Working in healthcare is your dream. Helping patients is incredibly rewarding, but the nature of the job and the long hours associated with it can take both an emotional and physical toll on the body.
Common signs of burnout include exhaustion, irritability, illness, decreased job satisfaction and a generally negative outlook on life. If lately you’ve been experiencing any of these symptoms, there’s a good chance you’ve achieved burnout or are headed there. Here’s some advice to help you get past it.
5 Tips to Combat Burnout
Exercise
Good for the mind and body, exercise releases endorphins that reduce stress. Getting active will also boost your self-confidence and improve your sleep, so you really can’t lose. There’s plenty of ways to introduce physical activity into your life, so don’t fret if you cringe at the thought of joining a gym. Get your heart pumping by joining an intramural sports league, hiking, bike riding, training for a 5K, taking a dance class or walking laps around your neighborhood.
Eat Healthy
The old saying ‘you are what you eat’ holds more truth than you might realize. If you’re essentially consisting of fast food and TV dinners, you’re probably feeling sluggish and suffering from digestive issues. Break this habit and take control of your diet. Healthy food doesn’t have to take a long time to prepare. Set aside a couple hours on your day off to prep food for the week. This way, you have something healthy to bring to work or quickly heat up when you get home.
Take a Vacation
If your schedule allows it, take advantage of your unused vacation days and head out of town for a bit. A few days on a sunny beach can help you relax and recharge, allowing you to return to work with a different perspective. A staycation can be equally effective, as long as you use the time to de-stress and have some fun.
Surround Yourself With Positive People
When you’re feeling down, the last thing you need is to be around negativity. Take inventory of the people in your life and pull back from those who perpetually cause you stress. Focus on spending more time with those who lift you up and make you feel good about yourself. The company you keep can make a world of difference, so allow yourself to be surrounded by happiness.
Be Kind to Yourself
Feeling burnout is rough, but recognizing the problem is a huge step in the right direction. It’s important to realize this isn’t your fault and take strides to help yourself through it. Throw yourself into activities you enjoy, treat yourself to some indulgences and focus on all the positive things you have to offer patients and the rest of your healthcare team.
If your attempts to fight burnout at your current job aren’t working, it might be time to find something new. Management Registry Inc. is here to help you find a rewarding healthcare opportunity that makes you look forward to each shift. Contact us today to discuss your future!