There’s a mental health crisis among health workers in the United States and the problem is showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, health workers have reported an increase of 1.2 poor mental health days in the previous month over the past few years, from 3.3 days in 2018 to 4.5 in 2022. That’s according to a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which also uncovered that the percentage of health workers experiencing burnout “very often” increased from 11.6% to 19% over the same timeframe. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to raise awareness about the importance of self-care, we’re offering four tips for caring for your mental health as a healthcare provider.
1. Exercise Frequently
You’ve probably heard before that getting your heart rate up and a good sweat going can help improve your mood—and it’s true! According to a study published in the official journal of the Association of Medicine and Psychiatry, exercise reduces anxiety and depression while simultaneously increasing self-esteem and cognitive function—leading to improved mental health overall.
As a healthcare provider working at a permanent position or on a locum tenens assignment, you’re focused on providing care for your patients so that they can lead healthier lives. Make sure to keep this same mentality for yourself, however, by taking the time to exercise regularly.
If you haven’t been on an exercise regimen recently, don’t worry—you have to start somewhere! Start by taking some walks outside, or pick two or three days out of the week to go to the gym. Soon enough, your exercise routine will become part of your weekly schedule, and your mental health will thank you for it.
2. Get a Good Night’s Sleep
As much as you should focus on becoming more physically active, you should also make it a priority to give your body some rest through a decent night’s sleep. A lack of shuteye has been linked to depression, according to the National Institutes of Health, and sleep deficiency could lead to issues in controlling emotions and behavior.
Try to set a bedtime routine for yourself on the days you’re working, so that you have a window that leaves around eight hours for sleep. If you’re having trouble falling asleep, consider utilizing white noise machines or blackout curtains to lull yourself into slumber.
3. Journal Often
Ever feel upset or anxious and you don’t know how to handle it? While exercising and sleep are two ways to combat these negative emotions, journaling is another way to improve your mental health. This practice forces self-reflection and allows you to get your feelings out on paper without fear or worry of what others might think.
Set up a time every week to sit down and write about how you’ve been feeling and why. Doing so will help put your anxieties into perspective and may help you identify what triggers you and how you can make changes to feel better. Buy a journal from a local store, or even use your phone’s notes app to write down your thoughts—it doesn’t matter how you go about it, as long as you’re making the effort!
4. Stay Connected with Family and Friends
When you’re working in a faraway state on assignment as a locum tenens provider, or if you’re stuck in the humdrum of your permanent job, it can be easy to lose connection with the people in your life who love you the most.
Pick a day out of your week to call a close family member or friend and talk to them about what’s going on in your life. You don’t have to necessarily talk about what’s bothering you—just some friendly conversation with the people in your support network can improve your mood and mental health.
If you don’t have anyone close in your life, consider starting a hobby in your free time or join a volunteer group. You never know—your new best friend could be right there waiting for you!
Need a Break From Your Permanent Job? Go Locum Tenens
Feel stuck in your permanent job? Consider taking a locum tenens assignment! As a locum tenens provider, you’ll be able to choose where you work, and even have more say over your daily schedules. Not to mention, the earning potential for locum tenens providers is often higher than those in permanent jobs.
Check out our job board and apply to an open position today!
