Tips to Help & Prevent Burnout
As we learned in Part 1 of this series, MALTC Helping Providers Avoid Burnout: Part One, there are many ways providers experience burnout. There are also ways to avoid or prevent burnout. Here are seven examples of what you can do to stay healthy and take a break when you need it:
Exercise
It may seem obvious, but a brisk walk or 20-30 minutes of your favorite workout at least three days per week can release stress and can act as a good outlet to any pent-up emotions. Yoga, specifically, has incredible proven benefits including releasing stress and anxiety.
Quality Time with Friends & Family
Another simple example, but quality time with your favorite people can work wonders. Getting your mind off of work and catching up with those you love can be the much needed escape you need to clear your mind.
Finding Support
Help can come in many ways. For some, help can come in the form of a support group or having a mentor. Being able to talk to individuals outside of your normal work environment can be beneficial. Talking with a therapist can also provide support and guidance. One benefit of being a provider with Mid Atlantic Long Term Care is the amount of support that is offered. The administration and nursing staff are always available for assistance as well as other providers who may have previously been in a similar situation and can offer an alternative perspective. At MALTC, we believe in working as a team.
Reading Something Non-Medical
Another stress relief can be reading something not related to work such as a novel, magazine, newspaper, etc. Invest your mind in something that has an uplifting topic or your favorite genre.
Scheduling Adjustments
Sometimes, all it takes to avoid or deal with burnout, is a change in schedule. Make sure you are keeping up a healthy work-life balance. Set limits on how late you stay or how early you go in. Find ways to make your life easier. At Mid Atlantic Long Term Care, we have medical scribes that are available to assists providers with charting. We also have PRN providers who are help with providing coverage for providers while they are on vacation or need time off for appointments or other personal reasons. Our On-Call System is also very beneficial to our providers because it allows time after hours and on weekends to focus on their family, friends, hobbies, etc., rather than having to be on call 24/7.
Hobbies
Last, but not least, do what you love! Many of our providers have hobbies that they can put their focus into in their off time. Stay tuned for part three of this series to learn about our providers and their hobbies.
To read Part One of this series, click here.