More and more caregivers and healthcare workers report feeling mentally overburdened when the thought of work comes to mind? Particularly stressful is when performance pressure, multitasking, repetitive work processes or difficult patients often occur. All these factors increase the level of stress and frustration in someone whose work is based on caring for others, with very little time spent looking after themselves.
Of course, there is no job without stress. As humans, we do need challenges to be able to develop ourselves further. However, our bodies and souls depend on tension to follow a relaxed phase. Constant stress can make you sick and lead to total fatigue. Here are some things you can do preventatively to protect yourself as a healthcare worker/caregiver.
- Learn To Say No
Learn to say no. You cannot make everyone happy. Collegiality is a great thing, as long as it is not at your expense. Quite often many healthcare workers are called to work without prior notice. While this may be a requirement of the job itself, be careful not to be taken advantage of. Be helpful to colleagues, but also set clear boundaries. Be clear to superiors when you get tasks that are not feasible in the set period. Commitments that are unrealizable only lead to frustration on both sides.
- Keep Calm And Focus
The power of calm is at rest. You cannot do everything at the same time. Whether you are a nurse, care assistant or a doctor, always keep calm and work off one point at a time according to what is required by your seniors. Focus solely on the task that you are currently working on. Practicing mindful meditation techniques before work can also helpful for lowering stress levels.
- Avoid Negative Thinking
No matter what happens, keep a positive attitude – and above all, do not lose your humor! The healthcare field can be very depressing since workers witness the loss of lives on a daily basis. For this reason, an optimistic mindset helps sustainably to reduce stress. The use of positive language creates mental images that penetrate the subconscious. Counter negativity by focusing on the positive sides of your work.
- Ask For Help
It’s no shame to ask someone for help. We are all humans, not machines. Each of us go through difficult stages, and your colleagues and supervisors will appreciate it when you ask for advice and ask for support. Additionally, a caregiver support charity may be able to help you get your life back on track with various specialized programs. Experience has shown that better times come when we open ourselves up to others.
- Take Time Out
Try to strike a balance between work and private life. Only those who can switch off in their spare time can have full performance in the job. Find a hobby. Exercise helps against anxiety, stress, and depression, especially when done in the fresh air. Also, social contacts such as spending time with friends and family, help to relax and unwind. Additionally, some people might like to look into some products that might reduce stress and anxiety, such as some of these Delta 8 THC products. Hopefully, those sort of products will help more caregivers to enjoy a stress-free personal life.
- Sleep Correctly
Those who sleep sufficiently are not only more efficient but also less stressed. Therefore, make sure you have enough sleep and try to go to bed at the same time whenever possible.