Healthcare is one of the most difficult industries to work in – it can lead to enormous stress and fatigue in even the strongest employees. Here are a few tips on managing your health alongside your career.
1. Get enough sleep.
The number one thing, the most critical task for improving your health and wellbeing: sleep. It’s crucial that you get your 7-8 hours of sleep every night (or day, if you’re on night shift!) Even if you ignore every other item on this list, work on your sleep - that’s how important it is.
2. Find healthy alternatives to quick, convenient meals.
It’s a well-known fact that working long hours can cause exhaustion and decision fatigue, even on your days off, which can often lead to grabbing quick snacks or fast food to keep yourself up and running. In the long term, though, this can cause a gradual decline in health, and leave you in a less-than-optimal state for taking care of your patients. It’s a good idea to find some quick options that will leave you satisfied but will also be easy to grab and go if you’re not feeling up for cooking.
3. Bring a water bottle.
The best way to keep yourself hydrated and healthy? Carry a water bottle. Bring one to work with you – you’ll start drinking more water without even thinking about it.
4. Use your PTO.
It’s common in the healthcare industry to feel like you can’t take breaks or leave your patients – but this can quickly lead to burnout. It’s important to take breaks so you can show up as your best self for your patients! Make sure to take some time off here and there – visit family, go on that cruise you’ve always wanted, or just enjoy a staycation! Here are a few more ways to avoid burnout as a healthcare employee.
5. Go to therapy.
Yep, you heard it! Your mental health is super important as a healthcare employee. Not only do you deal with enormously difficult and stressful situations daily, but you also must remain friendly and calm while doing so – which can be incredibly hard on anyone! Seeing a therapist is a great way to make sure you keep yourself healthy and happy.
6. Fit in some exercise.
You’ve probably heard it a million times – exercise can boost energy levels, mood, and metabolism, reduce stress and fatigue, help you sleep better, and so many other things – and they’re all true! But you don’t need to run 10 miles a day or lift weights for hours on end to feel the benefits. Exercise can be as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking a little bit further from the grocery store as you normally would, or taking an after-dinner stroll. Whatever you have time for! Anything is better than nothing at all.
We hope these tips can help you start to live a healthier life as you navigate your healthcare career! If you’d like to see our current open positions, you can find them here.
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