Ever think there’s not many de-stressing things you can do while you’re working on a patient? Sure, you can go for a walk at lunch, or go sit in your car, maybe lay your chair back in your room and close your eyes on your lunch hour. One of my favorite ways to take a work day down a notch is to turn the lights down or off in your room. Harsh, overhead lighting is hard on the eyes and can add to the small list of things that tax you come the end of the day. Maybe add a lamp or open normally closed shades to let in some natural light. Of course natural light is always more soothing than overhead lighting. At the end of the day, it’s the little things that add up and take a toll.
Another idea is to light a candle (scent-free for your sensitive patients). Lighting a candle or using an electric candle is nice also. It’s sets a mood and ambiance for you and your patient. Again, taking energy and mood down a notch is not just enjoyed by you, but by your patient also. You’ll notice your mood shift a little and the same for your patients mood when they enter your room.
Soft, relaxing music, or even fun, upbeat music is good also. If you don’t have an overhead speaker or access to office music, use your phone and a speaker. Changing up the music you’re listening to can get you out of a vanilla/monotone-mood kind of day. If youre getting kind of sleepy and need more upbeat music, turn it up a little and enjoy. And when you want to mellow out, put on that music. Music is so powerful in how it affects our mood. If you aren’t sure what you want to listen to, check in with your patient and see what they’re in the mood for.
Learn how to work standing. Ditch the chair for a few patients and try something new. Standing puts you in different posture which can feel refreshing when you’ve got some aches and pains associated from hanging over patients. I always found my body felt better and my mood changed when I felt good. Learning to stand while you’re working is a skill, make sure you have comfortable shoes. I found i reached less for instruments and other things I needed when I was standing. It’s giving your body a break from your norm, all while you’re working away. You’re patients may be a little confused, but just do a quick explanation and you’ll be good to go. Make sure you don’t do this when you’ve got little ones who are a little squirmy, we don’t want any medical emergencies on our watch.
There you have it! A few good ideas to de-stress, while you’re working away on your patients. When you lower yours and your patients’ stress-levels, the hour goes by much faster and everybody feels better.
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