Self-Care Strategies for Caregivers with Side Gigs

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Around 96% of medical professionals accept that burnout is a major issue in their profession. Furthermore, 42% of doctors refuse to seek the necessary mental health treatment needed to manage burnout-related issues due to reservations regarding job security as reported by Etactics. The causes of burnout can range from long working hours, and lack of socialization, to poor sleep habits and much more.  

Today, Holistic Home Office explores a few useful strategies which can help caregivers and private clinicians with side gigs overcome burnout and start living healthier. 

Prioritize Sleep 

On average, caregivers with side gigs can work anywhere between 40-60 hours per week. Additionally, they can have other professional arrangements which can further increase their workload. Working long hours necessitates the need for having a healthy sleep schedule. This is because sleep is the only time our body is truly at rest, and can recover from the physical and mental stress it experiences daily. The CDC notes that adults require at least seven hours of sleep a night. Anything below this number can start to negatively impact energy levels, mental clarity, and your ability to manage patients to the best of your ability. 

If you’re struggling to meet this number, consider cutting back on post-work activities and prioritize going to bed early. 

Optimize Your Content Marketing 

If you have yet to do so, it’s important to market your business – whether that’s your full-time work or your side gig – appropriately. Content marketing plays a pivotal role in today’s digital landscape by serving as a strategic tool for businesses to engage, educate, and connect with their target audience. It goes beyond traditional advertising by providing valuable, informative, or entertaining content that not only captures the audience’s attention but also builds trust and credibility.  

Create a Social Support Circle 

Another drawback of long work hours can be difficulty in maintaining an active social life. Humans are social creatures that need to maintain meaningful connections with those around them to be their best selves. Mayo Clinic points out that having strong social support can lead to higher self-worth, lower stress levels, and reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

Even if you do not have time for outings, make an effort to connect with friends, family, or colleagues, daily. Additionally, try to form connections with other clinicians as they can empathize with the difficulties you’re going through and provide advice or guidance on how to effectively manage stress and develop a healthy work-life balance. 

Consider Assisted Living for Them 

Assisted living becomes a viable option when individuals, typically seniors, face challenges with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, or medication management, and when these difficulties compromise their safety or quality of life. Assisted living facilities offer a supportive environment that provides assistance with these tasks while still promoting independence and social interaction. Additionally, it may be the right choice when there are concerns about isolation, loneliness, or the inability to maintain a safe living environment at home.  

Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine 

One of the best ways to keep your mind sharp and body healthy is to follow a fitness routine. Even with a tight schedule, you can squeeze in 20-30 minutes of physical activity each day which will provide you with an array of mental health benefits such as happier moods, reduced stress levels, higher self-confidence, and help your efforts to maintain a healthy sleep schedule. 

Exercising in the morning is a great way to get your juices flowing and increase energy levels which can help you push through the day. Alternatively, you can opt to exercise in the evening to disassociate from work-related stress. If needed, you can incorporate exercise as part of your commute by cycling to work rather than taking the bus.  

Be Mindful of Your Food Choices 

If you’re experiencing greater mood fluctuations than before, it could be a symptom of bad food choices. During a busy day at work, it’s often easier to rely on packaged snacks, donuts, or pre-packed meals rather than search for healthy options.  

A common ingredient found in high quantities in all these food items is sugar, which promotes the growth of bad bacteria in our gut. Additionally, eating sugar-rich food leads to what’s known as a ‘spike’ i.e. an instant but temporary boost in mood which is then followed by a prolonged spell of tiredness which can be accompanied by negative self-talk. 

A useful technique to break this cycle is to learn how to meal prep or make a conscious decision to only purchase healthy food items such as trail mix, salads, multigrain snack bars, Greek yogurt, etc. These foods will promote the growth of good bacteria leading to fewer fluctuations in mood and better digestion. 

Care for Yourself, Too 

As a caregiver with a side gig, while you may prioritize the needs of your patients above all else, it is important to be mindful of your own health as well. Even though burnout is a prominent issue in the medical community, as this article explored there are various ways through which it can be managed. A commitment to eating healthy, taking ample rest, considering assisted living for those you’re caring for, and being physically active will significantly improve your well-being and help overcome burnout. 

The content in the stories on Holistic Home Office is valuable information for anyone interested in building a spiritually inspired free enterprise. Read more informative articles today!