From our conversations with Practice Managers and other support staff in the Medical and Dental industries, we understand that navigating the ever-changing landscape of healthcare during the height of the pandemic was no small feat. For some practices, the challenges continue, especially for those at the frontline of the testing and vaccination programs; and those practices who are still trying to catch up after a significant period of lockdown.

Now, more than ever, it is important to make sure that you are looking after your own mental health and not moving towards burnout.

Here are six practical tips to get you thinking about ways to include wellbeing in your everyday:

Reach out to trusted family/friends/colleagues. Everyone experiences mental health issues to a greater or lesser degree. By maintaining those connections and regularly spending time with people you know and trust, you can experience an enormous boost to your wellbeing.

There are only 24 hours in a day and sometimes it can feel like that isn’t enough to do everything we need or want to. It can be easy to overlook your own needs when you’re busy worrying about looking after everyone else and managing a busy practice.

By creating that space for yourself, you can cultivate a deeper resilience and find that important balance in your life. It could be getting out of bed 15 minutes earlier to have a calming cup of tea in your favourite armchair or taking your lunch away from your work desk to sit outside and enjoy some fresh air. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s time just for you.

There are many kinds of grounding techniques but one of my personal favourites is called ‘5, 4, 3, 2, 1’.

This technique can be done anywhere and *almost* anytime. I find that if my mind is too busy worrying, this technique can bring my focus elsewhere for a moment. It can create the space I need to give my brain, what I like to call, a micro-holiday.

If you are alone, you can say these things aloud, or if you are in the company of others, simply say them in your mind.

It’s really as simple as that and can make a lovely difference to your day.

Remember to take some deep, purposeful breaths throughout the day. Science tells us that when we are focused on our breaths, we get the two-fold benefit of calming our nervous system and shifting our brains focus away from busy-thoughts, even just for a few moments.

In times of high stress, it can be easy to become hard on yourself - and worse - sometimes on others. Inhale those deep breaths we mentioned earlier, take a moment to observe your feelings, and try to come from a calm and kind perspective. You will feel better for it, and preserve your personal and professional relationships.

Short walks throughout the day, especially outside, have numerous benefits like overall improved fitness, and the chance to get out of the air conditioning of the office and into the fresh air of nature. Try to fit some time in for a stroll on your commute or on your lunch break.

Similarly, simple stretches can help ease muscle soreness/tension and protect your body from injury.

Please note that this article has been written to provide general tips to bring awareness to burnout and mental health. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing more serious symptoms, please reach out to your healthcare professional who will be able to provide specialised support and advice. Please click HERE to go to a list of Mental Health Resources (Australian Government - Department of Health).

Contact us on 03 9946 7333 or info@practicemanagersaustralia.com.au and f ollow our LinkedIn and Facebook pages for more information.