Healthcare professionals have come under increasing strain during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a staggering 55% of front-line workers reporting burnout. Whether you're a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or physician, if you work in the healthcare field, it's important to make time for self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental wellbeing can help decrease stress and minimize the risk of burnout. Sound easier said than done? Not necessarily. Consider the following tips for looking and feeling your best as a busy healthcare professional.
Find shortcuts for healthy eating
Making time to prepare healthy meals is tough when you work a lot. Meal prepping is one way to cut cooking time while maintaining a healthy diet. With this approach, you prepare one large batch of food one to two times per week, and then pre-portion and store it for easy reheating later. Meal prepping also offers other advantages, like reducing grocery-shopping stress and minimizing food waste. Not enough time on your hands? Rather than meal prep, subscribe to meal delivery services like Sprinly, Hello Fresh or Green Chef. Ingredients come pre-measured, so cook time is a snap.
Optimize your living environment
After long days at work, the last thing you want to come home to is a messy, disorganized house. This adds another layer of stress that can inhibit your ability to rest and recover from work. To ensure your home remains a healthy, tidy haven, take the time to declutter and reorganize your space; enlist family members to help. Round out your efforts by adding some plants to boost oxygen levels, swap heavy drapes for sheers to let in more natural light, and stock your fridge and pantry with fresh, healthy snacks. If time is limited and you can swing it, invest in a cleaning service to help keep your home tip-top throughout the week.
Look for ways to fit in exercise
Physical activity helps to maintain mental and physical wellbeing. Even just 30 minutes of aerobics per day can make a difference. That said, getting in that workout after you've been on your feet all day is easier said than done. Polar offers tips for fitting exercise into a packed schedule, such as making your workouts a social activity with your romantic partner or a friend. Alternatively, getting up an hour earlier to work out helps you start your day with exercise and can offer an energy boost all day.
Make sleep a priority
Sleep gives your body and mind valuable downtime to rest and recharge. When you're dealing with stress at work, catching the Z's you need can be a challenge. Transforming your bedroom into a sleep-friendly space can help you avoid tossing and turning, ensuring a restful slumber. Start by upgrading your bedding, eliminating extraneous lighting with blackout curtains, and nixing disturbing sounds with a white noise machine.
Try a new hobby for less stress
Having a hobby can benefit mental health, lowering stress and boosting happiness. If you don't have a hobby now, think about something you'd like to pursue. From crossword puzzles to woodworking to jiu-jitsu to geocaching, there are limitless options available. To find the right activity for you, focus on finding something you're really interested in and make time for it in your weekly schedule. Emphasize purpose over productivity—the point is to have fun!
Socialize with friends on your time off
Sometimes investing in your health is as simple as grabbing a friend for a cup of coffee. According to South University, Socializing is shown to benefit mental wellbeing, staving off feelings of loneliness and reducing the risk of ailments like anxiety. When you get a chance to step away from work, make the most of it by calling up a friend for a lunch or coffee date. Simply going for a walk and having a laugh together can boost endorphins, benefitting you both.
Get outside on your days off
As a busy healthcare professional, when you get a day off, you want to make the most of it. Seize the opportunity to spend time in nature. Studies show that spending time outside can reduce stress and anxiety. Combine your time outdoors with physical activity like running, hiking, or biking to make the most of it.
As a healthcare worker, you're naturally conditioned to worry about the well-being of others. However, it's just as important to invest in your own health and happiness. The above guide provides actionable tips for reducing stress and improving health.
