The new year has started, and we still haven’t seen the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. It has had a far-reaching impact on the entire globe. Every industry took a hit badly, but the one sector that took the worst blow is the Mechanisms by Healthcare.
Mechanisms by Healthcare workers are at the frontline working day and night to save others, themselves, and their families from getting this virus and helping those who have contracted it. Their work has been recognized worldwide by governments, private and public organizations, and everyone else. The fact that they are at the front puts a lot of stress on them. We are not just talking about them getting infected by the virus. There are other things they are exposed to as they work two and three consecutive shifts in the mechanisms by Healthcare. These are, among others:
• Stress, anxiety, fear
• Sadness, hopelessness, worry
• Frustration, irritability, or anger
• Restlessness or agitation
• Feeling helpless
• Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
• Loneliness
• Heartburn
• Trouble relaxing
Considering the magnitude of the challenge they are facing and the sacrifices they have had to make, there is still a lot of uncertainty. Many doctors, nurses, EMT staff, paramedics, and others are opting to work lesser hours or have changed from a permanent position to a contractual one because of these reasons.
Here, we will discuss some of the things mechanisms by Healthcare workers can do to cope with the pandemic’s immense pressure and stress and how it has affected them, their families, and more. These coping mechanisms are practical and easily achievable, like staying connected, exercising, and increasing your learning to keep on top of the game. If you have done your Masters in Public Health online, you will find the learning part very easy. If you haven’t, then maybe this is the right time to go for it. You can easily carry it on with your work and learn in your own time.
Let’s discuss these further.
Strategies to cope with Covid-19 Problems
One of the main things that we can do as frontline workers during this challenging time is to stop focusing on what we cannot control and focus on what we can. Apart from that, we can also:
Exercise
As healthcare workers, you do not want someone telling you the benefits of exercise. You know it already. You must be following an exercise routine yourself. But let us go through it once again, to focus on its importance. Exercise can rid you of many problems like sleeplessness, memory loss, tension, and negative thinking. More and more studies are coming in about the mental health benefits of regular exercise. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just make sure that you exercise at least 15 minutes a day or walk for an hour. It can decrease your chances of depression by 26%. We all have, or know someone who has, faced depression during this pandemic. We all need to fortify ourselves from it. Also, as you very well know, exercise releases endorphins (the feel-good hormones) that energize us and make us feel good.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
No matter what you are feeling right now, you have to know that you are not alone. You have to see that it is okay to feel like this. The first part of the problem is understanding the problem. You have to acknowledge your emotions so you can work on them. One of the best ways to do it is to keep a daily journal. You can do it in a diary; you can use Evernote or a myriad of different apps. You can write it, type it,dictate voice notes. The choice is yours. You can also talk to others about it.
Stick to Your Routine
One of the things that have changed during the pandemic is our routines. Losing your routine is another way of feeling lost and confused. Now, suppose you are working in a healthcare organization. In that case, the chances are that you are understaffed and working double shifts or more. Just make sure that you have your basic routines with you. It includes eating healthy meals, exercise timings, exercise types (if you go to the gym, then go to the gym), sleep timings, and more. Make a conscious effort to do these things just like you used to do them before the pandemic.
Keep Learning
One thing that you can do to stay on top of the situation is to keep on learning. It could be a degree, a course, a workshop, or more. It could also be in the form of reading a book, listening to a podcast, or taking up a new hobby or a skill. You can take up cooking, playing any instrument, learning a new language, gardening, or any other thing that helps you relax.
Stay Connected
One of the things that we have done during this pandemic is to get too attached to our phones. On the one hand, it is a great strategy to pass the time, but on the other hand, it could make you feel lonely and helpless. Ensure that you have people around you that can help you calm down, relax, and more. If you don’t have such people in your house, connect with them over the phone. Play games on zoom or just Facetime them. Try sharing your favorite recipes with them or make it together over zoom. Be part of a virtual book or movie club. Join a forum. It will ensure that you are motivated and have the boost needed to get up and go to work.
Consume Authentic Information
We all know the damage that fake news has done in the past. Now, sources are coming up that are dissipating fear and chaos throughout the masses. You have to make sure that you only follow authentic sources of information to keep yourself updated.
Conclusion
Healthcare workers are at the very front of our fight against Covid-19. It means that they have to take more care of themselves than an ordinary person. They have to take care of their patients and their health and their families’ health and wellbeing. Following the above points can help you do that.
