Electronic Health Reporter

The healthcare industry currently accounts for 14% of all US workers, employing about 22 million professionals across different sectors. However, despite this and the unquestionable importance of the industry, it is underfunded, understaffed, and underappreciated. 

As a result, those working in the healthcare industry are more likely than ever to feel stressed or overwhelmed at work. In fact, a recent study found that 66% of healthcare professionals feel stressed on a daily basis. This is alarming when you consider the price of disengaged healthcare workers – both in terms of patient care and burnout.

As a result, it is crucial that healthcare staff can find as many ways as possible to make their daily lives easier. This will improve workplace productivity and efficiency while also enabling them to care for their mental health.

With that in mind, here are some simple ways in which you can achieve that goal! 

• Work on time management. Working on time management is a great way to make your daily life easier when working in healthcare due to the simple fact that it will help you to manage your workload and prioritize specific tasks over others. As a result, you will soon find that your productivity levels soar. Thankfully, there are various ways in which you can become more aware of how you spend your time – such as using a watch. Whether you opt for a smartwatch or a men’s dress watch, you can use this tech to keep a close eye on the time. Furthermore, if you are using a luxury watch, this can help boost your confidence levels, helping you feel brighter and happier at work. 

• Utilize technology. It goes without saying that technology can be used to relieve burnout across all industries, but its value is particularly prominent in healthcare since it can save you a great deal of time. For example, you could encourage your employer to invest in administrative software that not only lightens your workload but also helps you save time in situations where every second counts, such as in a hospital admissions process. 

• Get enough sleep. Another way you can make your daily life easier when working in the chaotic healthcare sector is by working to improve your sleep habits. After all, when we get enough sleep, we are able to avoid stress by staying calm and collected. We also have a lot more energy – which means you’ll find it much easier to work your way through a lengthy shift. As a result, you may only need one coffee instead of several to get through the day. Thankfully, there are various ways in which you can start sleeping better each night. For example, you can avoid drinking caffeinated beverages in the afternoon so that you are not over-stimulated when heading to bed. You should also avoid using your phone directly before bed, as this can also keep your mind ‘alert’ instead of allowing you to drift off. 

• Take care of your health. Many people pursue a healthcare career due to the fact that they have a strong desire to help others, whether they work in nursing or disability care. However, this also means that you are much more likely to put the needs of others before your own, often without even realizing that you are doing so. While this is a valuable trait, it can also work to your detriment, as if you cannot take care of your health (and yourself), you will find it hard to take care of others. As a result, you should begin to make this a priority. In addition to getting enough sleep, you should also make sure you follow a healthy, balanced diet and make time in your routine for exercising. 

• Get to know your team. Teamwork is vital in the healthcare industry, no matter which sector you specialize in. For example, during the average hospital visit, patients will expect to interact with a significant number of hospital staff, from receptionists to nurses and doctors. As a result, you should make sure that you work on developing a strong relationship with your colleagues. This will create a sense of belonging in the workplace, but it will also help you all develop your communication skills, meaning you’ll be able to offer better support and services to your patients. Finally, good teamwork means that you are also able to ask for help when you need it, as your team can help you work through tasks when you feel overwhelmed. 

• Give yourself a break. The healthcare industry is synonymous with long hours and high levels of stress – and while you may expect this going in, it does not make it any easier to deal with. As a result, it’s essential that you take a break when you need one, as this can sometimes be the key to reducing stress and anxiety and can often help you clear your mind. Following your break, you’ll find it much easier to work through your tasks for the day. While you may not be able to take a break whenever you want, you should ensure that you spend them wisely. For example, instead of sitting down in the breakroom, try to spend some portion of your break outside. This is because the fresh air can help to improve your mental health and wake you up if you are feeling tired. 

Find a positive outlet for your emotions. Finding a positive outlet for your emotions is another excellent way to make your daily life easier when working in healthcare due to the simple fact that these coping mechanisms will stop you from bottling up your feelings. While you may aim to keep a certain level of composure around patients, you do not have to remain stoic all the time – otherwise, negative emotions will only continue to build up inside you. Thankfully, there are various positive outlets for your emotion that you may want to consider, such as exercising, spending time with friends, or even speaking to a therapist or licensed professional.