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There is no denying just how challenging these past couple years have been. It can be difficult to focus on your own personal and professional growth with so much uncertainty in the world. With this in mind, we wanted to share some tips to help guide you as we welcome the new year. 

Be conscious of your perspective 

“It’s not what you look at that matters; it’s what you see” – Henry David Thoreau 

Mindset and perspective are powerful tools in life. Oftentimes we are not conscious of our inner dialogue and it simply speaks freely like a constant white noise in our lives. This seemingly harmless flow of thoughts has immense power over your perspective. You could even be hindering your own success if you find that your inner dialogue sounds eerily similar to Eeyore! Numerous studies have discovered a direct correlation between positive mindset and improved overall health and happiness. A positive mindset can also help manage stress which in turn can increase your productivity and ultimately your success both personally and professionally.

Consider additional education 

Recent events have led to greater opportunities for remote learning. What better way to advance your career then to earn a degree at home! Higher education can help you to stand out from your peers and get your resume to the top of the list. College can provide you with networking opportunities and a chance to explore different areas of interest as well. The financial benefits from earning a degree are also quite substantial. According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with an associate’s degree earn $157 more per week than those with only a high school diploma whereas those with a bachelors earn $524 more per week! If you’re not quite prepared to commit to enrolling in a degree program, certifications can also add value to your skill set and resume.

Actualize your dreams 

If these past couple years have taught us anything it’s that life is too short to not chase your dreams. Whether it’s learning a new skill, traveling, landing your dream job, or improving your health – chase it. Write down your dreams and then create small goals as the stepping stones towards actualizing those dreams. After you’ve written everything down, take that paper and put it somewhere you will see every day to keep you motivated and focused. Remember that personal and professional growth is not without its challenges, but if you refuse to accept defeat then soon you will see your dreams become a reality. 

Schedule time to decompress 

Your mental and physical health can be an easy thing to overlook in today’s society. It can often seem as if there is simply not enough time in the day to accomplish your to-do list much less to take a moment for yourself. Functioning in a perpetually rushed and stressed state will eventually take its toll on you though. One way to avoid this outcome is to schedule relaxation time into your day. In the wise words of Benjamin Franklin – “if you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” Planning your days will ensure a higher level of productivity and a lower level of stress all while honing your time management and organizational skills. During your relaxation time, try to avoid electronics and instead opt for spending time in nature like taking a walk outside or reading a book in a park. 

With World Mental Health on October 10th this year, we wanted to highlight this international day of significance which raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages their support. Mental health is different for everyone and can be impacted by things such as jobs, relationships, schooling, and just about anything else. At Med-Scribe, it’s extremely important to us that our candidates are in an environment that will support them taking care of their mental wellbeing. 

Healthcare professionals have felt the brunt of mental health wear and tear over the past eighteen months with the rise of Covid. Also, with the change of seasons in upstate New York, it’s not uncommon for some individuals to be impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder as the daylight hours get shorter. 

With constantly shifting external factors, it’s important to have practices in place to support your own mental health and also the mental health of your peers and coworkers. Here are a few tips for doing so in whatever capacity feels manageable.

1. Keep a list of always-accessible things that bring you joy.

   Not everyone has the ability to take time off or get away, especially those in the healthcare field. Instead, try keeping a list with your favorite movies, foods, and activities. If you enjoy reading, maybe it’s setting aside ten minutes after work to do that every day. Having accessible comfort options can be a micro stress reliever

2. Take breaks from social media and the news.

   When feeling unmotivated and stressed, many of us fall victim to “doom scrolling,” which is when you spend large amounts of time on your phone or computer. While okay in moderation, this can lead to feelings of unproductivity and hopelessness. Unplugging even just for a few hours can make a huge difference.

3. Facilitate open communication.

   This is especially important between employers and employees. Ask questions and don’t shy away from the tough topics like stress, overwhelm, anxiety, and depression. Your employer will want to know how you’re doing, and having regular check-ins helps keep the two-way conversation going. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for support. Creating open dialogue will help you and your employer work together better in all facets of your working relationship.

4. Prioritize a healthy work-life balance.

   Nothing leads to burn out faster than when work consumes every aspect of your life. You deserve to set boundaries and stick to them, and employers should do the same. Coming home should be an opportunity to rest and rejuvenate. If you feel stuck and burnt out, consider bringing your concerns up to your employer. They might not realize how many extra hours you’re putting in and can help guide you toward better boundaries. 

5. Don’t be afraid to ask for support.

   Whether it be from an employer, family member, or friend – don’t be afraid to let someone know how you’re feeling. Coworkers and employers especially might know of free resources within the company that can help. Sometimes, all it takes is letting someone else know and not carrying that burden alone. 

These are some tried and true methods that have helped us personally, but remember that everyone is different and there is no strict formula for maintaining good mental health. Check in on yourself and check in with your friends, and most importantly know that you are never alone, even if it feels that way for a moment in time. 

For help finding mental health resources, call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-NAMI or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741. If you’re in crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.