Work In Health? Make Sure You Take Care Of Your Own

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David Hucks
David Huckshttps://myrtlebeachsc.com
David Hucks is a 12th generation descendant of the area we now call Myrtle Beach, S.C. David attended Coastal Carolina University and like most of his family, has never left the area. David is the lead journalist at MyrtleBeachSC.com

Working in the healthcare industry provides a lot of great opportunities. There are a lot of different job types, across hospitals, medical practices and more. It’s a challenging field of work, but it’s also a very rewarding one. 

When you work in health, the health of others is one of your main priorities – but who’s taking care of your health? When working in a healthcare environment, such as a hospital, it’s important that you take care of your own health and wellbeing too.

Here are some tips to help you take better care of your health when working in the healthcare industry.

Protect yourself

Those working in health already have strict procedures for protecting themselves and others from viruses and diseases. But if the past year has taught us anything, it’s even more important that you do what you can to protect yourself while at work, and while you’re out of it too. 

Make sure you’ve got enough supplies of your PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and that you wash your hands regularly. You should also make sure you have enough uniforms – stock up on some Uniform Advantage men’s scrubs to ensure you’ve got supplies. It’s always good to keep some in your locker or in your car, so you can feel refreshed and change when you need to.

On top of all of these practical ways to protect yourself, make sure that you are looking after your mental health, too. Believe it or not, doctors and healthcare specialists are most at risk for developing mental health complaints. There are options out there, though, for anxiety therapy and support when you have depression. Your job is not an easy one, which means that you have to remember that sometimes, it’s okay for you to be the patient. You deserve to take some time to look after your mind, too. Remember: physician, heal thyself is a myth – you need help and it’s more than okay to ask for it. You need to remember that your health is important and that includes your mind.

Get organized to avoid stress

In a stressful work environment, it helps to get as organized as possible. There are some great tips you can take on board to help you get more organized, but it also helps to organize yourself outside of work so that you can feel less stressed. Getting to work a little before your shift can give you some time to settle and figure out what’s ahead.

If you are struggling to cope, make sure you speak to someone. It’s important to find support that you can lean on when you’re struggling. Having a mentor in the workplace can be a great way to help you navigate some of the challenges of working in healthcare, and can help you get some valuable advice that will help you advance your career.

Learn to develop a routine when doing shift work

Shift work can take a lot of getting used to, and it can be one of the most challenging parts of working in healthcare. Switching between day to night shifts can be difficult, but it’s important that you develop a routine around your shifts that will help you take care of your health.

There are different things you can do to cope with a night shift, and in time you’ll get used to your new routine. You’ll need to be strict with your time, but make sure you get the rest you need to help you recharge ready for your next shift. 

Some people struggle more than others with a night shift, and if you find that you can’t cope with this kind of routine, you might want to look at transferring to a different area or looking at an alternative role that has a more manageable shift pattern.

Eat well

A healthy diet is essential for ensuring your overall wellbeing. But when you work in health, it can help keep you fit and strong, while boosting your immunity too. 

A great diet can also help give your body the fuel it needs to do your job. There are some great energy-boosting foods that will help you release energy over time, keeping you going throughout the day. While you might be tempted to hit the sugar or caffeine for an energy boost, these are likely to be short-lived, with a sustained energy release being a much more effective way of keeping you focused and alert.

A busy day might mean you skip lunch from time to time, but if you can, find the time to eat and keep nutritious snacks to hand that can keep you away from unhealthy choices. Making your own lunch is a good way to get your body the nutrition it needs, and can save you money too – hospital food can be expensive! 

Stay hydrated

In a busy healthcare environment, it can be easy to forget to stay hydrated. You might have a sip of coffee now and then, but are you drinking enough water throughout the day? By making sure you keep a bottle to hand, you can give your body what it needs to stay hydrated.

When you’re dehydrated, you can lose focus, become tired and start experiencing headaches and other symptoms. If you’re in an active job, you’ll need more than the recommended daily water amount to help you compensate for the extra sweat you’re producing. Setting a reminder on your phone or smartwatch to drink water regularly can also help you stay hydrated throughout the day.

Keep fit outside of work

Many healthcare roles are pretty active, especially if you’re on your feet all day. But taking the time to exercise outside of work will give you a number of health benefits, while making sure you’re strong and fit enough for work. 

Exercise is great for your physical health, but it’s also beneficial to your mental health too. After dealing with the stress of work, exercise can be a great outlet, giving you some time to yourself while also helping to burn off excess energy that can come with the adrenaline of a difficult role. Running and yoga are great for your mental health, while going to some fitness classes can help get you out of the house and interacting with others. 

Learn more about the benefits of developing a health and fitness routine and be sure to create your own to help you keep on top of your health.

Make sure you get quality sleep

Do you get enough quality sleep at night? If you find that you’re tired on almost a daily basis, then you need to have a look at your sleeping pattern and establish if something needs to change. 

Shift work can affect your sleep in different ways. Our bodies are designed to sleep at night, so when you have to work a night shift, it can be difficult to fight your body’s natural urge. Developing an effective sleeping pattern will help you stay on top of your routine, making sure you get the rest you need to do your job, while also being able to enjoy your life outside of work.

Stay home if you’re sick

Viruses and diseases can spread easily around a hospital or a medical center, so if you’re sick, it’s important to stay at home so that you can protect others and focus on getting yourself better.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown just how easily things can get out of control when there’s a virus present. Following your workplace’s guidelines and procedures will help you protect yourself, while also preventing the spread of illnesses to others in your care. 

Develop a healthy work/life balance

Being a doctor or nurse can be all-consuming, with long, difficult days. This can make it difficult to relax outside of work, and can mean that it affects your relationships too. Finding the right work/life balance can be difficult, but you need to try to set some boundaries for yourself so that you can enjoy life at work, and outside of it too.

Maintain your hobbies and the activities that you enjoy. Whether that’s seeing a movie, going to dinner or seeing your friends, it’s important to make plans outside of work and spend time with people you love. 

Remember that it’s ok to say no. Many people feel pressure to accept every invite or always be available at work, but for the sake of your own health and wellbeing, you need to make time for yourself too. Make sure you take plenty of time to relax so that you can enjoy some much-needed downtime outside of work.

Open up about your feelings

The healthcare industry provides a wide range of experiences, some good and some bad. On those difficult days, it’s important to open up to someone about your feelings – even if it’s just to vent. There is a lot of pressure in the healthcare industry, and talking to someone you trust about it can help ease some of the pressure you’re feeling. 

Many healthcare professionals experience stress and feeling overworked in their jobs. If you think you could be experiencing signs of burnout, talk to your employers and get the help you need. Don’t be afraid to reach out – many of your peers will be going through the same thing.

They say you should practice what you preach, and the saying definitely rings true for those who work in healthcare. Taking care of your health is important, helping you to stay fit and healthy, while also ensuring you can still help others. Take steps to protect your health at work to help you thrive as a healthcare professional. 

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