What can the new movie “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” teach healthcare professionals about stress at work? Without giving too much away, Kim Baker, (played by Tina Fey) deals with on the job training as a war correspondent by indulging in varying degrees of risky behavior.  That is until she realizes that the adrenaline rushes are not all they’re cracked up to be and made a career move. Many of you may draw the same conclusion. In fact, a 2013 CareerBuilder article on healthcare workers states that 60% are burnt out on their jobs. It would probably not surprise most of you that heavy workloads, inflexible schedules, and reduced staff were cited as the primary stressors.  

Other than finding a better work environment or a new career altogether, most of you have no control over the stressors in your chosen profession. So what can you do to manage or reduce their impact?  One thing for sure, there are better coping mechanisms than wild partying or putting yourself in the middle of a fire fight like the Tina Fey character does. Here are four easily accessible suggestions:

• Let’s Talk:  Many healthcare facilities have organized spiritual and/or peer support groups for on the spot or extended talk therapy.  If yours doesn’t… organize one!

• Walk It Out:  Short 10 minute walks are all it takes to boost endorphins, clear your mind and reduce stress hormones.  Green spaces relax best, but a facility’s gym will do in a pinch.

• Say Ohmmmm: You don’t have to be a devout practitioner of yoga and meditation to adopt some of their techniques. Taking a few deep breaths when stressed instantly relax you by oxygenating the body and the brain.

• Reflexology to the Rescue: For a quick fix, apply acupressure to the space (webbing) between your thumb and index finger or between your second and third knuckle for instant calming.

Some of you may find the above suggestions just to be temporary fixes for what really ails you. If the statistics cited by that CareerBuilder article still hold, the majority of healthcare pros are open to exploring the possibility of a new job, even if they aren’t actively searching. The Centra job board has great employment opportunities nationwide to browse through.  Or if you’re ready for a change call one of our industry experts at 800 535 0076 and let us take the stress out of your job search!