Work life balance among Healthcare professionals

Healthcare profession is considered to be one of the noblest and most respected profession across the globe. This respect has increased many-fold during the Covid-19 pandemic crisis as the healthcare workers and professionals are at the frontline tackling the crisis. This has also led to the already busy lives of these professionals become all the more hectic round the clock. The question of balancing the work and personal life might seem unthinkable of with odd working hours. But taking care of themselves is equally important for healthcare workers. Physical and mental health are equally important and can be achieved by achieving work-life balance.

Experts say that it is very important for healthcare professionals to “switch off” their provider mode else it can lead to “burnout” – a very alarming trend that is sweeping the healthcare sector. Burnout can be referred to as “pervasive healthcare problem characterized by a loss of emotional, mental and physical energy due to continued job related stress”.

Maintaining work-life balance is achievable for healthcare professionals, contrary to the belief, and must be done to get relieved from stress – both emotional and physical.

Time management – the first step

There are plenty of hours in a day and they can just fly away when taking care of patients. This can add to stress. Time management is the first essential step to achieve work-life balance. Managing time and allotting for family, work, exercise, and personal time is an individual perceptive area. But it needs to be done.

I have found that practicing mindfulness is key to being a resilient healthcare provider. The daily push/pull of stress and joys can leave us on a roller coaster of emotion. Mindfulness balances the ups and downs so we can be not only be more productive at work, but also be more present for our loved ones when we get home.

Beth Smolko, PA-C, director-at-large of the American Academy of PAs (AAPA)  

Establish a Support System of Family and Friends

Trying to achieve a work-life balance must be started in small steps, one at a time. Achievable goals keep the spirits high and you on track. Taking time out for just 30 minutes walk is a beginners example. At the same time it is very important to make bonds with friends and family and establish a strong support system – one that can push you ahead on right path in case you deviate or lag behind.

Self-Care

“Self-care is the best care, self-help is the best help.” A medical professional can be most helpful to society if he is at his personal best mentally and physically. This is also an excellent stress management technique. Work-life balance with some time kept for self-healing can lessen stress and promote calmness which can help attain balance easily.