Holiday Stress for Healthcare Professionals: A Prescription for Calm
"The holidays and hospital visits are a pairing as old as turkey and stuffing," as TransLogic Blog stated on their blog on Hospitals Are on High Alert for the Holidays and that end-of-the-year holiday season is among the busiest seasons overall, especially for Emergency Departments (ED).
Due to the influx of patients and irregular hours, among other factors, healthcare professionals encounter added stress during this season. Instead of the joyous holiday celebrations with family and friends, they face heightened emotional exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and physical burnout.
Holiday Stress on Healthcare Professionals
Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to holiday stress due to factors that can impact their well-being and quality of care. Increased patient volume, especially during flu season, can lead to longer hours and heavier workloads. Irregular shift work can disrupt sleep patterns and social routines, making balancing work and personal life difficult. The emotional toll of patient care, particularly during stressful times, can contribute to burnout. Additionally, staffing shortages during the holidays can exacerbate these issues, leading to longer shifts and increased stress.
The Benefits of TouchPoints for Stress Management
TouchPoints are wearable devices that offer practical solutions for healthcare professionals who need rapid stress relief. They use Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Tactile (BLAST) technology, designed to deliver fast stress reduction through gentle, alternating sensations.
TouchPoint Solutions findings reveal the effectiveness of stress management techniques and how these can be applied to enhance both personal and professional lives, including:
-
Quick Stress Relief: A few minutes with TouchPoints can help alleviate stress and anxiety, providing a fast and effective way to relax.
-
Improved Focus: Increased focus can help healthcare professionals stay sharp and efficient, even during demanding shifts.
-
Better Sleep: TouchPoints can promote better sleep quality, which is essential for optimal performance, by reducing stress and calming the mind.
-
Enhanced Emotional Resilience: Regular use of TouchPoints can help build resilience to stress, allowing healthcare professionals to better cope with challenges.
Encourage Holistic Health During the Holidays
Holistic health, including adequate sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness, is also essential for healthcare professionals, especially during high-stress holidays. This 6 Dimensions of Health blog offers advice on promoting these health pillars. The focus on achieving a balance across physical and mental health helps manage stress and improves overall resilience, enabling healthcare professionals to face holiday challenges with more energy and clarity.
Additionally, healthcare leaders can encourage employees to adopt practical techniques, like short meditation or breathing exercises, supported by TouchPoints, these devices can support daily self-care efforts by reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.
Creating a Culture of Support in Healthcare
For a lasting impact, healthcare organizations should foster a supportive culture emphasizing mental health, especially during the holidays. This might include incorporating resources like TouchPoints into wellness programs or hosting mindfulness and relaxation sessions.
Healthcare professionals can provide optimal patient care by prioritizing their well-being. Innovative solutions like TouchPoints can empower them to manage stress effectively, even during the busiest holiday seasons. By combining innovative solutions with holistic practices, healthcare organizations can create a supportive environment that benefits staff and patients. Let's prioritize our healthcare heroes' mental and physical health with the same compassion they show their patients and ensure they can continue to provide exceptional care every day.
