If you’re currently working in the healthcare industry, the chances are that your hours are long and your days busy. As a result of this, it can be tough to stay energised and focused on your day to day tasks, but for your own wellbeing, as well as that of your patients, operating in the right frame of mind is imperative for you to successfully carry out your role. For example, fatigue and sleep deprivation can have a wide range of negative impacts on the human body, from slowing down reactions to changes in your cognitive ability to perform complex tasks. Therefore, the team here at Last Call Healthcare have put together a list of suggestions to help ensure that you are as energised as possible during your shift.
 
Embrace the outdoors – Taking your breaks outside where you can get some fresh air, even if you are only able to walk around the block for 10 minutes, can be a great refresh for your system and provide a mental boost. Be sure to take advantage of this whenever you can, as some exposure to the sunlight will give your mind something else to focus on and revive you with a quick dose of serotonin.
 
Keep nutrition in mind - If you’ve been working hard, long shifts without much sleep, then the temptation is often high to treat yourself with a sugary or unhealthy snack. This may feel like a good idea at the time; however, this can trigger a glucose crash within a few hours that means you’ll need to keep eating like this to maintain even the lowest stream of energy. Good fats and protein can provide a much better alternative that will help you to sustain your energy - make sure your meals are high in protein and snack on a handful of nuts or a similar alternative to help keep your energy levels up.
 
Be wary of caffeine - Initially, the caffeine in coffee and tea can provide you with a rush of energy that could help you get through your shift. However, this is frequently followed by a post-caffeine crash and may also mean that you start building up a tolerance to caffeine. As a result, you’ll need more and more to achieve the same effect and this can have some very negative consequences for your body, as well as leaving you in a constant state of feeling fatigued.  
 
Stay hydrated - We frequently underestimate the positive impact of drinking water when it comes to energising the body. Even just 1% dehydration can begin to impact on your cognitive abilities, and if you’re feeling slow and lacking in energy, then this may impact your ability to work and carry out your role effectively. By staying hydrated, you can help combat this and keep yourself in the right state of mind to be able to provide for your patients. Given that there may be restrictions on where you can drink, make sure you’re starting your day with several glasses of water, and be sure to carry a bottle around with you when possible.
 
Working within the healthcare industry can be incredibly draining at times due to the nature of the work that is carried out, as well as the fact that shifts are often extended during busy periods. Simple changes, such as better nutrition and ensuring you stay hydrated, could make a big difference to how you feel and whether you’re able to sustain your energy throughout your day. To discover more about the importance of self-care during your shift, be sure to read our blog ‘Looking after your mental health during COVID-19’ for further information.