Support workers implement the care plans that are tailored to each individual. They invest their time in getting to know the person and finding ways to help them respond better to difficult situations. Support workers who use a person-centered strategy personalize their support and help people to live fulfilling lives.
We can say with certainty that the role and responsibilities of support staff can be challenging, given that it takes a lot of effort to care for every person. Support workers can face difficulties due to a variety of factors such as compassion fatigue, work overload and lack of self care. In recent years, support workers have often had to adapt to environments that challenged their core beliefs in order to make ends meet.
Support workers must take care of their own physical, mental, and emotional health in challenging situations. They can focus better on their work if they have a positive outlook and a well-being. All workers have the right, including support staff, to a healthy and safe working environment. There are many actions and resources available to help achieve this goal and prevent mental challenges at work.
1. Work-Life Balance.
A healthy balance between work and life is essential. In order to achieve your personal and professional goals, you need to find ways to recharge yourself after spending time supporting others. The Mental Health Foundation found that 30% of UK workers are unhappy at work. The survey revealed that long working hours can lead to a reduction in home life, mental health issues and a lack personal development.
This can lead to depression and anxiety, because people don’t have enough time to rest. The survey found that as the working hours increased, so did the time spent outside of work thinking about or worrying about work. Work-life balance, therefore, is crucial for achieving results at work and achieving personal goals, which make us healthier and happier.
A healthy work-life equilibrium has many benefits for employees as well as organizations. People who are allowed to spend time on their own and take care of themselves will experience increased role satisfaction as well as overall happiness. It improves their creativity and performance, while also improving the mental health of those under their care. By establishing policies, and providing resources, health and social care providers can help achieve this balance.
These tips will help you achieve a balance between work and life:
- Priorities rest. Rest is important to help support workers regain energy, reduce their stress and avoid burnout.
- Collaborate. Teamwork increases efficiency, reduces workload and makes it easier to manage your work schedule.
- Self-Care. Self-care is important for physical and mental health. It can be as simple as mindfulness or exercising. We need to form strong bonds with people and nature to improve our mental well-being.
2. Take Regular Breaks.
Support workers’ mental health and wellbeing are dependent on taking breaks and prioritising their own care. It is easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of a job that involves providing care or assistance to others. This can lead to neglecting one’s needs. It is important that support workers take care of their health by eating, drinking water, and taking care of themselves.
Nutrition and hydration play a major role in maintaining a positive attitude and providing quality support. Support workers’ concentration, memory and problem solving abilities can be improved by eating balanced meals and remaining hydrated on breaks. Support workers will be more satisfied with their jobs if they prioritize these basic needs.
Support workers can schedule breaks within their schedules by using effective time management techniques and prioritising tasks. By setting realistic expectations, asking for help from colleagues and scheduling regular breaks, they can improve their productivity and the quality of care that they offer.
3. Sleep Enough.
Support workers who work irregular hours or night shifts need to get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to increased stress, anxiety and discomfort. This leads to burnout. Sleep disruptions and chronic sleep disturbances are linked to depression and high blood-pressure. It is therefore important to prioritize healthy sleeping habits.
We recommend sleeping 7-8 hours per night, but understand that it is not always possible to sleep well. Resting when you can, is important. Sleeping for 7-8 hours per night is beneficial for both your mental and physical health.
- Feel better?
- Reduced risk of depression, anxiety and hypertension
- Clear Thinking
- Immune system improved
- Reduces stress
- Improved communication skills
- Efficient decision making
Healthy sleep habits should be incorporated into the routines of support workers. Support workers who work irregular hours or night shifts should try to develop healthy sleep habits.
Try creating a relaxing atmosphere to improve your sleep. Before bedtime, you can prepare your mind and body to sleep by incorporating calming activities, like reading a book or taking a warm shower. It is also recommended to limit exposure to blue-light emitting electronic devices. Support Workers in Adelaide can improve their sleep patterns by incorporating these tips in their daily routine. This will help them to get the rest that they need and be able to support others.
4. Stay Active.
A healthy lifestyle is based on an active lifestyle. Consistent exercise has many benefits including improved energy, self-esteem, better focus and a better quality of sleep. Support workers who stay active can improve their productivity and health.
The first step to staying active is finding an activity you enjoy. You can choose from a variety of activities, including dancing, swimming or playing sports.
It is easy to schedule regular physical activity in your weekly schedule with a little planning. Taking a walk with family or friends, or seeking out social support can also help to motivate you to stay active. Healthcare support workers can thrive professionally and personally by prioritising an active life-style.
5. Eat Well and Hydrate Often.
Support workers can find it difficult to maintain healthy eating habits due to their busy schedules. Eating well and keeping hydrated are important for both physical and mental wellbeing.
To combat this, it is important to eat regularly, drink plenty of water and eat fruit and vegetables to ensure that you are getting the nutrition necessary to maintain your health. Support workers may work irregular hours or night shifts, and not always have easy access to healthy foods. Meal prepping can be a good source of healthy food.
Support workers can use the following tips to promote healthy eating and drinking:
- Prepare and plan meals. Plan and prepare your meals in advance to make it easier to access nutritious meals during the work week. When you have to take care of people who are challenged daily, it is difficult to prepare balanced meals. It is always better to have meals ready on hand. Include lean protein, whole grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables. These foods are known to improve mental and physical health.
- Drink water throughout the day. It is essential to stay hydrated for your physical and mental well-being, but remembering to drink water can be difficult. Use smartphone apps or set reminders to track your water intake. Always keep a bottle of water close by.
- Don’t forget snacks. Include portable healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds or fruits and vegetables cut up for quick and nutritious breaks. It is important to maintain blood sugar levels in order to be able handle challenging situations.
- Seek nutrition support. Consult a nutritionist if you can to receive personalised recommendations and advice for maintaining a healthy lifestyle that fits your schedule and needs.
6. Speak to Your Manager.
If they are facing any difficulties, support workers should talk to their manager. You can then try to resolve the issue. Your concerns will be acknowledged and addressed. You can request a meeting to discuss any issues or concerns you may have with your manager. During these discussions, it is crucial to express your feelings, thoughts and concerns clearly. It sets the stage for a candid and open conversation that leads to much-needed changes.
It is also important to maintain connections with your team, family, and friends when you feel overwhelmed. Speaking about the difficult emotions that come from difficult situations can improve your mental health and make you feel more connected to loved ones and team members. Support workers must not be afraid to ask for clarifications when necessary. Active listening is essential for effective communication. It’s important to show interest and engage in the conversation. By building a network of colleagues who are facing similar problems, you can solve them together and feel more understood.
Support workers may also want to seek out the help of mental health professionals, who can provide guidance, coping techniques, and other resources for navigating difficult situations. These suggestions will help support workers improve their communication and gain the support they need when faced with challenges.
7. Prioritise Yourself.
Support workers who are stressed or overwhelmed may not take time out for themselves. Self-care is crucial for managing stress, improving the work-life-balance, and nurturing well-being.
Self-care comes in many forms. Hobbies like gardening, cooking and outdoor activities, as well as hobbies such as reading, can give you a break. Relaxing baths, reading a book or enjoying a cup tea can reduce stress.
Spending quality time with family and friends can also foster emotional wellbeing. Support workers can manage stress more effectively and achieve a better work-life balance by incorporating self-care time. Self-care is not only beneficial to support workers, but it also has a positive effect on the care they provide for others.
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