Stress Management Tips for Healthcare Workers

Healthcare Workers Stress Management

While a healthcare worker’s career is very rewarding and meaningful, at times it can be challenging and stressful given the nature of the work. Healthcare Workers are always supporting others, caring for their clients, and sometimes providing emotional support for their client’s families. This blog offers Healthcare Workers tips on managing stress and caring for their own personal well-being. Remember, you need to take care of yourself so that you can take care of others!

Stress is your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. During stressful times, your body’s defenses kick into a ‘fight or flight’ reaction. Stress isn’t always bad; it can help you rise to new challenges. You may find that you are more focused, productive, and alert during stressful periods. However prolonged or unexplained stress can be harmful and really impact an individual. If you are feeling continuously stressed and feel like you cannot manage it, it could be helpful to seek professional advice.

Emotional and cognitive symptoms of stress include:

Feelings of being agitated or frustrated
Feeling overwhelmed and out of control
Difficulty relaxing or concentrating
Depression
Avoiding others
Constant worrying
Difficulty making decisions
Memory problems
Negativity
Lack of self-confidence

Stress can affect your body in the following ways:

Headaches
Upset stomach
Low energy
Insomnia
Sweating
Neck and back pain
Chest pain or rapid heartbeat
Tense muscles
Teeth grinding or nail biting

What is the impact of prolonged stress?

Heart – stress can cause high blood pressure and an abnormal heart rate. High-stress levels have been linked to coronary artery disease, heart attack, and heart failure.
Immune system – people who experience high levels of stress are more likely to get sick.
Skin – stress can worsen acne ad psoriasis.
Stomach – stress can worsen stomach issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Reproductive organs – prolonged stress can be linked to low fertility and pregnancy issues.

Extreme stress may result in a panic attack where an individual suddenly experiences shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart thumping. A panic attack is a scary feeling of being out of control and feels like a heart attack.

How can Healthcare Workers manage their stress?

Take a break and try to revert your focus to something else.
Ask for help if your workload is too much.
Manage your time and prioritize the most important tasks.
Try new ways of thinking and try to redirect to positive thoughts.
If something irritates you, respectively speak up and let someone know.
Take deep breaths to lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Exercise regularly to release good chemicals into your brain.
Ensure you are getting enough sleep so that you can think clearly.
Do something you enjoy like cooking, writing, or colouring.
Connect with friends or family who positively impact your life.
Go you a comedy show or surround yourself with people who make you laugh.

Are you interested in a Healthcare Worker career?

Classic LifeCare is a family-owned homecare agency. We care for Western Canada, with offices in Vancouver, Comox, Prince George, and Calgary. We have several positions available for Healthcare Workers, Companions, and Housekeepers.