Health care is a challenging field to work in. The last few years have been even more difficult with COVID, staffing challenges, and more demanding patients and clients. There has been an increase in risks to health care workers. If you don’t feel tired (or exhausted), I would be surprised. Life still happens, relationships with your significant others, loved ones, your social group, kids, grocery shopping, car repairs, and all the other stuff that still has to happen. In the midst of this chaos, what do we do? Here are 6 things to use immediately to bring you to a more peaceful and grounded place

1. Deep breathing: This seems so simple and yet neurophysiologically it actually can help with reducing your activation which is often putting us in a flight/fight/freeze place.

2. Effective down time: Most of us fill our space with music, noise, TV, etc. this often increases the chaos, spending some time before and after work for quiet or meditative music can provide a space for peace.

3. Recognize the energy you are bringing forward: The energy you bring is the energy that is most likely what will be reflected back to you. Think about how it feels if someone comes to you very aggressively, we automoatically get defensive and aggressive back and the difference when sometimes comes with you with compassion and kindness

4. Avoid judgment and taking things personally: This is hard, but the more we judge those around us, the more we will be negative and have increased anxiety. Change the narrative to each person has value, they are trying to do the best they can and I can be okay with someone’s misperceptions.

5. Learn relational skills to become curious, validating and empathetic: In the hectic world we live in, how many times have you felt like you weren’t heard or understood. When we provide that to others we build relational bridges that can enhance productivity, teamwork and a sense of satisfaction in the work we do.

6. Gratitude: So many times we lose sight of the things we are grateful for. Simple things like the sun, the rain, the house we live in, our kids, the friends we have. Not all of those things are perfect but there is always something to be grateful for. Try taking a few minutes each evening and speaking out 3 things you are grateful for from the day

When you read these ideas, how can you make them real for yourself. Write down what you will try each day for the next 2 weeks.

Simon Mittal