‘Discover and transform’ your stress levels

Hello and welcome to my first ‘Discover and Transform’ blog.

One of my jobs at present is to offer support to GPs (family doctors) working in the NHS (UK National Health Service), particularly those in the second half of their careers, who are thinking of making some changes, often because of the stresses of the job. The NHS is an incredibly stressful environment at present. You may have seen headlines like “170,000 staff leave NHS in England as stress and workload take toll”. 

I approached this job reflecting on my own experiences. In 2022, I was tired and my world felt too full, especially when reading emails well after 9pm. I knew something had to change or my mental health was at risk, as had happened 10 years previously. After recovering from anxiety and depression, I had promised myself that never again would I put my health at risk with overwork. Was I going to do just that? Also was I prepared to give up on other hopes, dreams and other interests I wanted to pursue? I’d completed a diploma in psychotherapy and was going to become a grandfather.

So, I did it. I left my GP job to take a “career break”. I reduced my working week to less than 3 days a week and took the time to explore my options. I got myself a coach, something I would highly recommend. Jo suggested I take a look at coaching and leadership courses run by Michael Neill, an internationally renowned coach and best-selling author. Almost exactly a year later, the decision to invest time and money, with Michael has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve made a couple of wonderful discoveries.

Firstly, I do actually enjoy being a GP - It’s such a privilege to be invited into a person’s life when they are facing illness, anxiety and often fear. Sensing that privilege can be transforming! So, I’m now back working in urgent care / out of hours, even working overnight sessions. I love the contact with other staff, working together with a common goal.

Secondly, and perhaps the main message I wish to communicate in this blog is that so much of how I am and feel depends on the product of my thinking. Through working with Michael and Jo, I’ve begun to understand what are called The Three Principles* of Mind, Consciousness and Thought. Some of the insights I’ve learned have truly been life changing! Anxiety and fear of what the future might hold for me, my family and the world has massively reduced. I can tap into the wisdom of knowing what is right without hours and hours of overthinking, which was like an addiction. 

* https://threeprinciplesfoundation.org/about-sydney-banks/

**https://www.speedbump.com/

I love this cartoon** of “The Inner Maze” as an image to reflect the world we all live and work in. Rather than starting with the complexities of our external circumstances, I suggest that a better starting point is to gain an understanding or discovery of the reality that is being created by our minds. I now notice that without this we can get lost not just in our personal but also our working lives. 

But how can this happen, you may ask. May I suggest just a first step? Would you be willing to give just 5 minutes each day to let your mind just be? I’m not suggesting any particular meditation or reading plan. Just to give five minutes to resting and watching what is going on with your mind rather than being active in the middle of all your thoughts. If you want there are dozens of apps which can help but it really is as simple as taking a seat and watching your inner maze.

I’m going to share a bit more about saying goodbye to fear in the next one. Is it something we can live without? It will be called ‘Discover and Transform’ your fear.

I trust that you have enjoyed reading my first blog. Please feel free to share with friends and colleagues. If you would like to read the next one please sign up by clicking here. I promise that there will be no more than one message every month.

If you’d like to chat (no cost) please drop me an email at tim@lyttle.org

I wish you well, 'til we connect again

Tim