15 Nov Simple yet effective self-care tips to reduce burnout in healthcare
Research has found that there is widespread burnout, stress and fatigue across the NHS. A 2021 report from the House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee found that 44% of healthcare workers have felt unwell because of work-related stress over the previous 12 months. This is a significant increase from the 36.8% reported in 2016, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.
The government responded to the report, promising measures to alleviate the pressure on the NHS workforce.
But in the meantime, organisations such as patient safety and compliance specialist Radar Healthcare have published advice on how healthcare workers can reduce the risk of burnout.
The Radar team have put together a list of what it calls: “simple yet effective methods of self-care, in order for healthcare workers to use during times of crisis and help them to successfully switch off after a long shift.”
Let’s take a look at their recommendations:
Sharing thoughts and worries with other people
Talking through problems, worries or troubling thoughts helps you to express yourself, and stop you from bottling things up. It can also lead to opportunities to get helpful advice. And once the lines of communication are open, it’s comforting to know that someone is there to talk to in times of stress or difficulty.
Avoiding taking work home with you
This can be one of the toughest challenges for healthcare workers, especially those who work night shifts. It’s crucial to see your home as your safe space, where all there is to think about is friends, family and what you’ll be having for dinner. It’s not something you can just switch on, but healthcare workers should aim to build clear boundaries between their work and home life.
Calming your mind after a stressful work day
It’s understandable you’ll have work-related issues on your mind after a stressful and busy day at work. But it’s important for your wellbeing that you try to calm your thoughts and leave work problems behind. The team at Radar have a useful tip:
“A recent article highlighted how re-watching a television programme that you have previously seen can be a great way to reduce anxiety, as you will know exactly what to expect. The same article also indicated that this feeling of control could be useful for a healthcare worker that may feel very little control over their work at times.”
Bringing something comforting into the workplace with you
This is just one of many coping mechanisms you can use to calm your senses when work gets too hectic. It could be anything, from a family photo to a soft toy – there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. As long as it brings you comfort, it could be just what you need to calm down in the moment and reset your emotions.
And of course, if workplace stress is becoming a problem, it’s crucial to tell someone about it. Sit down with your supervisor, manager or even a trusted colleague and at least start the conversation.
If you’re searching for your next healthcare role or you’re looking to hire, Linq Healthcare can help. Get in touch to find out more.