“You don’t get stressed” — a viewpoint from a healthcare professional
The reality is that as much as we try to predict and plan our lives on a day to day basis or even big life goals, it’s merely impossible to stick to that plan without getting side tracked. I’m a pharmacist- and I can speak clearly for those in healthcare that there’s never a right plan and there’s never a day where we don’t stress out.
Are you one of those patients or have you heard of those people who say “ you’re a pharmacist, you’re a doctor, you’re a nurse- you practically need to know how to look after yourself”. Ha- fun fact, we are also patients as well. The very life of a pharmacist, I can say; is not as easy or cheerful as what our smiles present to you but you cary a lot of emotions, burdens and at the same time you have to pull yourself from that mentality when you head home. If you’re still here reading this, here’s a few tips from me on how I can clear a new mindset to get home well rested and ready to face the next challenge ahead.
- Set yourself barriers
Barriers are important, when you hear this term what do we think of? Shut off, closed down or set aside and thats exactly what you need to do. There’s a time and place for everything, and you bet there’s a time and place for your day job and a place for your mind to rest. I set myself a 2 hour barrier from when I end my 10 hour shift. If I need to respond to emergencies or continual work related problems, 2 hours is all I have. Yours can be more or less- but once that time’s up it’s me time and I set everything aside.
2. Tell yourself everyday one thing you love about your job
There’s moments in our job where there’s almost nothing to enjoy. Everyday in and out, I face patients with anxiety, psychological disorders and family members mourning the lost of their loved one. When it comes to that I must admit I find it difficult having pleasure in what I do. Recently I’ve learnt to accept fear, challenges and hope as a pharmacist and the very one thing I tell myself is that I love bringing hope in the lives that are lost.
3. Exercise
Exercise is one of the biggest excuse we have in our contemporary society. No time, no place to do it, limitations in what we enjoy- let’s face it, stop making excuses for yourself. One of the very ways I manage my mentality is taking a walk in the fresh cool air or practising in Yoga a few times a week. Standing 10 hours a day 4–5 days a week- my back needs cracking and if that’s you- well get into something that physically relaxes your body and calms your mind.
As much as my role as pharmacist can be seen to be merely packing medications for you but can I tell you I have been apart of your lives ever since that day you started taking your blood pressure medicine — and I ain’t going no where.
“Don’t be afraid of who you can become but be afraid about the limitations that stop you”- Pharmacist 2.0
That’s a wrap,
Pharmacist 2.0