In my third year of nursing school, I heard a story that has stayed with me ever since.
A chief medical officer working around the clock, overwhelmed by the relentless workload, ended up in an asylum!
Besides being a tale of caution, it references the immense pressure healthcare professionals face daily.
Sadly, this story isn’t unique.
Across the world, healthcare leaders face significant stress, which can severely impact their mental well-being.
This article discusses practical strategies for healthcare leaders to manage their mental health, ensuring they can continue to inspire and lead effectively.
Understanding The Importance Of Mental Health For Healthcare Leaders
In sickness or health, most people rely on healthcare professionals to help them find solutions.
In sickness, healthcare professionals are there to help nurse them back to health, and in health, they are there to help them stay healthy.
Mental health is important for everyone, including healthcare leaders.
When you prioritise your mental well-being as a leader, you can make better decisions, engage in teamwork, and provide better patient care.
As psychologist Daniel Goleman once said, “The emotional brain responds to an event more quickly than the thinking brain.”
According to multiple studies, healthcare professionals are highly prone to mental health issues, often due to their workload and persistent burnout.
When healthcare leaders ignore their mental health, it can lead to reduced productivity and compromised patient care.
Strategies For Healthcare Leaders To Prioritise Their Mental Well-being
Strategy 1: Engage In Regular Self-Assessment And Reflection
Healthcare leaders should regularly check their mental health. They can do this through activities like self-reflection, journaling, or mental health assessment tools, or they can seek counselling if needed.
Understanding their stress levels, identifying triggers, and recognising signs of burnout are proactive measures towards this cause.
Regular self-reflection can help identify the root causes of stress, allowing for early intervention.
Strategy 2: Prioritise Your Physical Health
Physical health and mental health are strongly connected.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational to maintaining mental well-being.
Healthcare leaders often work long hours, making it challenging to maintain healthy habits.
However, even short exercise routines, mindful eating, and ensuring adequate rest can significantly improve mental health.
As the famous Greek physician Hippocrates said, “If we could give every individual the right amount of nourishment and exercise, not too little and not too much, we would have found the safest way to health.”
Dear healthcare leaders, please take heed.
Strategy 3: Build A Support System
There is no building without a foundation.
Having a solid support system is essential for managing mental health.
Healthcare leaders should sustain healthy relationships with trusted coworkers, mentors, families and friends who can offer emotional support and practical advice.
Knowing that you are not alone in your struggles can provide immense relief for managing incumbent mental health challenges.
Strategy 4: Practice Mindfulness And Stress Management Techniques
Mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help leaders manage stress effectively.
These practices can become part of your daily routine, even during short breaks at work.
Mindfulness helps leaders stay present, reduce anxiety, and improve mental clarity.
There are resources online to help with these activities.
Resources
21 Mindfulness Exercises & Activities For Adults (+ PDF)
Strategy 5: Seek Professional Help When Needed
Healthcare leaders need to recognise when professional help is required.
Sometimes, they feel they can manage on their own.
Consulting with a therapist or counsellor can provide valuable support and serve as a coping strategy.
There is no stigma in seeking help; it’s a sign of strength and a proactive approach to maintaining mental health.
Psychologist Carl Rogers emphasised, “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.”
Healthcare settings should teach stress management as a life skill.
Strategy 6: Effectively Delegate At Work
Healthcare leaders often take on too much responsibility, leading to burnout.
Delegating tasks and empowering team members helps reduce the leader’s workload and promotes a sense of trust and collaboration within the team.
Effective delegation allows leaders to focus on strategic planning and personal well-being, leading to a more motivated and productive team.
Strategy 7: Set Boundaries And Manage Time Effectively
Setting boundaries between work and personal life is beneficial.
As such, healthcare leaders should establish precise work hours and stick to them as much as possible.
Effective time management strategies, including prioritising tasks and incorporating regular breaks into schedules, are essential for leaders to uphold a healthy work-life balance.
As author Stephen R. Covey advised, “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.”
Strategy 8: Engage In Hobbies And Leisure Activities
Engaging in hobbies and leisure activities outside of work can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of leadership and administrative duties.
Whether reading, visiting recreational/sports centres with loved ones, or playing a musical instrument, finding time for activities that bring joy can significantly improve mental health.
Hobbies can also be a creative and relaxing relief for maintaining mental well-being.
Conclusion
Healthcare leaders are responsible for shaping the future of healthcare globally.
To continue making a positive impact, healthcare leaders must prioritise and understand that nothing is worth risking their mental health for.
With these strategies, they can effectively manage their stress levels, prevent burnout, and maintain their ability to lead effectively.
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