How to Recharge Your Energy: Strategies for Introverts in Healthcare

Introverts in healthcare,

You deserve an energy uplevel.

Do you find yourself wanting to hide in a closet at the end of the workday? Or wishing you could escape to a land far, far away?

Functioning in today’s medical model presents a unique challenge for introverts.

Clinic and hospital settings are generally not introvert-friendly. Bright lights, constant noise, and “interesting” smells often abound. Not to mention, the work pace is typically only slightly less than frenetic. Add to this an ever-increasing volume of patients requiring care and schedules that can be unpredictable.

It’s easy to feel out of control and depleted.

And out of control and depleted are not fun. Let’s do something about it.

Avoiding Burnout: What’s an Introvert To Do?

While there are many ways to nurture your introverted nature, a lot of options aren’t immediately available to you during a stressful workday. Let’s start with the trickiest part of the equation: nurturing yourself in the middle of a stressful day.

Obviously, it’s unlikely your fairy godmother is going to show up and surprise you with a spa treatment for lunch.

Here are some ways to sneak in some micro-boosts of energy during your day.

Although it’s ideal if you’re not multi-tasking, you’ll notice some of these techniques can be used even if you’re completing charts or on your way to see your next patient.

Why? Because I want to make it ridiculously easy to get started.

When you already feel like you don’t have enough time in your day, telling you to “take time out” isn’t a great starting point. These tips are meant to support and re-energize you, not be one more thing to add to your to-do list.

8 Burnout Prevention Tips For Introverts in Healthcare

Just Breathe

I know. You’ve heard this before and that’s because it works!

There are lots of techniques out there. My favorite is the extended exhale. Take a deep breath in (say for a count of 5), then S-L-O-W-L-Y let it go (say for a count of 7….or 10).

What I love about this one is once you practice it enough, you don’t have to think about the counting part and you can sneak it in anytime and anywhere.

Try Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Here’s another one you can sneak in while doing other tasks, if necessary.

All you do is tighten your muscles and then intentionally relax them. To start, just focus on one muscle group. Scrunch in your toes and tighten all the muscles in your feet. Then, completely relax them. Try it with your hands or shoulders.

Feel the difference between relaxation and tension in your body. Once you can recognize tension in your body, you can use it as a barometer to let you know you need a little “Introvert TLC”.

Create Introvert-Friendly Micro-Environments

If there’s an location you spend a lot of time in, add little touches that calm your nervous system.

This could be making your computer background something beautiful and calming, playing music, or adding a plant. Display messages that inspire you or make you laugh. If you don’t have to interact with others for part of your work, you could use noise-canceling headphones and bask in the silence. If you can, adjust the temperature to suit you.

Get creative. Look around your space and consider how you can make it your own.

Treat Your Senses With Aromatherapy

What smells instantly transport you back to your happy place? Incorporate them into your day.

You don’t necessarily need to use sprays or diffusers to scent the entire room. Essential oils come in many forms. Balms can be applied to pulse points to subtly transform your micro-environment into something more pleasing to you.

Bust a Move

If you’re sitting all day, get up and move.

Do a couple of laps around the clinic or hospital. Or just wiggle it out right at your workstation if you’re feeling playful. If you’re constantly on the go, take a minute to do a few slow, simple stretches.

Find Your Secret Hideaway

We know introverts need solitude. Find a quiet spot where you can hide out for just a few minutes.

Even if you’re still doing paperwork, just removing yourself from the hustle can help.

Of course, beautiful spaces are preferred, but sometimes you might have to get creative. A back stairway or empty exam room might serve you well. As a last resort, you may find solitude in the bathroom. Trust me, you won’t be the first to take refuge here, though I don’t recommend it as a place for multi-tasking!

Strategize

Plan ahead. If you have control over your schedule, look ahead and imagine how you might be able to adjust your schedule to include short breaks.

When you’re able, prioritize tasks so you can decrease the need for multi-tasking.

Make A Break For It

If you find yourself with 10 free minutes, head outdoors.

Breathe in air that hasn’t been constantly recycled through an HVAC system. No matter the weather, enjoy the contrast it provides to the artificial indoor environment you spend your day in.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. You’re an introvert. That means you’re reflective and creative. You’re in healthcare. That means you’re compassionate and empathetic.

Use these tips as a jumping-off point, then turn all your superpowers toward yourself. You know what you need to feel good.

Want other ways you can create an energy boost?

Check out my free Quickie Retreat Workbook. It’s a friendly guide to help introverts in healthcare find escape within their busy workday.