Unfortunately, one of the biggest challenges facing healthcare workers in 2022 and beyond is burnout among the workforce. Medical professionals, from nurses to lab technicians, can experience burnout, so we’ve developed this guide with simple tips to combat burnout and help healthcare workers.
Get More Sleep
One of the most common symptoms of burnout is insomnia. But one of the best ways to combat burnout among healthcare workers is to focus on maintaining a healthy sleep schedule.
Even when workers are exhausted after a long day, they can still struggle to get sleep because their minds are still anxious from work, or they feel uneasy about the next day. All workers should strive for at least eight hours of sleep daily to enhance their stamina, concentration, and mood.
Pro Tip: Struggling to sleep? Cut out alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine at night to help you fall asleep easier.
Take Time Off
Mental health is no different from physical health—if you’re not feeling well, don’t be afraid to take advantage of your sick days and paid time off. It may seem obvious, but some workers with burnout will get so wrapped up in doing their jobs that they don’t feel comfortable taking time for themselves.
But we all need time to rest and unwind—so if you’re experiencing burnout and feelings of isolation, apathy, and physical exhaustion, take some time for yourself. A simple day off can be exactly what’s needed to recharge someone’s physical and mental batteries.
Spend Time With Friends & Family
Along with taking a break from work, it’s also vital for workers to maintain a proper work-life balance with their jobs. A medical professional that spends most of their time at work is much more likely to experience burnout and lose motivation.
One of the most common symptoms of burnout is feelings of isolation from the outside world, friends, and family. Maintaining a healthy social lifestyle with friends is critical for workers to support their mental health.
Exercise Regularly
Physical exercise is obviously excellent for one’s physical health, but it’s also beneficial for mental clarity. Many medical workers advise exercising daily—as little as 30 minutes—to stay physically healthy and mentally clear.
When we exercise, our brains release happy chemicals like serotonin, making us more alert, motivated, and content. A simple walk during lunch or a workout before a shift begins is a great way clear and calm one’s mind for work.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re feeling severe symptoms of burnout that threaten your mental health and career, you should consider seeking professional help. Many healthcare facilities offer resources like employee assistance programs that include therapy and other mental health services.
Even if you don’t feel bad now, it’s wise to utilize these resources available to you to develop strategies and habits to improve your mental health and prevent burnout. Burnout and mental health problems are common for workers and industries everywhere, so there’s no shame in asking for help.
