Page 3 - Colours of Cranbrook Winter Issue 2018

3 COLOURS OF CRANBROOK, WINTER 2018

Handy Tips

Germs Sleep and Rest

Those working in care come across germs and Get plenty of sleep and rest and even book
bacteria which could potentially make them sick. yourself in for a monthly massage. Keep the same
For this reason it is extremely important to wash sleep schedule.
your hands before and after coming into contact
with residents and their belongings. Eat a Good Breakfast/Meal
Using Proper Body Mechanics Before You Go to Work

Those working in care professions spend a Just like your mother told you, you need fuel
lot of time on their feet. Depending on their to get through the day. Avoid sugar and refined
responsibilities, they may be pushing equipment foods. Bring protein, nuts, fruits, vegetables
or moving residents. It is a good idea to ensure to for snacks. Small portions every few hours will
have the correct posture and body mechanics to keep your blood sugar stable. Be sure to stay
avoid injury. hydrated, too.

Staying Sane on the Job

Your emotional health is important too. You may
encounter residents who are draining and you
may risk suffering burnout. Know the signs of
burnout including anxiety, depression and stress.
Recognising the symptoms of burnout is one of
the first steps to managing this kind of stress.
Learning to Let Things Go Fight Compassion Fatigue

A good strategy is to learn to let things go.
Sometimes the best you can do is all you can do. This is the stress that comes from caring too
It is good to be able to just do your and best and much that can strike anyone. Because they care
not worry about solving everyone’s problems. so much about their patients/residents, those
working in care, who listen to stories of fear, pain
Get to Know Your Co-workers and suffering can find themselves empathetically
experiencing similar emotions. Those that work
Time goes more quickly when you are engaged closely with residents, for example in Aged
with others. Help each other out and seek to Care, may take on the burden of their resident’s
make friendships while you are at work. problems and concerns. Other strategies for
dealing with compassion fatigue include increasing
Simple Stress Busters social support, banishing feelings or self-blame
and guilt and participating in community or
If your stress results from the daily grind and charitable events.
changing jobs is not an option, make simple
de-stressing techniques a part of your day.
For example, exercise – finding opportunities to
exercise before/after work or during your lunch Other strategies to manage your stress include:
break can relieve stress. Also, try leaving earlier for • Breathing exercises
work so that you are calm and not rushed on your • Download a mindfulness app
morning commute. • Get active
• Keep a diary of positive things that
have happened
• Write to do lists