Five tips that will help you make the most of your busy season
For most healthcare professionals, the holidays come with added stress. Use these tips to find more flexibility, earn extra cash for gifts, and ensure the times you do have to be at work feel doable, if not festive!
1. Tend to your work-life balance
Work-life balance can be difficult on a normal day. That’s why it’s even more important to take care of the basics during the holidays.
Do you have trouble staying hydrated? Then bring a water bottle to work, and set reminders to drink every few hours (there are many apps that can help with that).
If you have a hard time eating healthy, balanced meals at work, make some time to meal-prep before your shifts get rolling for the week.
And lastly, get restful, restorative sleep. Good sleep hygiene is a must in general, but it’s critical when you’re under pressure. (And working holidays in the healthcare industry counts as pressure!) Experts recommend turning off your devices at least an hour before bed and making sure the house is dark and quiet at bedtime. If it’s hard to get the recommended dose of dark and quiet, invest in some earplugs and a sleep mask. If you have trouble falling asleep, consider using white noise or listening to one of the many available sleep podcasts.
2. Get support for seasonal stress (you know it’s coming!)
From dealing with extra-ornery patients to the sadness that some people feel when needing care during the holidays, your empathy and compassion are likely to be pushed to the limit. Before the holidays get into full swing, have a plan in place to take care of yourself.
While you’re at work, support your well-being by taking regular breaks, and stop every so often to focus on your breathing for a few moments. And if you need seasonal support, talk to a supportive friend, family member or mental health professional. If you don’t already have a therapist, check out the online therapy options, such as Emotional PPE, which offers no-cost therapy to healthcare professionals and Open Path Collective, which provides access to therapy at a reduced cost.
3. Pick up shifts via ShiftKey to help fund your gifts
’Tis the season for spending time with family and friends (and spending money on them!). Help cover some of your holiday expenses by picking up shifts via the ShiftKey app. Facilities usually need additional help during the holidays, so you can spread some holiday cheer while you make extra cash.
4. Plan for holiday flexibility
Holidays are a time for gathering with those you hold dear. If that includes traveling or taking time off from your full- or part-time job, planning in advance is key. Since your colleagues are likely to be requesting time away too, it’s critical to do so as early as possible.
If you’ll be using the ShiftKey app less during the holidays, you can bump up your requests during the few weeks before you’ll be away to account for making less money during your time off.
If you want to work while traveling, It’s easy to pick up shifts via ShiftKey in most other states, if you’re licensed there. Some independent professionals even plan vacations around places they like to work so that they can continue making money on the road!
5. Celebrate your way
When you do have to work on a holiday, make the best of it. Dress up, plan a holiday potluck with your co-workers, decorate or whatever helps make being at work feel more like the holidays.
Consider creating new traditions with your family and friends that focus less on the day and more on the celebration!
