Health & Fitness
Tue, December 30, 2025
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Doctors and Therapists' New Year's Resolutions: A Look Beyond 'Work Less'
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Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 2:36 GMT by The Straits Times- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Beyond Gym Memberships: Did Doctors and Mental Health Professionals Keep Their New Year’s Resolutions?
The familiar ritual of setting New Year's resolutions often focuses on personal fitness goals – hitting the gym more, eating healthier. But what about those in demanding professions like medicine and mental health care? A recent article by Straits Times explores whether doctors and therapists managed to stick to their 2024 resolutions, revealing a complex picture of burnout, systemic pressures, and surprisingly diverse aspirations beyond simply "working less."
The piece, primarily based on interviews with Singaporean healthcare professionals, highlights the unique challenges faced by this group. Unlike many who might resolve to learn a new hobby or travel more, doctors and mental health professionals are often driven by a deep sense of duty and a constant pressure to provide care. This inherent dedication can make personal goals feel secondary, and resolutions easily abandoned amidst demanding schedules and emotional toll.
The Weight of Burnout & Systemic Issues:
The article emphasizes the pervasive issue of burnout within the healthcare sector, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many professionals entered 2024 already feeling depleted, making ambitious personal changes significantly harder to implement. Dr. Tan Ern Ser, a sociologist from the National University of Singapore interviewed in the original piece, points out that individual resolutions alone are often insufficient to address the root causes of burnout – namely, systemic issues within healthcare systems globally. These include heavy workloads, administrative burdens, and sometimes inadequate resources. Simply telling a doctor to "relax more" ignores the very real constraints they face.
Several doctors admitted that their initial 2024 resolutions were centered around mitigating these pressures: reducing overtime hours, delegating tasks more effectively, and improving time management. However, many found these goals incredibly difficult to achieve due to staffing shortages and patient demand. The reality is, a resolution to work fewer hours can be thwarted by the simple fact that there aren't enough colleagues to cover shifts.
Beyond "Work Less": Diverse Resolutions & Unexpected Priorities:
While reducing workload was a common theme, the article also revealed a surprising range of resolutions beyond simply working less. Several mental health professionals prioritized deepening their understanding of specific therapeutic approaches or committing to continuing professional development. This reflects a desire not just for personal well-being but also for enhanced patient care – recognizing that staying current in a rapidly evolving field is crucial. One therapist, for example, resolved to dedicate time each week to studying trauma-informed practices, demonstrating a commitment to improving their skills and better serving vulnerable clients.
Interestingly, some doctors focused on strengthening relationships outside of work. The demanding nature of the profession can often lead to social isolation and strained personal connections. Resolutions centered around spending more quality time with family and friends were surprisingly prevalent, highlighting the need for connection and support beyond the professional sphere.
The Role of Peer Support & Accountability:
The article touches upon the importance of peer support in maintaining resolutions. Several doctors mentioned having accountability partners – colleagues who checked in on their progress and offered encouragement. This collaborative approach proved more effective than individual efforts, particularly when facing setbacks or feeling overwhelmed. The shared experiences and understanding within a professional community can be invaluable for navigating challenges and reinforcing commitments.
The piece also referenced an article from 2023 ("Burnout among Singapore doctors: A persistent problem") that further details the extent of burnout in the medical profession in Singapore, highlighting statistics on depression, anxiety, and intention to leave the field. This context underscores why addressing these issues through both individual resolutions and systemic changes is so critical.
The Long Game & Realistic Expectations:
Ultimately, the Straits Times article suggests that keeping New Year's resolutions for healthcare professionals isn’t about achieving perfection but rather about making incremental progress and adopting a sustainable approach. Many acknowledged that some initial goals were unrealistic given their circumstances and had to be adjusted throughout the year. The key takeaway is not necessarily whether they succeeded in every resolution, but whether they continued to prioritize self-care and professional development, even amidst overwhelming pressures.
The article concludes with a call for greater awareness of the challenges faced by doctors and mental health professionals, emphasizing the need for systemic changes within healthcare institutions that can alleviate workload, provide adequate support, and foster a culture of well-being. While individual resolutions offer a starting point, lasting change requires a collective effort to address the underlying issues contributing to burnout and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the healthcare workforce. The article serves as a poignant reminder that supporting those who care for us often means supporting their own well-being – and recognizing that sometimes, the best resolution is simply acknowledging the need for help.
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Read the Full The Straits Times Article at:
[ https://www.straitstimes.com/life/did-doctors-and-mental-health-professionals-stick-with-their-2024-new-year-resolutions ]
