Nanny to Mommy

The past (almost) two years have thrown the daunting responsibilities of caregivers into sharp relief - specifically, medical professionals. Those employed and serving others in the medical professions are taxed and stressed whether there is a pandemic or other lofty healthcare concern. Thankfully, there are some effective ways to help reduce stress and prepare for life’s inevitabilities.

Just like a high-quality stethoscope and a solid med school education, medical malpractice insurance is an absolute necessity. You have insurance in your personal life - homeowner’s, rental, healthcare, life insurance with no medical exam, and automobile. Malpractice insurance is essential to have in your professional life. Buy a $25,000 Life Insurance Policy with no medical exam is required.

Unfortunately, should something unfortunate occur or if someone believes you have acted in a manner deemed below medical standards, you need to have a backup plan. Choose to engage with experienced and qualified medical malpractice attorneys so that you can continue to honor your medical oath and serve those in need of your expertise and care.

Having a good night’s sleep is vital for everyone’s well-being, not just your own. As a worker in the medical field, others are placing their health and lives into your continued care. When you have a sufficient amount of sleep, you think and feel better. You are sharper in your decision-making processes and tend to be steadier in emotions.

There are general guidelines at every age and stage in life for how much sleep you need. The amount of sleep you need will depend upon your situation and unique body. It is likely that you already know how much sleep you should get each night. The next step is to determine the right time or timeframe in which you should turn out the lights, quiet your phone or tablet, and begin to rest. Feeling refreshed and sharp-minded in the morning is worth the dedication to a schedule and quality sleep.

Since the medical field is filled with such an array of professions and one person is as different as the next, it is important to note that one stress reliever may diverge from the next. It is beneficial to have so many options to find what works best for you and change it up as needed.

Exercise is always an effective way to relieve stress. Incorporate it into your workday by taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Try parking far from the office instead of right next to the front door. Sign up for a pre-workday spin class and meet some new people at a local gym or take a muscle-engaging lap swim challenge. Walking with colleagues during your lunch hour is a great way to remain social, talk out problems with co-workers who are in the proverbial trenches with you, and get some fresh air. Put on a favorite podcast or brush up on a language if you wish to be alone, instead.

There are myriad other ways to relieve stress, such as through art or doodling. Receiving mental health services is an effective way to talk through any concerns or life stressors, whether they fall into the realm of professional or personal.

Meditation is another increasingly common way to seek out stress mitigation. Try this short video for an introduction to meditation.

Find time in your days and nights to take care of yourself. Your patients, colleagues, and family will thank you for your efforts even more than they already do.