Self Care for Clinicians
The term “self-care” gets thrown around a lot these days, but what does it really mean? Simply put, self-care can be any deliberate action you take to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health. Working in healthcare can take a lot out of you, so here’s some suggestions for self-care you can practice anytime, anywhere.
Invest In Great Shoes
As a clinician, it’s fairly likely you’re on your feet most of the day. Make sure you work in a great pair of comfortable and supportive shoes. Whole body health starts at your feet! Wearing high-quality shoes can help with posture and joint health, and simply keep you more comfortable and happy throughout the day. If you’re worried about unmentionable fluids ruining your footwear, try some inserts instead. Inserts, like arch supports and heel cushions, are affordable and accessible, and you can swap them between your shoes.
Bring A Nutritious Lunch
Some cafeterias are great, and others… aren’t. Going out to eat on your break can be a nice treat, but it can also be a lot of work to leave the building and get back in time. Instead, try making a healthy, tasty meal beforehand and bringing it with you. When it’s time to eat you can simply grab your food and find a nice spot to sit. Talk to coworkers, scroll through social media, or just enjoy the atmosphere. With your meal pre-prepared, you can hopefully make the most of your free time.
Try One-Minute Meditation
Getting into meditation can be intimidating, but it’s really not as hard as you think. In fact, the whole point is not to think! When you have a spare moment, try a simple meditation for just one minute. Sit down, close your eyes, and clear your mind. If you struggle with overthinking, try focusing on something in the room, like the sound of a ticking clock or the smell of a cup of coffee. Meditation is like a small reset for your brain. When your minute is up, you’ll hopefully feel a bit more calm and collected.
Find A Fulfilling Hobby
As a clinician your schedule can be incredibly demanding, but it’s important to have a life outside of work. Collapsing onto the sofa and watching Netflix all night can be relaxing, but making progress on something you really enjoy is often more rewarding. Hobbies such as reading, knitting, or jogging can be done anywhere and can provide quantifiable progress. If you’re more extroverted, explore new restaurants, go to trivia nights, or join a sports league.
Burnout is on the rise, especially for clinicians. By practicing simple self-care, you can make yourself- and your patients- feel a lot better. For more healthcare tips and topics, check out the full Barton blog.
