We, as healthcare professionals, have been on an emotional roller coaster. At the beginning of the pandemic, we were celebrated as heroes. Now, some of us feel forgotten, overworked, and perhaps under-compensated, as hospitals try to manage their budgets. We are experiencing feelings of burnout and stress. It is so important for us to take time to care for ourselves.

We all know that eating healthy, exercising, stress management, and getting enough sleep are key to a healthy lifestyle. But how can we incorporate these aspects into our busy lives?

Here are a few practical tips:

Meal planning, focusing on having healthy options readily available.  Packing snacks for work, like nuts/seeds, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, tuna, and cut-up fruits and vegetables. Utilizing grocery delivery or pick-up to save time.

Find an exercise that you enjoy and look forward to. Join a gym or exercise class for social and physical benefits. Get out in nature and explore. Even just a walk in the neighborhood can be beneficial: listening to the birds, and noticing plants, flowers, and trees.

Stress is released when we participate in activities that bring us joy. What brings you joy? Connection with family/friends, creating something, baking, artistic expression, a bike ride, journaling or other form of writing, listening to music or a podcast, cuddling with a pet, gardening, getting a massage or pedicure. Find your joy!

Prioritize sleep, trying to get 7-9 hours per night. Take a nap if your body is tired. Before bedtime, try disconnecting from screens (tv, computer, cell phone) and calm your mind. Meditation or yoga may be beneficial.

Excessive work hours may prevent you from getting the rest you need to function safely at work. If a facility is asking you to work more than 60 hours per week, please notify your recruiter and the scheduler. We want to make sure you are getting the rest you need between shifts.

To enter the drawing for a Massage Envy Gift Card, be one of the first 25 HCPs who email ClinicalTeam@AHCStaff.com letting us know you read the article and want to be entered into the drawing.

Kelly Gunn, MBA, RN, NE-BC
Senior Director, Clinical Services
Accountable Healthcare Staffing, Inc.