Balancing Act: Navigating Work-Life Balance in the Healthcare Field

Greetings, fellow healthcare warriors! Today, I want to shift our focus to the workplace, particularly for those of you immersed in direct patient care, although every job in healthcare has its challenges. Finding the right balance between your professional and personal life requires a thoughtful and intentional approach. So, let's explore the art of navigating work-life balance in the healthcare field, with an emphasis on self-care, boundaries, and finding enjoyment in personal time.

“ The healthcare industry is broken, we know that, and it is not going to take care of us in the ways we need it (I hope it will in the future). ”

The Daily Grind in Healthcare

I decided to work in my field in 7th grade. Now, 15 years of work experience, means I have dedicated over 25 years to this career. Working in healthcare can be both exhilarating and demanding. The ever-evolving nature of the field means that your days are filled with challenges, unpredictability, and, undoubtedly, moments of triumph. However, with this fast-paced environment comes the risk of burnout, fatigue, and neglect of personal well-being. I know this very well as I thought success when I first started meant neglecting myself. As a healthcare professional, I am so good at taking care of others, and, until the last few years, not great at taking care of myself. Today’s blog is how to avoid my pitfalls, or heal from the burnout or neglect you are feeling now.

Self-Care: The Ultimate Tool for Healthcare Professionals

Just as we prioritize caring for our patients, healthcare professionals must prioritize self-care as a non-negotiable element in our daily routine. Think of it as your secret ingredient in your work-life recipe – a stress-busting powerhouse. Whether it's a quiet moment with a cup of tea, a brisk walk in nature, or indulging in a hobby, finding what rejuvenates your spirit is essential.

Recognize that self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. The healthcare industry is broken, we know that, and it is not going to take care of us in the ways we need it (I hope it will in the future). In the same way, we prescribe/recommend medication, exercises, etc to our patients, make choices that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It's not just about surviving in the healthcare field; it's about thriving.

Setting Boundaries: Creating a Healthy Work-Life Ratio

I didn’t learn this lesson until many years into my career, but work alone shouldn't dominate your life. Establishing clear boundaries like what time you respond to phone calls or what extra shifts/patients you are willing to take ensures you have the time, energy, and space to enjoy the sweet moments both inside and outside the workplace.

Learn to say no when necessary, delegate tasks, and communicate your needs. This might mean stepping away from your work emails after a certain hour or taking scheduled breaks during your shifts. Setting boundaries helps to create a more gradual and sustainable work-life pace.

Cherishing Personal Time: The Cherry on Top

Your personal time is a precious addition to the overall balance of work and life. Whether it's spending quality time with loved ones, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing, these moments are the cherries on top of your well-balanced life.

“Embrace the fact that your personal life is just as vital as your professional one.”

When I started to look at my personal time, I made a shift to make time for reading books for enjoyment (instead of work), restarting old hobbies like knitting and quilting, and mastering the art of gluten-free bread baking. It brings me so much joy, and I wish I could go back and tell my younger self to slow down.

Remember, the healthcare field is demanding, but you are not a machine. Embrace the fact that your personal life is just as vital as your professional one.

Conclusion

In the intricate dance of healthcare, self-care and setting boundaries are the secret ingredients to achieving a harmonious work-life balance. So, my fellow healthcare warriors, take a cue from my mistakes and experience and savor the beauty of a well-lived life.

If you want more ideas for self-care that are quick and easy, get my free 10 Self-care Ideas for Busy Healthcare Professionals toolkit.

eat your cake and get nutrients too (Recipe below)!

Last year I held a healthy holiday cooking workshop. In preparation for this workshop, I developed a new cake based on an idea to twist one of my favorite cakes (pineapple upside-down cake) into a chocolate version. I was trying to figure out what fruit would work with the upside-down pan method and landed on cherries. And, wow, was this a hit! I made 3 versions to test and my family loved eating each one!

I’m excited to share this recipe with you, in time for Valentine’s Day. It is rich, flavorful, and also nutritious. So, if you want some cake, with no guilt, you must make this one!

What makes it healthy? We used raw cacao powder instead of the traditional cocoa powder. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants and minerals that are retained because it is less processed. These nutrients can help reduce the impact of stress on our body, decrease inflammation, and even improve depression symptoms. The cake is also healthier because we use coconut sugar instead of traditional white cane sugar. Again, this is less processed and gets absorbed more slowly in the body, slowing the sugar spike we get with traditional sugar. It also has more health benefits due to the additional minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron, and zinc contained in coconut sugar.

We can’t forget the cherries! Cherries are a great source of vitamin C and potassium, in addition to being rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So, in all, this is a great recipe to get a bunch of nutrients in a super delicious form. Oh, and it’s gluten and dairy-free for those who are sensitive.

So, enjoy this recipe, and let me know what you think!

Chocolate Cherry Super Smoothie

This super smoothie is soooo delicious! It is packed with nutrients and protein to fuel you all morning. Enjoy!

Bone Broth Recipe

Bone broth is nutrient-rich and filled with many benefits. Here are some of the most notable:

• Amino Acids: Bone broth contains high amounts of amino acids, including glycine, glutamine, and proline, which can help reduce inflammation in the body and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

• Collagen: Collagen supports gut health, helps to improve digestion, and may improve your skin, hair, and nails.

• Minerals: Bone broth is a great source of essential minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, and calcium.

• Gut Health: Bone broth is particularly beneficial for gut health, as its amino acid content helps reduce inflammation and promotes a healthy digestive system.

• Immune System: Bone broth is also known to help strengthen the immune system. This is due to its high content of vitamins and minerals, which can help fight off illnesses and infections.

Enjoy this easy and nutrition recipe!

Bone Broth recipe card