18/06/2024
As a deeply entrenched in the world of care and brain injury rehabilitation for over a decade, I've reached a pivotal point where taking a sabbatical feels necessary. Apart from a personal motivation to take a , I feel it is essential for my professional growth.
The benefits of this sabbatical extend far beyond the mere act of stepping away from my work. It's about embracing the opportunity for introspection, rejuvenation, and personal development. It is crucial to consolidate all that I have learnt and experienced in the last 13 years of SynapsiumBrainHealthCare and life lessons beyond that. Science tells us that periods of rest are crucial for cognitive function and emotional resilience. By giving myself this time to recharge, I can return to the field of neuropsychology with better prospects of a social impact venture, renewed energy and focus.
Continued learning and growth are the lifeblood of any healthcare profession, but perhaps even more so in neuropsychology. While the conferences and research did not stop during my clinical work, I realized I had dropped pretty much every other interest I used to have. Since my sabbatical began, I started a Certificate Program in Healthcare Management from the Indian School of Business. I have also picked up new interests and courses which are not directly related to my professional identity such as, training in Vedic Mathematics, knife painting on canvas, Vedanta and Upanishad study. The brain is an endlessly complex organ, and our understanding of it is constantly evolving. Using our innate skill of to grow as an individual so that I can put my knowledge to best use and learn to walk the talk!
However, the hard decision to take this sabbatical is not just about seizing opportunities for growth; it's also a recognition of the very real that I knew I was dealing with. Most jobs are demanding but the emotional toll of caring for patients with dementia and brain injuries can be overwhelming at times. Especially, when you know that they will not “get better” in the conventional sense and week after week, you must explain to families of these patients that the best-case scenario is that we slow down the deterioration. Redefining success and failure in terms of patient outcomes has been the most important motivator to continue. However, without proper self-care and periodic breaks, the extent of burnout had become too real.
So, as I continue on this sabbatical journey, I do so with a mixture of anticipation and gratitude. I'm grateful for the opportunity to rest and recharge, to expand my knowledge, and to alleviate the stress of burnout. And I'm hopeful that, armed with this newfound perspective and knowledge, I can come back with a new project in the space of with even greater compassion, resilience, and effectiveness. 💡
