While Canada is a wonderful place to live, it does have some of the coldest winters in the world. This means that winter can be a trying time both mentally and physically, and you can even develop winter burnout in the long run.

Winter burnout is one of the most common physical and mental challenges that most people face in winter countries. The condition is a phenomenon that happens during times of overwork and holiday stress. January and February are usually the coldest months during wintertime, and it is during these months that winter burnout becomes the most prevalent.

Even though February is already nearing spring season, there is still a month and a half before the ice thaws. If you're an international doctor that just moved to Canada during the wintertime, winter burnout can still be a quite a challenge. Here are some great tips on overcoming winter burnouts. 

1. Prioritize self-care

One of the key factors for winter burnout settling in is a lack of self-care. This is especially true during wintertime, where everyone is too busy dealing with the cold and snow to prioritize their own self-care. To be honest, it is quite difficult to focus on your self-care when you wake up to –20-degree weather and have to drive through snowy roads. But please, don't ignore your self-care. Life can get very stressful and busy, yet self-care is always essential for being your best. Self-care does not need to be anything grandiose or expensive. Self-care can be simple things like reading a book, playing a video game or going out for a night with friends. Self-care is doing the things you love, and it is one of the best ways to stave off winter burnout.

2. Stay warm and get some exercise

The cold winter weather is another factor for winter burnout setting in. The cold and dreary weather can feel quite overwhelming. It can lead to feelings of sadness, irritability, and low motivation. There may be times when you won't even feel like getting out of bed. To stave off winter burnout, it is always a good idea to address the cold first. Make sure that your home is nice and warm. When you go out, try to bundle up as well.

Winter burnout also stems from very low serotonin levels and low sunlight. Luckily, you can get out of these doldrums with a bit of activity. Try to go for a walk when the weather permits. It's also a good idea to take up a sport or a physical hobby. Luckily there are many winter activities that you could try out. Some great examples of winter activities are skiing, cross country hiking, and skating to name but a few. What's important is that you get sweating and getting your serotonin levels up. 

3. Breaks are essential

Winter burnout is both physical and psychological in nature, and it is very important to take breaks frequently. Please remember that it is ok to take breaks, especially during wintertime. If you're not feeling well, don't push yourself.

This does not mean that you should slack off from work or forget your responsibilities, but you should never feel pressured to go past your limits. You may feel that you have a higher threshold for working long hours or stressful situations. However, if you push yourself too hard, you're more likely to develop winter burnout. 

4. Set realistic expectations for yourself 

Whether it's the holidays or the larger number of patients that you will need to see, it is always important to set realistic expectations for yourself. It is very tempting to strive for perfection in everything that you do.But please be kind to yourself. Give yourself room to make mistakes.What's important is that you accept any mistakes you make and move past them without any guilt.

Conclusion:

Canada is a huge country, and due to its large expanse, it needs a lot of doctors. If you are an eligible international doctor, you will have a lot of opportunities to work in the country. However, finding a clinic that meets all your preferences can be tricky. Physicians for You have a great team of friendly and experienced recruiters who will help you find a clinic that meets all your specifications.