Being a GP can be a stressful job, more so when you add the clinical director role, but consultant clinical psychologist and mindfulness teacher, Alison Sedgwick-Taylor suggests some simple ways to use mindfulness, in consultations to help relieve the pressures of the working day

Mindfulness has been defined as the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement and is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for workplace stress and as a part of a stepped care approach to patient mental health care. Using mindfulness in the consulting room has two aims; to help the GP manage the emotional pressure of their job and improve the quality of the consultation.

Mindfulness does not have to encroach on an already frantic day in general practice. Rather than ‘taking time out,’ mindfulness can be woven into the fabric of the day as a way of resourcing yourself.

It is less about finding extra time and more about how we behave, remembering to bring self-care, trust, kindness, patience, and acceptance into the working day. By doing so, the present moment can be met more fully, whatever activity is happening.

Along with colleagues and GP Champions we have collaboratively developed an independently evaluated mindfulness programme in NHS Gloucestershire that addresses the specific needs of general practice. This has been enormously beneficial as a way of meeting the stress, overwhelm and exhaustion seemingly endemic in general practice.

Dr Fran Dore-Green Ex Partner, Mythe Medical Practice, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire

'My life had become reactive, stressful and problem solving focused. Mindfulness doesn’t solve your problems or change the workplace or the demands on your life; what it does is allow you to stop “doing” and instead be still and receptive to the present moment. I hope it has made me a better listener. Taking time to pause won’t make you late, it will help you manage the day better.'

Before the Consultation

  • Pause: A ‘3 Step Breathing Space’ can bring awareness to thoughts, emotions, and body sensations, meeting them as they are before letting them pass.
  • Create a nourishing consultation room: Small changes can help, introduce sights, sounds, smells, or tastes that you find supportive.
  • Relax: Relax your face, especially the jaw, and allow a half-smile at the mouth and eyes (even if you don’t feel at all smiley). Release unnecessary tension where possible.
  • Walk mindfully: On your way to collect a patient, slow your pace, noticing the sensations in your feet, the sounds around you, or the sights in the corridor.
  • Seek support: Remember you are not alone, colleagues and peers can offer guidance and encouragement.
  • Kindness: Be your own best friend.

During the Consultation

  • Focus on the here and now. Try and anchor your attention on this consultation, acknowledging, but not getting carried away with thoughts about what’s next or came before or any thoughts of self-judgement
  • Bring a gentle awareness to your body as you consult. Notice sensations at an anchor point (feet, seat, hands, or breath). This is the practice of 50:50 awareness—50% attention on your own body, 50% on the patient. It helps you stay grounded, prevents exhaustion, enhances empathy, and allows for deeper, more compassionate interactions.

After the Consultation

Even a 30-second pause can help you reset before the next patient:

  • Pause. Even a 30 second pause can help you reset before the next patient
  • Reconnect with your senses. Rest your gaze on something calming, listen to sounds without judgement, or feel your feet grounded on the floor.
  • Stretch/move the body. Slowly raise your arms overhead into a ‘Y’ shape, noticing the sensations and even welcoming a yawn or sigh as you release.
  • Congratulate yourself, for the work you are doing.
  • Acceptance that you can only do what you can do! Good enough is good enough.
  • At home prioritise self-care, tuning into your senses, savouring the present moment and choosing nourishing activities that can restore your energy.

Above all, if you are struggling with wellbeing, reach out for peer support, your own networks, or specialist GP services available nationally.

Dr Harry Thorogood, Berkeley Place Surgery, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

'The more I engage with regular self-check-ins, the more I am aware of my emotional state, and I can use my new skills earlier. The most enlightening aspect has been mindful awareness during the consultation- for example, mindfully walking the corridor to collect my next patient brings a new perspective. Anything can be done mindfully. I am now embarking on mindfully completing my blood results.'

A free online taster session for GPs, led by Alison is on Tuesday 2 December 7-8.30pm with an eight week course available in the new year.

By Alison Sedgwick-Taylor, Independent consultant clinical psychologist, CBT therapist and mindfulness Teacher and Dr Marie O’Neill, clinical psychologist, The Wellbeing Line, NHS Gloucestershire