As a physical therapist, at any stage in your career, you will experience times of stress during your work. You understand that working with patients who are frustrated, in pain, or just in a bad mood can take its toll. The stress level occasionally becomes intolerable when you toss in feeling overworked and under-supported. Do not let the stress beat you. There are measures you can take to diminish your stress level.

Care for Your Basic Physiological Needs

Dealing with daily work and its challenges is challenging and if your basic physiological needs are unfulfilled, it can be overwhelming to address everyday needs. These needs include being well-nourished, well-hydrated, exercised, and rested. You establish a solid ground from which to work by prioritizing these. Failure can result in minor stressors pushing you and creating more stress for your body.

Eat Right and Stay Hydrated

Choose healthy, nutrient-rich well-balanced meals that will not raise your blood sugar and leave you feeling depleted. Yes, you will need to plan meals, but the reward is well worth the effort. Sip water throughout the day to stay hydrated, which is essential for good health.

Exercise and Rest

Establish an exercise schedule that you can maintain. Exercise is crucial for reducing anxiety and improving your overall mood. For a great night’s sleep, try:

• Have a consistent bedtime
• Shut off electronic devices before bed and keep them out of the bedroom
• Establish an evening ritual to shut down

Take Breaks and Time Off

To be your best self, you must take breaks. Skip the breaks and you will burn out, which is a problem for health care workers. A burnt-out clinician is significantly more likely to make mistakes. Schedule a few minutes between your patients to take a quick walk, sip water or go to the bathroom. Use your paid time off and leave work at work.

Find a Relaxation Technique That Works for You

It does not matter if it is a yoga class, sketching, journaling or taking a bath. Choose an activity that relaxes you, brings you joy and makes you happy. Make it a part of your daily routine. When your body is in a deep-rooted state of relaxation, you can experience decreased blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and breathing rate. You will feel calm and in control.

Speak With a Therapist

Talking to family and friends can only take you so far. It might be time to consider reaching out to an objective third party who can help you with personalized coping strategies for your professional life. Interview potential facilitators to you find one that works for you. Please do not feel uncomfortable asking for help; there is no shame. One-on-one might be what you need.

Let myPTsolutions help you find a job that fits your life with the flexibility you deserve.