What’s the cost of caring so much? Burnout. Recent studies show that up to 80% of healthcare professionals are experiencing some symptoms of burnout.
It is understandable considering the demanding nature of your job. We see people at their worst and often deal with it daily. The stressors on your body and mind can be taxing and lead to a state of burnout. This article provides tips for avoiding burnout as a healthcare professional.
Exercise regularly
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress and boost energy and mood. Exercise rewires the brain by reducing stress hormones, improving neurotransmitters, and creating new neural pathways. Studies show that people who exercise have less anxiety, depression, and fatigue.
Physical activity also increases creativity, focus, and productivity. Exercising regularly also helps you sleep better by reducing the stress hormone cortisol, released when you are stressed. When you are sleep-deprived, cortisol levels stay elevated, which can cause your body to break down muscles and promote fat retention. If you feel burnt out, try scheduling regular workouts to help release endorphins and boost your mood.
Spend time with family and friends
Being around people who make you feel good is one of the best antidotes to stress. Find people in your life who help you feel relaxed and happy, and make time to spend with them regularly. If you don’t have enough time with friends and family, try to carve out time for regular visits with loved ones.
You can also make time for activities like board games, hiking, or festivals to spend quality time with friends and family. If you spend your time with negative, stressful people, you’ll feel more pressure and stress, which can easily lead to burnout.
Commit to self-care practices
To avoid burnout, you need to cultivate a lifestyle that allows you to sustain energy and prevent unnecessary stress. Healthy self-care practices can help you avoid burnout. Taking time for yourself is an essential aspect of self-care to prevent burnout because it can help you de-stress, recharge your energy, improve your health and happiness, and foster a greater sense of balance in your life.
Some self-care practices you can do to reduce stress and boost your health include getting enough sleep, eating healthy meals, getting enough sunlight, taking breaks during your work day, enjoying creative activities like art, music, and dance, and exercising regularly. Make a conscious effort to create a balance between work, home, and rest that works for you and your lifestyle.
Seek professional support
Seek professional support if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress. You can talk to your supervisor, a trusted friend, or mental health professional. Avoid bottling up your frustrations because doing so can increase your risk of burnout and making mistakes. Mistakes can derail your career and potentially require the assistance of a healthcare defense lawyer. Being at your best at all times can help you to avoid this type of situation.
If things at work are particularly stressful, you may also want to consider getting involved in a workplace support group. Seeking professional help can help you gain a better perspective on your stressors, learn new coping skills, and potentially access additional resources that could help you through a tough time.
Maintain a healthy diet
What you eat can affect your mood, energy levels, and overall health. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can help reduce your disease risk and boost your mood. Eating many processed foods, sugar, or carbohydrates is likely not getting the nutrients your body needs. Eating a healthy diet can also reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote better sleep.
Conclusion
Burnout is a genuine problem for healthcare professionals. While it is essential to be passionate about your profession, being aware of the signs of burnout will help you recognize them before they become too severe.