Are you a healthcare professional trying to cope with work related stress? Your own self-care matters to help sustain your daily efforts especially in these very challenging times in healthcare. The demands and pressures are real and can have detrimental effects on your health, well-being and safety as well as your patients. Learning to effectively manage your stress is critical to the quality and personal satisfaction of your job performance.
Working as a healthcare professional can be highly stressful and is associated with higher rates of physical and psychological distress as compared to many other professions. Stressors may include work overload, time pressures, and caring for patients with difficult and complex medical illnesses. As a healthcare provider, dealing with high levels of stress that is ongoing without proper self-care can adversely affect your health making you more susceptible to illness and injuries. You may feel exhausted and burnt out, have trouble sleeping, have headaches, poor concentration, experience mood changes and decreased immune response which can lead to other serious health issues. Such stressors over a period can lead to absenteeism, turnover, and medical errors, and this becomes complicated and costly!
As stated in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, “There is growing agreement that the health and safety of patients is inextricably linked to the health and safety of those who care for them.”1(p803)
From personal experience, I know it’s challenging to find balance between personal well-being and safety while having a sense of duty to care. Making your heath a top priority is a choice and often works best with support and encouragement. Start by making a conscious effort to notice how you go about your day. Simply be a witness to your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Healthcare professionals need emotional support too! You are generously giving of your time, energy, and attention to provide your best care possible. My services provide life-skills and resilience training along with emotional support for healthcare professionals. These services are offered through private and group coaching and corporate wellness programs.
I have created a free guide for the healthcare professional to help simplify how you can begin to THRIVE while working in a managed care environment. Here’s the link to download your personal guide: SELF-CARE FIT TIPS
- Loeppke et al. Interaction of health care worker health and safety and patient health and safety in the US health care system: recommendations from the 2016 summit. J Occup Environ Med. 2017;59(8):803–813.
Dr. Deborah S. Howell, Physical Therapist is the Founder and CEO of Victory in Action LLC, specializing in Heart-Focused Leadership and Empowerment training. She is a Medical Health Advisor and Advocate for healthcare professionals and leaders experiencing high levels of stress, personal detachment, or challenged with life and career transition. Her services help healthcare professionals and leaders recharge, renew, and restore a sense of well-being and life purpose.
Learn more about Dr. Howell’s services to support the practice of Self-Care in Healthcare and begin to take charge of your health! Please visit http://www.victoryinaction.com
