ABSTRACT
The onslaught of laboratory results and the mining of patient data leave little space for doctors to consider their patient stories. Patients die unexpectedly, people become angry, peer scrutiny can be harsh, the threat of medicolegal action is real, medical workforce shortages create pressures, and disturbed sleep is common. It is easy to slip into passive negative rumination during time off work by overthinking what went wrong or what could go wrong. Many doctors work about 40 hours a week, sometimes covering additional overnight shifts, commuting long distances or attending training. In those weeks burdened with heavy workloads and additional family pressures, it is especially vital to prioritise time out.
