ABSTRACT
Physicians, who have been taught to put the needs of others before their own and not take time for themselves, are finally recognizing and acknowledging the importance of self care1–4 Taking a photo every day, termed daily digital photography, is a simple, accessible practice that can be easily implemented by clinicians as a practical, daily, stress-relieving, self care strategy. Even busy physicians can access their cellphones for brief self care breaks, snap, and share a quick photo and view calming nature photos.5,6 Taking daily photos is one of the quickest and most accessible self-care strategies. With over 85% of adults in the United States carrying smartphones,7 a great majority of the population has readily-available self care tools literally in their pockets (or bags). Today's phones are portable wellness devices with multiple apps that can be accessed regularly for well-being check-in's. With built-in cameras, smartphones can be used for taking stress-reducing, wellness-enhancing digital photographs. This new media technology gives anyone with a smartphone the potential of being a photographer. When linked with other beneficial activities like walking, getting out in nature, creativity, mindfulness, and connecting with friends and family, daily digital photography becomes a highly effective, creative practice to improve well-being, relieve stress, and cope with everyday challenges.8–12 The numerous health benefits of photography and taking photos have been researched in different populations. In the health field, photography has been studied with nursing and medical students,13,14 and with patients. Some patient groups studied include those with cancer,15 with HIV or AIDS,16,17 with dementia,18,19 and with mental health diagnoses.20 Therapeutic photography has successfully been used for many years with veterans in treating post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and other mental illnesses.21–26 During the Covid-19 pandemic, different types of photography projects were undertaken with medical and nursing students,13,14 used by photographers,27–30 and the public31–34 as supportive practices to promote connection, facilitate well-being, improve mental health, share coping strategies, and provide encouragement in challenging times. The purpose of this article is to inspire readers to take daily photographs with their cellphones as a simple, intentional, self care strategy to decrease stress and improve overall well-being. Using the built-in camera found on their readily-accessible smartphone, clinicians can calm, create, connect, and participate in daily self care by posting a photo (or more) everyday. © 2022 Elsevier Inc.