Healthcare workers face unique challenges that aren’t found in other industries. But while they may often struggle to stay as healthy as they’d like their patients to be, it doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re a healthcare worker looking to improve your own quality of life, here are four ways how healthcare workers can prioritize their own health.
1. Utilize Mental Health Services
Being a healthcare worker can be stressful in more ways than one. If you’re someone tasked with providing life-saving services, you might witness the passing of those under your care due to certain conditions you weren’t able to successfully address. If you’re a nurse, you may be abused by certain patients or otherwise encounter traumatic situations as well. Seeking out a mental health professional will not only help you process some of the things you experience but equip you with the tools you’ll need in the future as well. Just remember that it may take some time to find the right therapist for your unique needs.
2. Adopt Stress-Relief Exercises
Working in healthcare can be highly rewarding, but that doesn’t mean that it cancels out the stress that you likely will experience along the way. Learning how to better cope with stress as it arises is a great way to take control of your health and support yourself when you may not have the time to walk away and take a break. Some stress-relief exercises that can be done anywhere include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, and even just a quick walk up a few flights of stairs may help you calm down and re-center. Addressing chronic stress can work wonders on your overall health.
3. Focus on Eating a Balanced Diet
When you don’t have much time between shifts, it’s very easy to eat whatever is most convenient. But when you’re stressed and tired, you may opt for the unhealthier choices to try to keep yourself going. It’s crucial that every healthcare worker focuses on eating a balanced diet. If you don’t have time to make your own meals, don’t fret. There are plenty of healthy options that you can prepare quickly so that you can get your nutrients without stressing yourself out about using up too much of your available time.
4. Push for Better Working Conditions
Sometimes, it’s not about what you’re doing but what your organization requires you to do. Long hours and little care for how healthcare workers are faring are quite common across the industry. It’s important to work with your fellow healthcare workers to push for better working conditions that will make it easier for you to remain happy and healthy. You should also look for medical professional organizations that will advocate for you so that you have a bit more support.
Trying to stay healthy as a healthcare worker can be challenging, but it’s certainly not impossible. Use the tips above to change your approach to your personal health and make it easier to stay healthy over time.
Published by: Holy Minoza
