Avoiding burnout is difficult
We may technically be post-pandemic, but the negative implications it has left behind for so many of us means we won’t be forgetting about it any time soon.
Moreover, the news only ever seems to cover negative topics such as the cost-of-living crisis, global warming, and the war in Ukraine which although very important for us to be aware of, it can leave you feeling down and deflated.
Everything that has, and continues to go on in the world, can make it increasingly difficult to be upbeat and motivated. Furthermore, you may well find yourself working more to cover the cost of living and spending less time and money on yourself and doing the things you enjoy. This combination can often be a recipe for burnout.
Burnout in the healthcare industry
Burnout, particularly within the medical industry, has become a reality for many Nurses and other healthcare professionals. They’ve experienced the trauma of working on the frontline during a global pandemic and understaffing in the NHS means workloads are heavier than ever before. A recent survey found that 28% of healthcare workers who took part admitted to feeling overwhelmed at least once a week, with 17% feeling burnt out every day.
Therefore, despite what’s happening in the world around you, it’s vital that you find the time to put yourself first, particularly as healthcare professionals, as you can’t care for people unless you’re caring for yourself.
With burnout in the medical industry being a huge topic of conversation right now, we have put together our top tips for combatting it.
Top tips for avoiding burnout
Set boundaries
As healthcare professionals, it can be very difficult to set boundaries between work and home life. However, we encourage you to practice being present and in the moment as much as you can. Put down your phone, and take a minute to appreciate where you are and who you’re with. Life passes us by so quickly, so be sure to enjoy your time with friends and family. Work is a huge part of our lives, but it’s not the only part, so do your best to leave it at the door after your shift.
Focus on your relationships
You know what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved, and having someone you can trust to talk to and confide in both at home and at work is extremely important. You may be that person for someone else, and you can’t beat the feeling of brightening up someone’s day, so make sure they know you’re there for them if they need you. It’s always a great idea to find your buddy at work, no matter if you’re a Nurse in a hospital or a check-out assistant in Tesco. Make time for coffee with friends, a catch-up with a cousin, or having quality time on the sofa with loved ones because it’s times like these we all really remember.
Make sleep a priority
Sleep deprivation plays a huge part in burnout. Healthcare professionals often witness sad and devastating situations with patients and their families which could make it hard to switch off and get to sleep at night. However, struggling to sleep every night doesn’t have to be your reality and you should seek professional help for this. You’ll be amazed by what a difference a good night’s sleep can have on your mood and mental health. Moreover, lack of sleep could result in you feeling temperamental and taking things out on those you love or even your patients, which isn’t good for anyone, so be sure to make sleep a priority in your life.
Make time for YOU and the things you enjoy
The cost of living may be making it a little difficult for us to splash out on shopping sprees, trips to the salon and fancy holidays, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make time for yourself and the things you enjoy.
Here's some suggestions...
- Go for a 30-minute walk without distractions, we guarantee you won’t regret it when you get home
- Pack a picnic and head to the park with friends and family, have a catch-up, and let the kids run free
- Get the photo albums out and reminisce about old times, that’ll be sure to put a smile on your face!
- Putting your feet up with a brew and watching that programme you’ve been wanting to watch is very underrated when it comes to self-care. Try not to feel guilty about washing not being done or windows needing to be cleaned, all of this can wait for another day and the world won’t fall apart. It’s ok to prioritise yourself
Reach out if you're struggling
Although fantastic work has been done, there is often still a stigma surrounding seeking professional help when you’re struggling with your mental health. But don’t let worrying about what others think stop you from getting the help you need. Everyone deserves to be happy, including you, so why not give therapy a try? Sometimes, just unloading how you’re feeling to someone who won’t judge you can make all the difference in the world.
We offer free private healthcare to our Nurses and healthcare professionals, allowing them to receive free counselling sessions if they need them. For more info on this, please contact us
