The fall season brings cooler weather and the beauty of changing leaves, but also ushers in a unique set of challenges for Direct Primary Care (DPC) physicians. With the convergence of virus season, the holiday rush, and perhaps heightened stress from this year’s election season, finding personal balance can seem like an overwhelming task.

These seasonal stressors add to a backdrop of physician burnout that has reached alarming levels. According to a study by the American Medical Association, nearly 63% of physicians experience symptoms of burnout, often compounded by demanding periods like fall and winter. In such times, it’s essential to establish strategies that prioritize well-being and create sustainable boundaries–just as you’d likely advise your patients. The good news is, there are plenty of ways to mindfully manage stress and reclaim calm in the months ahead.

Prioritize Personal Well-Being

The core of managing stress lies in daily habits that support both mental and physical health. Even small shifts can make a big difference. One effective technique is implementing short, daily breaks for quick relaxation practices. Studies have shown that regular mindfulness or meditation practices can significantly reduce stress levels. As little as five minutes a day, whether through guided breathing exercises, mindful stretching, or simply closing your eyes and focusing on your breath, can help regulate your nervous system and improve your resilience.

Physical activity is another pillar of personal well-being. Aim to take at least one short walk during the workday, especially between patient visits or administrative tasks. Walking outdoors, even for 10–15 minutes, can reduce stress hormones like cortisol. If possible, engage in a more substantial physical activity like yoga, cycling, or strength training a few times a week—activities shown to significantly improve mood and decrease anxiety.

Set Clear Work-Life Boundaries

With seasonal pressures and more frequent patient visits, the lines between work and home life can blur. Clear boundaries are essential for managing stress and avoiding burnout. Consider creating a specific plan to limit after-hours work and patient communications. Utilizing tools that streamline communications, such as automated messaging systems or patient portals, can help alleviate the frequency of calls and emails that come in outside of clinic hours.

Another valuable tactic is to "time block" specific parts of your schedule for deep work, patient follow-ups, or personal breaks. Block out certain times each week when you can pause to recharge, and be sure to communicate these boundaries with your team. When everyone is aware of your schedule, it becomes easier to respect each other’s personal time, especially during busy seasons.

If you attended Hint Summit ‘24, you likely caught Dr. Jade Norris’ session, "Sustainable Success: Creating a Balance Between Your DPC and Your Home.” If you missed it, watch it on-demand for actionable strategies that will help you create balance, set boundaries, and achieve sustainable success both professionally and personally. 

Build a Peer Support Network

Fall is an ideal time to reconnect with colleagues who understand the challenges of primary care. Peer support is incredibly valuable for physicians, with studies showing that connecting with other doctors who experience similar stresses can reduce feelings of isolation and even lower burnout rates by up to 20%. Establishing a regular routine—like monthly check-ins or weekly coffee breaks with trusted colleagues—can provide a much-needed space to talk through challenges and share coping strategies.

Virtual or in-person support groups can be especially helpful in handling shared stressors, such as patient influxes, paperwork, and seasonal illness trends. Many medical associations offer physician support programs that create these peer networks, providing a safe environment to share insights and advice. Hint Community is one such platform— a forum for supporting and fostering collaboration within the Direct Care ecosystem, you’ll find a Community Hub, educational resources, live events, and more. While many areas of the platform are dedicated to Hint clients, there are several spaces that are public-facing.  

Use Technology to Streamline Processes

Technology can be a powerful ally in reducing stress and burnout. Many clinics use telemedicine platforms, which offer convenience and flexibility for both patients and providers. In the fall season, when respiratory illnesses increase, telehealth visits can help limit in-person exposure while allowing patients to get the care they need. This convenience can reduce unnecessary office visits, especially for minor ailments or routine follow-ups.

Additionally, consider automating administrative tasks such as appointment reminders, prescription refills, and billing notifications. By minimizing time spent on repetitive tasks, you can free up your schedule for more meaningful interactions with patients and personal downtime.

Manage Holiday and Election Stress

With the holiday season and election cycle ramping up, physicians face the challenge of staying composed in environments that are frequently fraught with tension and stress. From family gatherings to polarized political conversations, these external stressors can impact your mental health. One useful technique is “compartmentalizing”—mentally setting aside time for specific activities without letting them spill over into other areas of your life.

For example, try designating certain blocks of time in the day to engage in non-work-related activities that bring you joy. Whether it’s spending time with family, engaging in a hobby, or watching a favorite show, having specific “stress-free” zones or times can help you navigate the intensity of the season.

Focus on the Long-Term: Building Resilience Beyond the Season

Ultimately, finding calm in the chaos is about building long-term resilience. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends a proactive approach to mental health, suggesting regular check-ins with a mental health professional or counselor to work through stress and prevent burnout before it escalates. If you don’t already have a go-to stress management plan, consider developing one that includes mental health resources, mindfulness practices, and boundaries tailored to your specific needs and practice style. 

And, consider adding mental health as a resource within your own DPC! Arielle Radin Pulverman and Dr. Phil Boucher explored the integration of mental health into Direct Primary Care practices in their recent Hint Summit ‘24 talk. They discussed strategies for incorporating mental health services, as well as how to leverage mental health as a differentiator, communicate its value in holistic care, and address the challenges of including mental health in your practice. 

With the right strategies in place, Fall can be a season of growth, personal wellness, and professional satisfaction. Taking steps to address your own well-being will not only benefit you, but enhance the quality of care you provide, helping you meet the season’s challenges head-on with resilience and calm.