When people talk about stress, you generally conjure up negative images, typically involving someone with red-rimmed eyes, crazy hair, clenched teeth and maybe, just maybe, the word “postal” comes into the vocabulary. However, stress isn’t the bad guy; it’s more or less how we choose to handle (or don’t handle) our stress that becomes the problem. Changing jobs, moving, and major life changes are typically the main causes of stress which unfortunately, as a traveler, two out of those three comprise the nature of what you do. Managing stress is essential because if you don’t, you’ll find that your body will respond in not so pleasant ways physically (i.e. gastro issues, blood pressure, etc.). You may also find that you tend to overreact to situations that might otherwise be a no big deal. Unfortunately, as a traveler, you may not have someone around you that will tap you on the shoulder and ask, “What’s wrong?” In fact, your coworkers may start to assume your behavior is the norm for you and that may impact those working relationships. Staying mentally and physically fit is essential as a traveler and involves actions you normally would encourage in your patients and you yourself may already do.
Being a healthcare traveler can definitely take its toll, both mentally and physically. However, there are an astounding number of travelers and they love what they do but how do they keep themselves mentally and physically sound while on the road? I thought I would ask a few of our travelers to share their insight or tips so I can pass it along to you in short blogs over the next couple of months.
Catherine T., a traveling physical therapist, starts us off with some insight on what her and her husband does while on the road:
“As a physical therapist, my job focuses on exercises to help improve the body’s function. Exercise is better than medicine in many cases, not only for physical health but mental health as well. While most people recognize the importance of fitness, many find it challenging to keep up with an exercise program. In my own life I have found a few key aspects of maintaining fitness. First of all, you have to find something that is interesting to you. I enjoy lifting weights, but a lot of people think weightlifting is boring. Hiking and outdoor activities might be more enjoyable for some. One of the great advantages of working as a traveling PT is the variety of outdoor settings that I have been able to experience. My husband, a traveling OT, and I have hiked in North Carolina, Pennsylvania and New Mexico, and we took advantage of outdoor activities in Florida as well. The change of scenery keeps the outdoor exercise exciting.
Depending on your location you might have access to gyms with yoga, Pilates or other exercise classes. The key is to find something that you enjoy, because you will be much more likely to stick with it. Another important consideration is establishing a routine. My husband and I go to the gym every day before work because we have found the routine to be successful for us. After work sometimes we have to go grocery shopping or run errands, so it’s best for us to get the workout done early in the day. I usually get my workout clothes out the night before so I don’t have to think too much in the early hours of the morning. If you are able to integrate exercise into your routine, it can become part of your lifestyle.
Accountability is another factor that influences your exercise habits. I find it very advantageous to have a husband to support me in my exercise routine. We wake up together and go to the gym together. Even though we go our separate ways once we get to the gym, it’s still good to have a partner to help motivate me to get out of bed and hit the gym. If you don’t have someone in your home to help keep you accountable, you could use online social networking sites to share your challenges and successes with friends and gain support. We have both benefitted from making fitness a priority in our lives.”
Catherine and her husband, Ryan, have been traveling with Aureus Medical for almost 4 years.
Sun Hui (Sunny) Snook graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 11 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. In 2011, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Sunny was named the 2011 Employee of the Year for C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical Group. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.
Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter
Enjoyed reading the tips on the road! Thank you got some good ideas!