As a doctor, my whole life is making decisions. On an average day, I am deciding if I need to start another BP med, whether this lady should be admitted, if this guy needs an EKG, if I want an x-ray or a CT scan, if these medications are safe together, if I should give this patient with drug seeking behavior any more Vicodin. There are a lot of decisions, some of them easy, some incredibly hard. These choices can be the difference between life or death, and can have a huge impact on people's lifestyles or wellbeing. At times it can be pretty stressful.
So, when I go on vacation, it doesn't matter where I go as much as what choices I have to make, because once the pager is turned off, so is my decision making engine. Over one of the holiday weekends last year, I went on a short vacation, and people kept asking me what I wanted to do: when to eat, where to go, what to do, what to buy, what to drink... and finally I said, "No more decisions!" I don't want to make any decisions! Don't give me any choices!
Some people want to go to someplace fancy or unique or whatever in order to relax. For me, relaxing is a chance to get away from making any decisions. I just want to be told what to do. And that is surprisingly wonderful.
Hi there! I was browsing around some medical posts on twitter and I stumbled upon your blog. I've added you as a link if that is fine. All the best!
ReplyDeleteIt's great to have someone make decisions for you sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI also like hibernating from other people, but that could just be an introvert thing.
:-)
Just found your blog through Vitum medicinus' blog. I'm enjoying reading a blog from a Doctor's perspective.
ReplyDeleteAs for one of the most relaxing and 'no need to make a decision' trips I ever had was on a bus trip. Nice change, even though I'm not a senior citizen. Everything is preplanned - accommodation, dining, touring, shopping and even some of the meals.