IN PRACTICE – CHANGE MANAGEMENT ANTONIA CHITTY
Taking charge of change he year 2020 has been one of change and as we look to 2021, contemplating the months of restrictions to life and practice that lie ahead, it can all feel rather daunting. In this feature, we look at strategies to deal with change when it is forced upon us, and how one practitioner has adapted his plans and taken a new direction for his organisation. Day-to-day practice is not the same anymore. You may find that your days are spent rushing from patient to cleaning and on to the next patient. And our evenings are now full of news of the latest Covid-19 statistics. Add in the fact that many people have had to cancel holidays and family gatherings, seen their income drop, or lost their jobs, and it can be hard to remain positive. Jasmine Gill is an optometrist and coach, and when lockdown first happened mid-March she was about to go travelling. She says: “I had a ticket to Rio and was going to spend six months abroad. I had finished a coaching diploma and accredited hours, and saved up so I could afford to go away.” Jasmine found that despite the disappointment of the cancelled trip, her coaching training meant that she was well prepared for the challenge. She recalls: “I’d been working really hard on my portfolio. I had been indoors a lot, which meant I was prepped when lockdown happened.” She then made a conscious decision to watch less news and TV. She continues: “At that time, I’d started a meditation practice. Meditation is key to lots of things, such as feeling balanced, processing thoughts and being more certain in an uncertain world.” Her coaching training had also taken her to a number of summits and events where she had been able to build a supportive network which she could stay in touch with online. She says: “I have family all over the world so I could speak to them without being rushed and connect on a deeper level.”
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DISPENSING OPTICS DECEMBER 2020
WE ALL NEED BALANCE AS WE LOOK TO THE FUTURE
MANAGING MIND AND BODY When Jasmine returned to practice, she found a high level of anxiety evident amongst both staff and patients. “There was one lady with dementia who came in on her own; she broke down, saying no-one came to see her. It’s hard to see people feeling like that. It is an added pressure that I don’t think optical companies understand. I feel it would be very useful for staff to have training on managing anxiety in themselves and others.” Jasmine has a number of strategies that she has used to help deal with the challenges of life this year. If you have just a few minutes between patients, she advises taking some slow deep breaths. “When you are in a high pressure state, your breath is more shallow,” she explains. “These breathing techniques help you tap into your parasympathetic system, and switch off fight or flight. Or you could sit down, close your eyes, and be aware of how your feet are connecting to the floor to help you feel more grounded. “On my first day back in practice, I was doing this between patients. It took me a month to settle back in. Connection is key to self-care and well-being: stay
connected with nature in your lunchbreak – step out or simply take a moment to look at the sky. In healthcare, we want to be of service, we give energy out all day, but we will be of most service if we feel well. Find ways to recharge that help you during your working day.” With 2020 nearly at an end, Jasmine has some advice for anyone who is
JASMINE GILL
