Practicing Self-Care as an Allied Health Professional

As someone who partners with Allied Health Professionals seeking new opportunities, I have been lucky enough to recognise the importance of self-care. The demands of any role can be overwhelming, but in the Allied Health space, neglecting your own well-being also inhibits your ability to provide the support and care the clients deserve. This is an extra layer of responsibility that many other industries cannot relate to, it’s not just about the employee but also the people in their care. This is why practicing self-care is so crucial and in this blog post, I want to share practical self-care strategies you can apply to your roles.

Practical Self-Care Tips:

1.     Setting Boundaries:

Boundaries are designed to separate, and I believe the separation between your work and your personal life is must for everyone. Creating that separation has been one of the most impactful self-care practices for me and it’s so achievable that I do it on my lunch breaks. I make it a point to head to my local F45 gym during my lunch breaks in the Brisbane CBD. This not only provides my body with the physical activity it needs but also gives my mind a much-needed reset. I get to stop stressing about work and instead stress about the next burpee I have to do. This allows me to return to work energised and ready to tackle the rest of the afternoon with renewed focus and clarity. It may not seem like much, but that separation makes all the difference in my own well-being.

Now maybe you don’t have any time over your lunch break and that’s okay, what you do to separate is entirely up to you. Switching your phone off while reading for an hour after work, taking the dog for a walk, watching a movie, it can be anything you desire. The important factor is the separation and giving your brain a chance to think about anything else!

2.     Mindfulness and Stress Management:

I know at first glance these words can sound like buzzwords, but I can assure you they’re important. Incorporating mindfulness practices into my daily routine has completely transformed how I manage stress and maintain my overall well-being. In addition to my gym sessions, I carve out time to listen to audiobooks that focus on mindset and personal development. Currently, I'm immersed in "Atomic Habits" by James Clear, which has been instrumental in reshaping my perspective on building sustainable habits and fostering a positive mindset. You don’t have to embark on expensive pilgrimages to learn about mindfulness, a YouTube video or an Audiobook can do wonders. The important point is that you start!

3.     Physical Well-being:

We all feel tired, we all have days that seem impossible, so my next Self-Care tip is to try to minimise those days. Prioritising physical health is essential for sustaining energy levels and resilience in our demanding roles. Alongside regular exercise and maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring adequate hydration is crucial. Personally, I've found that setting a visual goal for hydration helps me stay on track. I fill up a 2-liter bottle every morning and make it a goal to finish it by the end of the day. This visual cue serves as a reminder to stay hydrated throughout the day, without the hassle of counting glasses of water (which always seems to fail after losing count!). Don’t forget after all that working out and eating properly, we need to rest! Prioritising quality sleep is paramount for overall well-being. One tip I swear by is keeping my phone out of arm's reach beside my bed. This ensures that I'm not tempted to scroll through blue light-emitting screens before bedtime, allowing for a more restful night's sleep. I can assure you that if you practise this it will change your life for the better.

4.     Social Support and Connection:

We humans are social creatures, doesn’t matter if you’re introverted or extraverted, we need to talk to people! Personally, I’ve found that building a strong support network has been invaluable in maintaining my mental and emotional well-being. Whether it's reaching out to colleagues for a quick chat or spending quality time with loved ones outside of work, fostering meaningful connections provides me with the support and perspective I need. They don’t have to be long conversations, but being able to talk about your day or your struggles can really help you re-focus and prioritise what needs to be done.

Here at Hinchen Recruitment Group, we have a company-wide meeting every week to discuss our Highs & Lows for the week. Being able to celebrate wins and realise you’re not the only one struggling that week makes a huge difference in my work. I think every company should do that same!

5.     Self-Reflection and Personal Growth:

Self-reflection serves as a compass for my personal growth journey. In my role as a recruiter, I have the privilege of interviewing Allied Health Professionals daily and one of the questions I often ask is, "What is your biggest success story?" Surprisingly, this question isn't always easy for individuals in the Allied Health world to answer. Despite their remarkable achievements, many find it challenging to showcase their wins and reflect on the good they've accomplished. This observation has led me to incorporate a similar practice into my own routine. I've learned the importance of acknowledging our successes, no matter how big or small they may seem. That's why, when writing in my journal at the end of the week, I make it a point to include a section dedicated to my "wins." Whether it's a positive interaction with a candidate, a successful placement, or even a small gesture that made a difference, each win serves as a reminder of the impact I'm making in the Allied Health community.

It's crucial to give ourselves a pat on the back and recognise the good we've done, even if it's just a series of little wins. After all, every accomplishment, no matter how seemingly insignificant, contributes to the bigger picture of helping others and making a difference in their lives.

Always remember that self-care isn't just a buzzword; it's a lifeline for Allied Health Professionals. By incorporating personalised self-care practices into our daily routines—whether it's setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, prioritising physical well-being, seeking social support, or engaging in self-reflection—we can nurture our well-being and sustain our effectiveness in our roles. As we continue to support others on their journeys to health and wellness, let's remember to prioritise our own self-care along the way.

If you're struggling and need professionals to talk to, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

If you’re an Allied Health Professional and wanting to discuss career advice or potential opportunities, please feel free to reach out to me at paul@hinchen.com.au.