Waking up already feeling stressed can make it hard to feel motivated or excited about the day ahead. When this becomes a daily pattern, it can quickly lead to burnout. But burnout often isn’t about the work itself, it’s about losing sight of why we do what we do. Reconnecting with your purpose and taking care of yourself can help you show up as your best self for your patients and your team.
Here are some practical tips to help manage stress and bring more positivity to your workday:
1. Start Your Day with Intention
Before your feet hit the floor in the morning, take a moment to reset your mindset. Instead of thinking about what might go wrong, focus on something you’re looking forward to, whether it’s seeing a favorite patient, collaborating with your team, or simply enjoying a good cup of coffee. Starting your day with a positive focus helps set the tone.
2. Be Present in the Office
Try to leave personal worries at the door. When you’re at work, focus on work. When the day is done, you’ll have time to address outside concerns. Keeping a clear boundary between work and personal life can reduce mental clutter and increase your effectiveness.
3. Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind
A cluttered workspace can reflect and contribute to a cluttered mind. While you might know where everything is, visual mess can still cause stress. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up, it can make a big difference in how you feel.
4. Try a “Brain Dump”
When your thoughts are racing, grab a notebook and write them all down. Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can help organize your mind and allow you to focus on one thing at a time.
5. Face Problems Head-On
Avoiding problems doesn’t make them go away, it often makes them worse. Take your head out of the sand and deal with challenges directly. You’ll feel more in control and less anxious.
6. Take Steps Toward Your Goals
Whether it’s seeking additional training, adopting new technology, or hiring a coach for an outside perspective, small actions can lead to big progress. Keep your goals in sight and look for ways to move forward every day.
7. Prioritize Your Wellbeing
Considering a lifestyle change? Start small. Go for a walk, pack a healthier lunch, or drink more water. Taking care of your own health allows you to better care for others and feel better doing it.
8. Set Realistic, Achievable Goals
Big goals can feel overwhelming if you only look at the end result. Break them into smaller milestones that you can celebrate along the way. Progress is progress, and each step gets you closer to where you want to be.
9. Take Time to Recharge
You can’t perform at your best without rest. Whether it’s a vacation, a weekend at home, or just a quiet break during the day, schedule time to relax and reset. It’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
10. Reframe Negative Thinking
Not everyone grew up in a household where positivity was the norm. If that’s you, know that shifting your mindset takes time but it’s possible. Everyone experiences stress, but practicing positive thinking and reframing challenges can help you find more joy in your day than you expected.
