Sumo Medial Staffing

You may not think work-life balance is possible as a healthcare provider. And many studies suggest that’s true. Finding work-life balance is a common struggle among healthcare providers, though it can vary depending on your specialty and time in the industry. 

The good news is, those same studies also show balance IS possible.  

The trick it to find ways to manage the demands of your career and your personal life while still finding time to pursue the hobbies/relationships/activities that give you purpose.  A good work-life balance means you can be happy and productive at work, while also having time for yourself and your family/friends. 

Healthcare workers are typically wired to pursue meaningful relationships, intellectual stimulation and personal satisfaction. But those same personality traits sometimes make it difficult to step away from the needs of patients and demands of the job. That’s why nearly half of all clinicians face burnout at some point.  

To make sure you’re not one of the 50 percent of healthcare providers battling burnout, try these tips. 

Set boundaries and identify priorities in your personal and professional life

Decide what matters to you. Is it a clean house? Evenings at home? Time for exercise and weekends away? Learn to delegate when possible and appropriate to spread out your workload.  

Make time for your health

It probably comes as no surprise that healthcare workers are notorious for ignoring their own health. Studies indicate that hospital workers are generally less healthy than those in other industries, probably due to the long hours and hectic pace of their “9-to-5.” Be sure to set aside time for exercise and routine medical appointments. And make sure to include a regular spiritual practice or meditation. 

Take a break

Technology is great, until it isn’t. In a world where we can be connected 24-7 to our jobs, there’s something to be said for unplugging when you’re not on call. Shut off your phone and step away from the tablet! (For at least a few hours anyway.) Let your time away from work be quality time away from work.  

Ask for help

If you’re working too many hours or seeing too many patients and feeling the strain, talk to your supervisor. Good managers and bosses will work with you to balance the workload and alleviate stress to help you restore balance. There’s no reason to suffer silently. 

Get enough sleep

Remember those studies we talked about earlier? They also show that more than half of healthcare providers aren’t getting 7 hours of sleep each night. In fact, the number is closer to 5 or 6 hours a night. Since most healthy adults need between 7 to 9 hours each night to function at a high capacity, this your reminder to get some Zs!  

Learn to say no

This is a hard one for Type-A personalities and people pleasers. But learning to say no to some things means you can say yes to the people and projects that bring you joy. And even if you don’t say no forever, cutting back, even temporarily can help you prioritize and avoid issues later on. 

Finding balance is critical because failure to find balance can adversely affect you, your family and your patients. So, recognize the challenges, make a plan and take the steps necessary to avoid potential burnout while achieving that coveted work/life balance. Your family and patients will thank you!

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