Cast & Curious

Blog

  • Photography Love: The Role of Photography in Promoting Wellness

    Photography Love: The Role of Photography in Promoting Wellness

    Exploring the Therapeutic and Psychological Benefits of Photography

    Introduction

    “A picture is worth a thousand words, but can it also be worth a thousand moments of peace?”

    Absolutely! Before I dive into the “how”, let me answer one question about this topic:

    “I’m not a photographer. I couldn’t even take a decent photo using my mobile phone. Could I possibly take photos that are “worth a thousand moments of peace”?

    Based on my experience, I have no doubt anyone can, and should take photos that gives ” a moment of peace”. Here’s my premise:

    Photography serves as a tool for mindfulness, self-expression, and emotional healing, and thus play a significant role in one’s overall wellness.

    That’s from a hobby, self-taught photographer, outdoors man and a orthopedists, who had 15 plus, playful years exploring photography and how it contributes to his mental, emotional and social experience.

    So, in this Feb 15, 2025 version of #Healthxph chat, (hi yeah! We’re on Bluesky now!) let’s explore how photography contribute to one’s mental, emotional, and social well-being.

    T1. Based on your experience, is there a connection between one’s wellness and photography?

    Understanding Wellness and Its Connection to Photography

    Definition of Wellness

    World Health Organization (WHO) defines “wellness” as a holistic state of well-being encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects (WHO, 2022). Keyes (2002) highlighted the importance of creative expression in achieving wellness. Many of us in healthcare dabble in “creative expressions” outside (but often related to) our work, labelling these as “hobbies” unless its your primary source of putting food on your table. I’m a hobby photographer and my foremost excuse for doing so is creative expression. The habit of photography recharges me after working in a very stressful environment of healthcare.

    Photography as a Therapeutic Medium

    According to Gibson et al. (2018), photography combines creativity and mindfulness, promoting relaxation and self-awareness. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment with non-judgmental awareness. Photographers pay close attention to their surroundings, lighting, colors, and subjects. This process shifts attention away from stressors, helping individuals stay grounded in the present and reducing anxiety. This is very true for many of us in landscape photography, as we fully immerse in the changing light of sunsets/rise, the tides, background and foreground, the sky colors, clouds, among many things. We usually prepare and wait for hours, completely immersed in what we do, for at most, a window of 8-10 minutes for sunsets/rise in the Philippines.

    I’m no psychiatrist or a psychologist but “Phototherapy”- the use of personal photographs, images, and photo-taking as a tool for psychological healing and self-exploration, a concept in clinical psychology pioneered by Weiser (2016) is very interesting. Phototherapy is a structured technique where photographs are used to trigger emotions, memories, and self-reflection, aiding in therapeutic conversations and interventions.

    T2. Is there a psychological benefit to photography? Give examples.

    The Psychological Benefits of Photography

    Photography and Mindfulness

    I’ve been a hobby photographer for over 15 years and started mindfulness practice for close to ten years. I don’t know if there is a relation or what triggered which among these, but I’m very sure there are moments when I’m completely immersed and focused on photography. My buddies (unlucky partners including) often tell me I’m a complete “snob and deaf ” when I’m shooting landscapes. I almost got hit by a passing truck while doing a “slow shutter photography” the side of a road. This is technically different from “Slow Photography” of Thomson (2020), which overall, emphasizes intentional, immersive, and mindful engagement with the photographic process . That may sound paradoxical to “living in the present moment”, but Williams et al (2018) posits photography as encouraging living in the moment and thus reduce stress and anxiety. Of course, not if you are hit by a speeding car in my case.

    Photography as a Tool for Emotional Expression

    Social media is loaded with photos serving as “tools” for emotional expression. Weiser (2016) stated that photos helps individuals process emotions and trauma through visual storytelling. Mine is much less of trauma but more on emotions- health, wellness, fun, excitement among other things. Note that my visual storytelling is often more of a “self-talk”.

    Photography and Memory Enhancement

    There are cognitive benefits to photography, if we are to believe Henkel (2014). In her study “Point-and-Shoot Memories: The Influence of Taking Photos on Memory”, she explores how photography can impact cognitive functions, particularly memory retention, recall accuracy, and perceptual awareness. The research examines both the positive and negative effects of taking photographs on memory and perception. My experience on this is mainly on portraiture and travel photography. Directing the angle, position of and lighting conditions of a model makes me remember more the shape of her face, the shades of light etc. Taking pictures of architectures and landmarks reminds me of its location, shape, significance and other nuances.

    T3. What is the connection between photography and social or community wellness?

    Social and Community Wellness through Photography

    Photography and Social Connection

    This is interesting. Let me focus on the “positive connections” between photography and community wellness. Negativity, in my opinion, predominate in many social media platforms. Chalfen (2020) mentioned that photography encourages engagement and shared experiences. Just look at the many social media communities sharing photos and videos. Many revolved around photos about the people and activities related to that community. The currency is the content which are commonly, photographs. My running and healthy lifestyle community have around 10-20 photo post in a day. Even in healthcare, engagement and connectedness is often thru photos shared by both patients and providers alike.

    Photography in Expressing Cultural Identity and Empowerment

    In many respect, a photographer often understand culture and identities through the photographic process. In my place, marginalized communities share their stories mostly through photographs (Azoulay, 2012). Capturing images of the cultural minorities made me more sensitive and thus became respectful of their practices and traditions.

    Street, agricultural and landscape photography contest made me aware of the potential of photography for social change (Wang & Burris, 1997). Powerful images often highlights social concerns that have it not for this participatory photography (photowalks), no one would dare open their beyond their horizons.

    Ecotherapy and Nature Photography

    Bratman et al. (2019) explored the psychological and physiological benefits of “forest bathing”, also known as Shinrin-Yoku, a Japanese practice that involves immersing oneself in nature to reduce stress and enhance well-being. When combined with photography, this practice becomes an even more effective tool for mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional healing. When paired with photography, this experience encourages individuals to disconnect from digital stress and enter a state of calm and relaxation. I mentioned earlier that for many landscape photographers actively observe and capture natural details (e.g., leaves, flowing water, light patterns), often engaged in sensory awareness while framing shot for a long period of time.

    T4. Give recommendations on how to use photography for wellness.

    Practical Applications: How to Use Photography for Wellness

    1. Engaging in Daily Photography as a Mindfulness Practice
      • Techniques: Photo journaling, gratitude photography, and “one-photo-a-day” projects.
    2. Using Photography in Therapy and Self-Care
      • Photovoice technique in mental health interventions (Wang & Burris, 1997).
      • Art therapy programs incorporating photography (Hagedorn, 2020).
    3. Encouraging Participation in Community Photography Projects
      • Example: The Everyday Project and community-based storytelling (Everyday Africa, 2015).

    Conclusion

    • Summary: Photography is more than just an artistic hobby; it is a valuable tool for promoting mental, emotional, and social well-being.
    • Let’s incorporate photography into our self-care routines.
    • Closing Thought: “Wellness is a journey—why not capture it along the way?”

    Don’t forget to join #Healthxph conversation on this topic, now on bluesky at February 15, 2025 9PM Manila time. See you all!

    References

    • Azoulay, A. (2012). The Civil Contract of Photography. Zone Books.
    • Bohlmeijer, E. et al. (2021). “Photography in Reminiscence Therapy: A Cognitive Boost for the Elderly.” Journal of Aging Studies.
    • Bratman, G. N., et al. (2019). “The Benefits of Nature Exposure on Mental Health.” Science Advances, 5(7).
    • Chalfen, R. (2020). Snapshot Versions of Life: The Role of Photography in Society. Bowling Green State University.
    • Fletcher, G., & Cambre, C. (2021). “Social Media Photography and Well-Being.” Journal of Digital Culture Studies.
    • Gibson, R. et al. (2018). “The Therapeutic Effects of Photography.” Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 12(4).
    • Hagedorn, M. (2020). Photography and Art Therapy: A Creative Healing Practice. Routledge.
    • Henkel, L. A. (2014). “Point-and-Shoot Memories: The Influence of Taking Photos on Memory.” Psychological Science, 25(2).
    • Kaplan, R., & Kaplan, S. (1989). The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
    • Smith, J., et al. (2019). “Photography as a PTSD Coping Mechanism Among Veterans.” Journal of Military Psychology, 32(1).
    • Thompson, R. (2020). Slow Photography: Mindful Media Practices. Bloomsbury.
    • Wang, C., & Burris, M. (1997). “Photovoice: Concept, Methodology, and Use in Participatory Needs Assessment.” Health Education & Behavior, 24(3).
    • Weiser, J. (2016). Phototherapy Techniques: Exploring the Secrets of Personal Snapshots and Family Albums. Routledge.
    • WHO (2022). “Wellness and Mental Health Promotion.” World Health Organization Report.
    • Williams, A., et al. (2018). “Mindful Photography as a Psychological Intervention.” Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(5).
  • Contextualizing Conflict Resolution in Healthcare

    Contextualizing Conflict Resolution in Healthcare

    Yes, the fact that we’re tackling this issue again here at #HealthXPh makes you wonder- what’s with conflict resolution very difficult in healthcare? The last #Healthxph chat on this topic gathered significant feedback from within and outside the healthcare community. The chat itself yielded quite a number of responses and tips from our community. Yet, the act of conflict resolution pains me more than the other desirable traits of a physician .

    Conflict is nothing new in healthcare. The myriad of factors and stakeholders interests in complex systems like healthcare meant resolving conflicts is never easy. Conflicts- with patients, colleagues and the institutions we’re in also negatively impacts desired health outcomes! So let’s dig in deeper into conflict resolution this Saturday 9PM Manila time.

    T1. How do you resolve conflicts with patients?

    This may sound “what the ???” but disagreements between healthcare professionals and patients do happen. This could either be the silent and slightly verbal “argh huh, yes yes doc!”to sometimes frank fisticuffs. In some institutions, these are as entertaining and depressing at the same time.

    T2. How do you resolve conflicts with colleagues?

    Healthcare professionals are one of the most respected and patient individual on earth. They live through years of continuous stress and stressful working environment and have developed adaptive coping abilities for this. Our hippocratic oath “prescribed”a positive collegial existence with peers. Yet, we are just humans. Resolving conflicts with colleagues one of the hardest if not the hardest conflict resolution in healthcare.

    T3. How do you resolve conflicts with superiors in the academe or institutions?

    Take note, storming out doesn’t count as “conflict resolution”. Conflict resolution in this case maybe as mild as negotiation for better work environment, the more extreme as work stoppage and boycotts. I’ve seen many of these in our healthcare system I’m curious if this resolves anything? Your thoughts?

    Join #HealthXPh on this conversation at “X” (twitter) this Saturday Jan 18, 2025 9PM Manila time, with this topic, “Contextualizing Conflict Resolution in Healthcare”, with these guide questions. Don’t forget to append “#HealthXPh” to every tweet/answers you make in the conversation. See you!

  • How Healthcare Professionals Celebrate the Holidays: A Balancing Act

    How Healthcare Professionals Celebrate the Holidays: A Balancing Act

    The holiday season is celebration time for many, filled with festive decorations, gatherings, food and moments of reflection. For healthcare workers however, the holidays often bring a unique blend of professional obligations and personal celebrations. Balancing the demands of the medical field with the joys of the season requires creativity, resilience, and an appreciation for life’s small, meaningful moments. For this edition of #Healthxph chat, let’s explore how healthcare workers celebrate Christmas and New Year’s and the ways they infuse holiday spirit into their busy lives.

    A Balancing Act: Work and Celebration

    T1. “How do you manage to balance work and holiday traditions during this busy season?”

    For many physicians, the holidays are business as usual, as hospitals and clinics never truly close. Emergency care, surgeries, and other critical medical needs persist regardless of the season. However, this doesn’t mean doctors miss out on the holiday spirit. Here’s how they celebrate:

    1. Holiday-Themed Workspaces: Hospitals often decorate creatively usually with clean, recyclable hospital- used, stuff. Many healthcare professionals participate in spreading cheer by decorating their own workspaces or organizing festive activities for patients and staff.
    2. Creative Scheduling: Physicians often trade shifts with colleagues to spend time with their families. While some work Christmas Day or New Year’s Eve, they may celebrate on alternate days, ensuring quality time with loved ones.
    3. On-the-Go Celebrations: Doctors on call often bring holiday treats to work, participate in gift exchanges with colleagues, or connect virtually with family during downtime.

    Personal Traditions Amidst Busy Schedules

    T2. “What’s one memorable holiday moment you’ve had as a healthcare worker?”

    Even with hectic schedules, many healthcare workers prioritize holiday traditions:

    • Family Meals: Whether on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or New Year’s Day, family dinners remain a cherished tradition. For some, it’s as simple as a potluck shared after a long shift.
    • Volunteerism: Many healthcare workers extend their holiday spirit by volunteering at shelters or participating in charity events. Giving back to the community is a meaningful way to celebrate.
    • Reflection and Goal-Setting: New Year’s is a time for healthcare professionals to reflect on their accomplishments and set professional and personal goals for the coming year.

    T3. “Do you have any special ways of celebrating the New Year, whether at work or with family?”

    Join #healthxph holiday season chat this Saturday 9PM Manila time. Share personal goals, unique traditions, or resolutions, to celebrate and prepare for the new year. Append your replies with #healthxph to join this convo! Se you all there!

    Image by KamranAydinov on Freepik

  • Determining working hours for healthcare professionals: What works and what kills.

    Determining working hours for healthcare professionals: What works and what kills.

    I might be a bit exaggerating, but the never ending debate about healthcare workers workload and burnout comes to mind whenever I’m negotiating, find appropriate or schedule “working hours” for my practice. Ever since starting medical practice, my priority in choosing when, where and how I deliver care to patients, is the quality (not just quantity) of time I spent with patients. This may seem impossible in healthcare, in trauma orthopedics for example, where patient load demands are 24/7, 365 days a year. But I say, after 20+ years in practice, healthcare workers do have the power or influence over what work time fits their individual context.

    This might not be true for every healthcare professionals out there, since personal considerations and working environments is probably different than what I have. Or that there are other unique factors affecting their decisions in choosing appropriate working time. Morever, factors also differ how healthworkers evaluate or assess if their schedules indeed work for or is slowly killing. This is the topic of the #HealthXPh chat this Saturday Nov 23, 2024 9PM Manila time. Guide questions for this chat are as follows:

    T1. What are your personal considerations when choosing appropriate work schedules?

    T2. What are your work environment considerations when choosing appropriate work schedules?

    T3. In your year of practice as health worker, which among these considerations heavily influenced your work schedule?

    Please append #Healthxph to all your replies/chat to this copnversation. See you all!

  • Remembering and Honoring Lives Lost, To Heal the Living.

    Remembering and Honoring Lives Lost, To Heal the Living.

    On the evening of October 31, as we approached All Saints’ Day, my family and I gathered at the memorial park to celebrate my mom’s life on her third death anniversary. We held a simple Bible service, and the layperson leading the ceremony praised us for honoring our loved ones by visiting, praying, and caring for their resting places. He noted how some people seem to have lost the essence of this day, turning it into an occasion for socializing, rather than for reflection and remembrance. That observation stayed with me.

    In previous years, I’ve marked this time by traveling or hiking—finding solace in quiet places to remember family members who have passed. This personal ritual has been a way for me to reflect, especially as I continue my journey in medicine. I’ve come to see this as part of my process for managing loss—not only of loved ones but also of patients.

    As we come together on All Souls’ Day to honor those we’ve lost, I invite healthcare colleagues to reflect on the personal ways we remember our patients and cope with loss in our profession. Here are some questions we’ll explore during our #Healthxph chat on November 4, Saturday at 9 PM (Manila Time).

    T1. Was there a time in your medical career when you struggled to cope with the death of a patient?

    Death is something healthcare workers face regularly, yet it never becomes easy. Each loss is significant, and it can be challenging to process while continuing to provide compassionate, respectful care. There are moments when the emotional weight feels overwhelming, and we have to find ways to grieve—whether quietly in a call room, through shared stories, or in private moments of reflection.

    Like many, I have had moments of sadness and tears even years later, remembering some of the patients I felt closest to, especially my mom.

    T2. What practices, rituals, or personal traditions help you honor and remember deceased patients?

    Over my years in medicine, I’ve seen many colleagues and institutions adopt meaningful ways to remember patients. I recall a patient, a 60-year-old woman in a charity ward with metastatic cancer. Her family couldn’t afford a ventilator, so her grandson and I took turns manually bagging her. On her last night, I held her hand one final time before stepping back to let her family grieve. Afterward, I returned to the call room to collect myself, still teary, and wrote a note of condolence for her family. These small acts help us to honor our patients, even as we move on to care for others.

    T3. Have these practices helped you in your journey as a healthcare professional?

    While we gain skills and knowledge from each patient, it’s the personal moments—the ones we carry with us—that help us cope with the mental and emotional demands of this work. For many of us, honoring our patients offers a way to remember them and manage our feelings, even if it doesn’t completely ease the sadness.

    Please join us on November 2, Saturday at 9 PM (Manila Time) for this #Healthxph chat to share, reflect, and remember together. We look forward to hearing your stories and insights.