You're dealing with constant emergencies in healthcare administration. How do you prioritize your self-care?

In healthcare administration or any high-stress profession like mental health counseling, constant emergencies can be overwhelming. Immediate Assessment: When faced with an emergency, use strategic communication to quickly gauge whether the issue is truly urgent or just important. Ask 2-3 follow-up questions to assess the intensity and priority objectively. This helps you respond appropriately without jumping to conclusions. Manage Important, Non-Urgent Matters: For issues that are important but not urgent, give the individual enough time to fully explain their situation. This allows you to address their concerns thoroughly during a valuable consultation session.

In my role as a healthcare administrator, the constant influx of emergencies can be overwhelming. Early on, I noticed signs of irritability and difficulty concentrating. Toby’s advice on recognizing stress resonated with me, so I started practicing mindfulness to stay aware of my mental state. Brief moments of meditation during my breaks and stepping back to assess my feelings helped immensely. This proactive approach allowed me to address stress before it escalated, making me more effective and balanced in my daily tasks.

Balancing work and personal life in healthcare is challenging. Inspired by Toby's approach, I decided to set clear boundaries. I established specific times when I was off-call and communicated these boundaries to my colleagues. During these off-duty hours, I immersed myself in family activities and hobbies like gardening and reading. By sticking to these boundaries, I found that I could mentally rejuvenate, which significantly reduced my risk of burnout and improved my overall wellbeing.

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day keeps your energy levels up and supports overall well-being. Proper hydration is crucial for staying alert and focused. Box Breathing: Whenever you take a bathroom break, practice box breathing—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds, and pause for 4 seconds. This technique helps create a healthy connection between your biological responses and mental calmness, reducing stress and enhancing clarity. Refreshing Splash: A cold face wash can be a quick, refreshing way to reset and invigorate yourself. It helps to clear your mind and refresh your focus, especially during hectic days.

Exercise, both strength and cardio, proper nutrition, and quality sleep are critical for maintaining a healthy balance. Much research shows that when these 3 foundational areas are where they should be, they will provide 90% of what we need to be healthy and productive throughout our lives. They will also provide a long health span.

In healthcare administration, constant emergencies make self-care crucial. Prioritize physical health by setting boundaries, like designated breaks and end-of-day routines, to prevent burnout. Incorporate regular physical activity, even if it's brief, and focus on a balanced diet, avoiding fast food and staying hydrated. Ensure adequate sleep to manage stress and maintain alertness. Practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, to manage stress. Delegate tasks when possible and seek support from colleagues to manage workload. Prioritizing self-care helps you stay resilient and focused in a demanding environment.

Maintaining physical health was another area where I sought improvement. Following Toby's guidance, I incorporated regular exercise into my routine, starting with brisk walks during lunch breaks. I also prioritized getting 7-9 hours of sleep each night and focused on eating a balanced diet. These changes not only boosted my physical health but also enhanced my ability to handle stress. I felt more energetic and capable of making clear decisions during emergencies.

In my high-pressure role, delegating tasks effectively was crucial. I identified responsibilities that could be managed by my team members and trusted them to take on these roles. Clear communication and setting expectations were key. This not only lightened my workload but also empowered my staff and fostered a supportive work environment. Delegation, as Toby suggested, optimized our team's capabilities and improved overall efficiency.

Effective time management was essential for balancing my duties. Inspired by Toby's strategies, I began prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance. I created structured schedules using calendars and task lists to stay organized and avoid last-minute rushes. This approach helped me tackle high-priority issues while ensuring routine responsibilities were met. By managing my time wisely, I reduced stress and created space for self-care activities.

To manage all of my patients effectively, I have to stay aware of a multitude of information. Giving all of my focus to managing the critical patient first and not getting distracted by less emergent requests helps me be more efficient and less stressed because I don't have to constantly refocus on what I was doing before I was distracted.

Professionals in healthcare are constantly in pressure, few minimal time investment yet effective daily routines to manage stress: -Alternate nostril breathing which "reduces stress"- 5-10 rounds -3-5 rounds of Surya Namaskar (Sun salutations) every day, takes just few minutes- for overall body stretching -Humming bee breathing - very effective and can be practiced any time of the day- induces calming effects

Mindful relaxation techniques became a cornerstone of my daily routine. Following Toby’s advice, I incorporated deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery into my day. Even dedicating a few minutes to these practices made a significant difference. These techniques improved my emotional resilience and helped me maintain a calm demeanor, which was crucial when leading my team through emergencies. By prioritizing mindful relaxation, I was better equipped to handle the stresses of my role effectively.

Working in a busy NY Urban ER, it is challenging to stay balanced, focused, and emotionally available to patients, families, staff, and myself for a 12-hour shift. When I feel myself losing that balance, as soon as it's possible, I take a 15-minute meditation break. I've found a quiet area where I go, breathe, rebalance, and do a brief meditation. I can then reengage with everyone in a way that benefits them and me.