Perhaps you work as a nurse or doctor in A&E, dealing with life or death situations? Or maybe you’re a surgeon specialising in highly complex operations? You may even be a social worker helping vulnerable children?
All of these roles have two things in common: success in the job is immensely satisfying and the job itself can be very stressful.
The irony is health workers know only too well high stress levels can impair their own immune systems and increase the risk of illness.
The problem is finding time to fully relax when you work in healthcare can be as difficult as a night shift in the snoring clinic.
To break out of this it’s necessary to regain the lost art of relaxation.
So here are our top tips for relaxing mind and body.
Exercise your Body
An exercise as simple as walking, swimming or dancing (see Davey for some advice on twerking http://www.s1jobs.com/recruiterprofiles/daveyknows/ ) can greatly enhance our sense of wellbeing. Do it long enough and not only will fitness levels improve but sleep will come more quickly and be deeper. Exercise is a great way to relax and recharge.
Exercise your Mind
No-one could ever argue working in a surgery, hospital or care home is boring. But there are many benefits in stimulating the mind away from work. So why not take up a hobby or learn a new language? Taking your thoughts away from your responsibilities and into new worlds is incredibly rejuvenating.
Mindful eating
Mindfulness is a buzz word in many areas of our lives but when it comes to dining it’s a must. Mindful eating begins with choosing food wisely: think fresh, natural and nutritious. But it also means removing distractions (no more dinners watching EastEnders) and really savouring the taste of the food.
Fight compassion fatigue
It’s difficult not to care deeply about patients and clients but caring too much can cause stress – and actually make the job more difficult. The best strategy for dealing with compassion fatigue is to talk candidly with colleagues about your feelings: this shared unburdening of self-blame and guilt will help your colleagues too.
Maximise your time off
Whether it’s a lunch break, a day off or a fortnight away from the frontline, make sure you switch off. Even an hour offers the opportunity to enjoy a liberating environment free from responsibility. So don’t be tempted to check your phone, refresh your emails or catch up on paperwork. Breathe deeply, put your sunglasses on and enjoy the wide world.
Now you’re relaxed take a little time to revitalise your career with the latest Medical and Healthcare vacancies on s1jobs