The mental health of healthcare professionals has become a global concern, especially after the breakdown of COVID-19. Be it work overload, challenging environments, or other stress factors, healthcare providers often experience many difficulties. The everyday challenges these people face result creating mess with their minds and bodies. Well, such emerging issues indicate a threat to healthcare services’ efficiency, productivity, and care quality.
“According to the WHO estimate, By 2020, the Healthcare Industry may experience a dynamic shortfall of 18 million.”
Patience and compassion are some must-have qualities to build a career in nursing. When working in the healthcare industry, it becomes quite difficult to maintain one’s social, and emotional well-being. Although taking care of Mental Health should be a part of our lifestyle, it is taken for granted. Taking some time out daily can save you from frustration, depression, anxiety, or other mental illness.
Taking good care of our Mental Health is not rocket science, all it takes is discipline and determination. Trust us, adapting to healthy habits and better surroundings will lead to a happier, and healthier life. Let’s explore this comprehensive guide focusing on mental health and several ways to improve the quality of life.
Did you know? Every year World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October to create awareness about Mental Health.
Keep reading to get the best Mental Health tips!
Factors Affecting the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers
Before we directly discuss the mental health care tips, check below the list of several factors that negatively impact the mental health of healthcare professionals, efficiency, and quality of care. For a better workflow and the well-being of healthcare workers, it is important to identify, and mitigate the health risks.
- Heavy Workloads
- Long shifts
- Lack of physical/psychological safety
- Chronicity of care
- Moral conflicts
- Perceived job security
- Bullying at Workplace
- Lack of Social Support.
These factors are responsible for fostering mental illnesses like depression, burnout, anxiety, sleeping disorders, etc.
As per the reports of the World Medical Association “ Physicians often get frustrated while practicing due to micro-management, unethical practices, limited resources, and skills challenges.”
Read our next section to learn the tips that can mitigate health risks, and maintain high energy levels.
1. Get Connected to Nature
We know it’s hard to find self time especially when you belong to the healthcare Industry. But getting close to nature not only makes you calm, and stress-free but also enhances your work performance. The least you can do is start your day with a leisurely walk in a garden for your well-being. To enjoy the healing effects of Nature, plan a forest or seashore excursion with your colleagues.
2. Get 8 hrs of Sleep
For healthcare providers, it is essential to set a sleep cycle of a minimum of 8 hrs for better productivity. Lack of quality sleep leads to frustration, stress, anxiety, and depression. Sleep disorder is one of the underlying causes of mental illness. The formula of better sleep is to say yes to exercise, and no to caffeinated drinks. Inculcating these simple habits can improve your lifestyle.
3. Stay away from Gadgets
Except for work hours and necessary phone calls, try avoiding screens, and social media. Digital technology has already ruined the physical, and mental health of the young generation. Looking down at phones, and gadgets cause eye issues, neck, and back pain, and headaches. So stay away from blue light for better focus and mental health.
4. Exercise Regularly
We all are aware of the fact that a Healthy mind lies in a healthy mind. For a refreshing mind and body experience, make exercise a part of your daily routine. If you don’t like that heavy workout, join dancing, tennis, aerobics, or Zumba sessions. Being a healthcare professional, you already know that continuous movements release happy hormones that take away all our stress, and worries. So, keep moving to protect yourself from mental illness.
5. Inculcate Healthy Food Habits
A balanced diet is the key to good physical and mental health. We become what we eat. For example, you’ll feel rejuvenated if fresh food and vegetables are part of your meal. In contrast, filling your stomach with junk food will make you lethargic, and jittery. Switch to lemonade drinks rather than coffee, tea, or energy drinks. Make sure to enjoy meals with your friends, and colleagues. It helps foster healthy relationships which in turn positively impacts our mental well-being.
6. Set Smart Goals & Priorities
Start your day by setting the priority tasks on the top of our list. Say no to the new tasks if you are already feeling exhausted. To ensure career progress, set clear, and time-bound goals. It helps create a sense of direction and accomplishment. Setting goals means you are ready to take charge of your emotional well-being and mental health.
7. Be Kind & Humble
It has been scientifically proven that being kind promotes good health, mood, and relationships. Moreover, your moral duty is to be empathetic and kind towards your patients. Try to nurture a heart-to-heart bond with your patients, and their families. You’ll notice earning their trust, and appreciation will give you a deep sense of satisfaction. Small acts of kindness can create a big difference in your life.
8. Seek professional help
Are you unable to control your feelings or manage stress even after putting in much effort? Then, it’s high time to seek a psychologist, counselor, or any other professional help to make you feel better. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your family, or friends for emotional support.
Final Words:
Try before you cry. Despite ignoring or procrastinating your mental well-being, start incorporating these healthy habits for shift workers or other healthcare professionals. Believe the fact that it’s only you who can prevent yourself from physical or mental health challenges. Some of you may find it hard to give yourself some time while for others it can be a fun routine. No one is perfect, the least you can do is fake it till you make it. Keep practicing until these mental health care tips become part of your life. I hope this article ignited a little spark of self-care in you. All the best!