Wellness Wednesday: My Journey to Self-Care in Healthcare

Wellness Wednesday: My Journey to Self-Care in Healthcare

"Ah, the life of a healthcare professional! One minute, you are juggling patient rounds, medication schedules, and unexpected emergencies, and the next, you are trying to remember if you left your lunch in the staff room or if it is still in the back of your mind, buried under a mountain of charts and to-do lists. ?? Each day is an unpredictable whirlwind—like trying to keep up with a matatu on a busy Nairobi Road! ??

As days turned into weeks, I found myself dragging my feet home after shifts, feeling like I had been hit by that same matatu that just did not stop. My energy levels plummeted, and I knew I had to make a change.

Then came a lightbulb moment at a workshop on workplace wellness, where I heard about the Nia Quality Care Healthcare Employees Assistance Program (HEAP). As the facilitator spoke about the importance of mental health, it hit me like a heavy load of onions—I have been so focused on taking care of my patients that I forgot to care for myself! ??

A Turning Point

The first step was small: I learned to integrate Mindful Moments into my daily routine. Just a few minutes each day to breathe and remind myself I am not a robot programmed for non-stop work. I even started hiding in the supply room for a few minutes of peace—who knew that could be my little escape from the chaos? ??

Finding Community

I discovered HEAP’s peer support groups, which felt like finally finding my long-lost cousins at a family gathering—everyone was sharing their stories, laughing, and realizing we all felt overwhelmed (like trying to catch a taxi during rush hour). ?? We traded tips and tricks for coping and even exchanged funny stories about our daily mishaps that left us in stitches!

The wellness workshops offered by HEAP became my sanctuary. They provided tools for resilience and stress management—who knew that yoga could be so beneficial? (I am still figuring out how to touch my toes without resembling a twisted ugali! ??)

Transformation and Impact

As I embraced these changes, I felt like a new person. My energy levels soared, and I became more engaged at work. Suddenly, my interactions with patients felt joyful, like chatting with a friend over a warm cup of chai. ??

And guess what? My colleagues started noticing the change! They were curious about what I was doing differently. Maybe it was the yoga? Or perhaps they were just intrigued by my newfound energy (and maybe the stories I shared about my “yoga skills” ??). Soon enough, many of them decided to explore the HEAP resources, and we formed a little support system—like a mash-up of shujaa and buddies! ??"

—Josphine, a beneficiary of the Nia HEAP program (name changed for privacy; story shared with permission)

A Call to Action for Healthcare Leaders

As we marked this year’s World Mental Health Day in the past week, I urge our healthcare leaders to take action. Here is how you can make a difference:

• Invest in Employee Well-Being: Allocate resources to support mental health and wellness initiatives within your organization. It is not just good for us; it is good for our patients too!
• Promote HEAP: Encourage your staff to utilize HEAP and the wealth of resources it offers. You never know who might need a little extra support.
• Lead by Example: Share your own self-care practices and foster an open dialogue about mental health. After all, we’re all in this together!

Together, let us create a healthcare environment where self-care is prioritized. When we take care of ourselves, we can continue to provide exceptional care without sacrificing our own health.

Join us in this movement to embrace self-care in healthcare. For more information about the HEAP program and how to get involved, please visit Nia Healthcare Solutions or contact us directly through 0728817589 or [email protected]. Let us work together to build a healthier, happier workforce dedicated to the well-being of our patients—because when we thrive, so do our patients! ??