Healthcare burnout is no joke. More than half of nurses experience moderate burnout, according to one recent study. Similar signs of work stress can be seen throughout any healthcare setting, including workers serving in support roles in medical offices.
Finding ways to cope and creating space for self-care can stave off impending burnout or relieve the current feelings of being maxed-out by the demands of the job.
Engaging in regular exercise and restorative sleep are time-honored solutions to incorporate in the long run. But what if someone needs a quick pick-me-up to get through a current day?
Here’s a list of 10 ways to re-fill your cup when time is short but demands are high.
- Stop and take 10 slow, deep breaths. Consider setting your alarm as a reminder to do this several times each day.
- After you wash your hands (for what is probably the millionth time today), take 30 seconds to slowly massage in a hand cream.
- Drink a glass of water.
- Stand up and stretch upwards, lengthening your spine while slowly exhaling.
- Send a loved one a text to re-connect, even a short “xo.”
- If you commute to work, switch things up by turning off the news and playing upbeat music instead.
- Make a list of 5 things you’re grateful for.
- At the end of your workday, splash water on your face as a mental trigger to move on from the stress of work into the personal part of your day with a clean slate.
- If you have a few minutes, don’t get sucked into social media – instead use the time for a short walk.
- If you’re doing endless computer work, remember the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes of screen time, look away at something that is 20 feet away from you for a total of 20 seconds.
Remember, BioPlus Specialty Pharmacy is the “fast and easy” partner to get your patients the specialty medications they need, with fewer stressful hurdles. We’re ready for all your patients’ eRx today.