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A healthcare career can be rewarding, but managing everyday needs and life-and-death situations can mix the many rewards with a high level of stress. As one of the most demanding careers, healthcare professionals rank top of those likely to suffer from burnout.
Understanding the harmful effects of stress and finding ways to reduce it is crucial for healthcare professionals in hospitals, nursing homes, and independent living communities. Here are some tips on how you could manage your stress as a healthcare worker.
Be comfortable at work
Healthcare workers undoubtedly have the most physically and emotionally straining job. They are always on their feet, so comfort is essential. To perform the complicated job efficiently, health care workers must wear comfortable uniforms. Lab coats or scrub pants from Blue Sky Scrubs are usually of high quality and look trendy too. These clothing not only keep you comfortable but may also instill confidence and promote a sense of belonging. In addition, scrubs for men and women feature pant legs, elasticized waists, and loose-fitting sleeves, which allow easy movement.
Focus on getting more and enough sleep
Stress and sleep deprivation can trigger each other. Being stressed out can make sleeping difficult, while not getting adequate sleep can make you feel more stressed. Sleep is a biological need, like eating and drinking, so plan for good sleep daily. Protect your sleep by going to bed at the same time every day, sleeping in a quiet and dark place, and avoiding screens and huge meals before bedtime.
Exercise
You are on your feet all day, so it’s understandable when the last thing you want to do is go for a walk or jog. However, research shows that physical activity can help your body combat the physiological impacts of stress. Any physical exercise can be an effective component of a stress management program, so if you can’t get to the gym, try jogging around the home, running the stairs a few times, or dancing around with your children to unwind at the end of a long shift.
Talk to your coworkers
Pretending all is well may seem like a wise career move, but you can risk harming yourself physically and emotionally. Be honest about your stress level and how it affects your well-being and those you love and care for. Your coworkers can understand this experience in a way that family or friends can’t, so ask for support and try to find ways that can make you laugh through the stress.
Adopt a healthy eating habit
Stress, boredom, or lack of time can all lead to unhealthy eating habits. However, finding an eating program that fits your lifestyle, with healthy food choices that boost wellness and energy, can be a universal solution for stress. One is likely to feel happier and healthier when they find an eating plan they enjoy and can stick with long-term. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C also can help alleviate blood pressure levels and cortisol while boosting your immune system.
Endnote
You care for others and deal with stressful situations daily as a healthcare worker. It’s important to be mindful of how you feel and to practice these and other strategies to manage stress. Remember, even doing something small to look after yourself can make a huge difference to your stress levels.
Throughout the year, our writers feature fresh, in-depth, and relevant information for our audience of 40,000+ healthcare leaders and professionals. As a healthcare business publication, we cover and cherish our relationship with the entire health care industry including administrators, nurses, physicians, physical therapists, pharmacists, and more. We cover a broad spectrum from hospitals to medical offices to outpatient services to eye surgery centers to university settings. We focus on rehabilitation, nursing homes, home care, hospice as well as men’s health, women’s heath, and pediatrics.
