself, and watching other physician colleagues burn out, it became a passion of hers to look into different aspects of burnout. While the system does need to change, as it is broken, this podcast is a way to reach physicians and possibly shed light on what is not an isolated situation.