How do female and male doctors cope with stress and stay mentally and physically fit?

© Scott Neil

How and where can doctors switch off and recharge?

June 3, 2024

Judith Cyriax

  • General
  • Health
  • Interview

How do female and male doctors cope with stress and stay mentally and physically fit?

From digital detox to karate training - even doctors need a reset sometimes. Seven members of the Premium Medical Circle share their personal recipes against overload and stress.

With experts from our network

The everyday life of doctors and female doctors is characterized by a high workload, immense responsibility, and extreme stress and pressure. Often they have to push themselves to their limits. How do medical professionals manage to regain balance, unwind, and recharge?

Dr. Caroline Kim, Plastic-Aesthetic Surgeon

"For me personally, small breaks to recharge are important. My profession requires the highest concentration and is physically demanding, so I need to get enough sleep and sometimes just do nothing to regenerate. A positive basic attitude is essential for self-healing. A good, calm attitude makes you healthy, a constantly negative, bitter one makes you sick."

Dr. Karoline Kim

Dr. Sven Tomalla, Dentist

"In the stressful everyday life, using the little time for what satisfies and makes me happy: time with friends and family. I can relax especially well while golfing – a calming sport where you have to concentrate and focus. That's exactly what quickly calms me down and removes me from any hustle and bustle."

Dr. Sven Tomalla

Dr. Lukas Kohler, Plastic-Aesthetic Surgeon

"They say health is not the absence of illness, but health is the mental and physical state of well-being. And to hopefully maintain this state permanently in my life, my closest friends, who definitely have healing powers for me, help me best."

Dr. Lukas Kohler

Prof. Dr. Andreas Menke, Medical Director and Chief Physician, Medical Park Chiemseeblick

For me, getting enough sleep is one of the most important things. I immediately notice if I sleep too little, it doesn't do me any good. Sport also plays a big role in my well-being – I run a lot and have now started karate. I also make sure to eat healthily and surround myself with nice, positive people.”

Prof. Dr. Andreas Menke

Dr. Timm Golüke, Dermatologist

"Sport and nature play a big role for me to stay mentally and physically healthy. Family and friends are just as big supports as self-reflection, for which I always put myself in the hands of reputable coaches."

Dr. Timm Golüke, Dermatologist

Dr. Johannes Gonnermann, Ophthalmologist

I would say, these are the classics, such as adequate sleep, family, friends, a balanced diet, and exercise. If I don't manage to exercise – I'm an enthusiastic rower – I immediately notice that it's not just my body that doesn't feel well, but also my soul.

Dr. Johannes Gonnermann, ophthalmologist

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Siebenlist, Sports Orthopedist

Definitely spend time with family and friends. To compensate for stress, I need rest and relaxation - very important here is digital detox - but also physical exertion with enough recovery time.

Prof. Dr. Sebastian Siebenlist, Sports Orthopedist