Stress Management for HTMs

BMETs are like everyone else.  We are not immune to stress.  I say this as I am in one of the highest stressed times of the year at my position and I have not been following my own advice for managing stress.  Sometime I must remind myself to manage my own physical and mental health.  With "do more with less" becoming more common, it is especially important to take care of yourself.  Here are some things to do to help keep you sane:

• Start with a good attitude - it is amazing how looking at a glass half-full helps!
• Build each other up - support your teammates and they will return the favor.  Never gossip as that would lead to increased work conflict and increased stress.
• Be organized - your schedule and calendar can be your best friend.  By staying organized, you can avoid crisis management events.
• Always take a lunch away from your desk - your lunch should be a break from work and not just a chance to refuel mid-air.
• Unplug at home - although it isn't always possible, try to keep work and home separate.  I do not check e-mail at home.  If it is important, they can text or call.
• Put things in perspective - our jobs are very important, but it shouldn't be what validates us as a person.  Putting our jobs between our key relationships and our health is triaging in the wrong order.
• Take a vacation - you earn vacation days for a reason.  Use them. 

You can never eliminate your job stress, but you can manage it so that it doesnt negatively impact your job performance, health, or personal relationships.  Someone once told me, "The hospital was here before you got here and it will be here after you leave.  Dont put it all on your shoulders."

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