Takeaway
Notice when your mind drifts to other tasks when treating a patient; gently refocus on the person in front of you. This mindful approach fosters stronger connections and may enhance patient care.
Lifelong Learning in Clinical Excellence | July 10, 2025 | 3 min read
By Neda Gould, PhD, Johns Hopkins Medicine
How often have you found yourself treating a patient, but with much of your attention on the other tasks you must accomplish? For many of us in the healthcare profession, this is a common and often unpleasant experience. The constant juggling of responsibilities can be draining and stressful.
Stress is something we all know intimately, especially in healthcare. Unlike other animals, humans can trigger the stress response simply through anticipation or even just a thought—our minds running through the endless to-dos before the day is over. While this ability is part of what makes us unique, it can present real challenges in a clinical setting.
The consequences of stress on patient care.
Stress doesn’t just affect how we feel; it directly impacts patient care in multiple ways.
1. Reactivity instead of responsiveness.
When stressed, we tend to react impulsively rather than respond thoughtfully. This can lead us to say things we don’t mean, act without our full attention, and even make preventable mistakes.
2. Being less present in communication.
Stress hampers our ability to be present during interactions. Patients may sense that we’re distracted—not truly listening—which can undermine trust and rapport.
3. Missing out on the joy of patient care.
When our focus is fractured, we’re less likely to experience the rewarding aspects of our work. The very reasons many of us chose healthcare—connection, meaning, and fulfillment—can get lost in the shuffle.
How to incorporate mindfulness into your day
With so much to do and so little time, is there a practical solution that allows us to both manage stress and provide excellent patient care? In my experience, mindfulness has been transformative—helping me reduce stress and enjoy patient care even on the busiest days.
Mindfulness is simple in theory, but it takes intentional practice. Here are five places to begin integrating mindfulness into your daily routine:
1. Take a three-breath break before each patient.
Pause, and take three full, deep breaths. Use this moment to re-center yourself before you enter the next room.
2. Ground yourself in the present moment.
Remind yourself: this moment is the only one that is real. The past is gone, and the future has yet to unfold.
3. Name what you’re feeling.
If you’re experiencing frustration, irritability, or sadness, simply label the emotion. This can help diffuse its intensity and acknowledge that it’s ok to feel these emotions.
4. Drop the story.
Notice when you become caught in a stressful narrative about a difficult situation. Try to state only the facts; see if you can let go of the story that amplifies your stress.
5. Be a mindful listener.
Listen to your patients without anticipating their next words or planning your next response. Just be present.
Starting small
You don’t have to implement all these practices at once. Choose one to try over the next week. At the end of the week, check in with yourself: what do you notice? Has your stress eased? Are your patient interactions more enjoyable?
The changes may seem small, but with continued practice, you may see a meaningful difference in how you feel—benefitting both you and your patients. Mindfulness isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more present with what you’re already doing. In the demanding world of healthcare, this practice may be one of the most valuable skills you can cultivate.
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This piece expresses the views solely of the author. It does not necessarily represent the views of any organization, including Johns Hopkins Medicine.