ACEP Wellness Week 2026: January 12–16
A week of simple prompts to support each other, spark reflection, and care for the caregivers.
Why now?
We chose early January for a reason. After the intensity of the holidays, it’s the perfect moment to slow down, reconnect, and refocus on what sustains us in this demanding profession.
Daily Themes & Gentle Prompts
MONDAY, JANUARY 12 — Know Your Resources
Start with what’s already around you.
- Who’s leading wellness efforts in your ED?
- Does your department track well-being metrics?
- Want to build a wellness program/committee in your department, but not sure where to start?
- Check out this newsletter: Building a Wellness Program (Newsletter)
- Review the ACEP Well Workplace Policy and identify which elements your site is already doing well.
- Want more inspiration for ideas? Check out ACEP’s Self-to-System eBook
Helpful Tools:
No matter your role—wellness champion, department leader, or someone seeking support—these resources can help you navigate and strengthen well-being in emergency medicine.
ACEP Resources
- ACEP Peer to Peer Support for Emergency Physicians
- ACEP Wellness Section Interview with YPS
- Eliminating “Pebbles in the Shoe” for Our Emergency Physicians - AMA STEPS Forward Podcast
- ACEP Well Workplace Policy
- ACEP’s Self-to-System eBook
- ACEP Physician Wellness Hub
- ACEP Wellness Section Website
Celebration Prompt:
Celebrate what’s going well—often it’s the people. Take a team photo and tag @ACEPWellness on Instagram.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 — Find Your Person
When things get rough, who do you turn to?
- Identify a peer you can talk to—whether in your hospital, another state, or outside of medicine entirely.
- Read our Peer Support Newsletter.
- Interested in becoming a trained Peer Supporter? Explore the ACEP Peer to Peer Support for Emergency Physicians training program.
Helpful Tools:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 — Fix the Pebbles
What’s one small thing that, if fixed, would make your day better?
- Think: documentation headaches, broken processes, delays in supplies.
- Share a “pebble” with leadership—or better yet, remove one yourself.
Helpful Tools:
- Newsletter: Pebbles in Your Shoe
- Pebbles in Shoe Publication
- ACEP YPS Podcast - Wellness Section Interview
- AMA Steps Forward Podcast: Eliminating "Pebbles in the Shoe" for Our Emergency Physicians
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 — Care for the Caregiver
What have you done for yourself today?
- Physical Wellness:
- Take a 5-minute stretch break
- Drink water before and after a long patient encounter
- Eat a real meal instead of skipping
- Took the stairs for a quick movement break
- Emotional Wellness:
- Pause for a few deep breaths after a stressful case
- Check in with a colleague for mutual support
- Step outside for sunlight and fresh air
- Listen to a favorite song during a break
- Social Wellness:
- Share a laugh with a teammate
- Thank someone who helped you
- Join colleagues in the break room for a few minutes
- Cognitive/Professional Wellness:
- Ask a colleague for input to reduce uncertainty
- Close out charts in small batches instead of waiting until the end
- Practice a “pause and reset” before a difficult conversation
- Recovery & Boundaries:
- Take your full break without interruptions
- Leave work on time (or even 5 minutes early)
- Said “no” to an extra task that could safely wait
- Plan something enjoyable after your shift
- Small-Wins:
- Finish one thing you’ve been avoiding
- Clean up your workspace for a calmer shift
- Celebrate a small success with a team member
Small moments matter. Micro-breaks restore resilience.
Helpful Tools:
Want to master the art of a well-timed break? Check out When by Daniel Pink.
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Make sure the language of your hospital’s credentialing does not ask stigmatizing questions about mental health: Lorna Breen Foundation: Removing Mental Health Stigma
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 — Hold On to Your Humanity
It’s not just a job. It’s your story.
- Read: Processing Our Experiences
- Share a moment from your week that reminded you why you chose emergency medicine.
- Invite your team to reflect together. A 10-minute pause can go a long way.
Helpful Tools:
Host a storytelling session with your colleagues.
How You Can Participate
- Choose one day or complete all five.
- Share photos or reflections using #ACEPWellnessWeek2026
- Encourage your department to join in—use our daily prompts as-is or adapt them to fit your needs.
