As a healthcare professional dealing with pressure is often part and parcel of the job. It is therefore important you build your resilience and have healthy coping strategies in place to help you cope during times of stress.
What resilience looks like:
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Adaptability: Healthcare professionals demonstrate resilience by quickly adapting to changes in patient conditions, treatment protocols, or healthcare policies. They remain flexible and open-minded in the face of uncertainty.
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Emotional regulation: Resilient clinicians manage their emotions effectively, staying composed and focused in the face of stress. They recognise their feelings without being overwhelmed by them, allowing them to provide the best possible patient care.
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Self-care: Resilience involves prioritising self-care to prevent burnout and maintain physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing. This may include regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, and seeking support from colleagues or mental health professionals when needed.
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Problem-solving: Clinicians exhibit resilience by approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset. They seek creative solutions, collaborate with colleagues, and use resources efficiently to overcome obstacles.
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Effective communication: Resilience means communicating clearly and compassionately with patients, families, and colleagues, even in challenging circumstances. They listen actively, convey empathy, and provide information in a way that fosters understanding and trust.
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Continuous growth: Resilience involves a commitment to ongoing professional development and learning. Healthcare professionals actively seek out opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills, staying updated on the latest advancements in medicine and healthcare practices.
Building resilience: Here are some tips to help build your emotional resilience...
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Make time to talk: It is important for colleagues to speak to each other about any difficulties they are having at work. This type of direct communication can be very helpful in trying to identify and reduce problems. A simple step could be to start a daily period set aside for an informal meet-up.
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Seek social support: Try to make time for your family and friends, and for you to feel supported by them. Take time to speak with your colleagues, not just your patients. Get to know those who work in the area around your place of work and be part of your local community. Building connections in this way will support and enrich you every day. For example, linking your practice with the Parkrun initiative can be a good way of extending community connections.
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Reflect on challenges and successes: Reflect on past challenges you have overcome and successes you have achieved in your career. Use these experiences as sources of strength and motivation during difficult times, reminding yourself of your ability to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity.
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Keep learning: Taking up a new hobby or improving your skills in a pastime you are passionate about can be enjoyable and improve your confidence.
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Stay active: Try to take time away from your desk/work duties at some point during your shift. Why not go for a walk or a run during your lunch break? Regular physical activity has been associated with lower rates of depression and anxiety.
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Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life to prevent burnout. Learn to say no to additional responsibilities when your plate is already full and prioritise tasks based on importance and urgency.
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Consult: NHS Employers’ How are you feeling today? NHS toolkit. It aims to boost staff wellbeing by encouraging conversation about emotional wellbeing in the workplace.
Further resources
TED Talk: 3 secrets of resilient people by Lucy Hone
TED Talk: How failure cultivates resilience by Raphael Rose
Watch and listenBBC Sounds: The Science of Resilience
Listen nowBBC Sounds: How to get through tough times, BBC Sounds
Listen nowHow MDDUS can help
Join one of our regular resilience and wellbeing workshops. The next one takes place on 12 December and focuses on self reflection and developing insight. Learn more and book now.
Members can also watch our on-demand webinar, 'Focus on wellbeing' here.
YourHalo: Emotional Wellbeing is a free, confidential wellbeing service, which was developed to provide MDDUS members with the care and support they need when facing difficult times. Sign in to access a range of useful resources