#68 Navigating Stress - Strategies to Overcome Overwhelm and Time Pressure
OVERVIEW
In this episode of the So You Work in Aged Care podcast, we’re looking at how you can identify what matters most, and why this can be particularly helpful when you are feeling isolated, tired, stressed or overwhelmed.
When I ask people what matters most, they will usually respond quickly with something like family, faith, health or similar. And while this may be an honest response, it’s important to go a little deeper and reflect on what it is specifically about our family, faith or health that is important to us.
Being specific matters, as when we speak about things broadly, it doesn’t really identify how that looks within our lives. This makes it not only harder to incorporate it into our daily schedule, it also makes it difficult to achieve our goals.
KEY TOPICS
Self-check-in when stressed [7:10]
Having some strategies for self-check-in that are fast and easy is important as you are more likely to do them regularly. For example, simply stopping and asking yourself where you feel stress in your body, or what you are worried about. Our worries can often get pushed down, so pausing to reflect is important to help us bring them to light.
The stress of aged care work can often be underestimated. Pause to recognise the impact it might be having on you, and watch for signs that you might need extra help and support. Don’t assume you must always be emotionally presentable – it is okay to react when things affect you. Make time to check in, and listen to your gut feeling so you can recognise how you feel.
Calming distressed and overwhelmed clients [11:34]
When clients are distressed or overwhelmed, so much of our role in aged care becomes about being emotionally present for them. Your client might have health conditions they are dealing with or be going through a significant life change, and they could be feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
At this time, asking them to articulate what is important can help them feel calm. The 5-finger exercise, where you use your fingers to count off what’s most important right now, is a really helpful strategy you can use on others and on yourself. My ‘5 facts about me’ resource can be used in the same way. When distressed clients feel heard and feel they have received individualised care, it can make all the difference.
Importance of regular reviews [15:41]
When working in community care, escalating concerns is important, and so is conducting regular reviews of clients, and yourself. Your needs, and their needs, can and do change. Regular reviews where you set timeframes, can help you decide what works for you and help you uncover if you are happy to continue doing what you are doing or if you are ready for change.
What is trending [18:12]
The Jean Hailes Foundation is dedicated to creating a healthier future for all women. As approximately 87% of workers within the aged care sector are females, I want to share this valuable resource, which contains a wealth of information and factsheets on a wide range of topics that impact females.
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