www.advanceweb.com | HEALTHCARE CAREERS | 2018 15 HEALTHCARE CAREERS 2018  |  WORK-LIFE BALANCE be fully invested. Leave your phone and your uniform or suit jacket at the door. Just like the company deserves that employee’s very best, his or her family deserves the very best too. CONSEQUENCES In many organizations, leaders may not deal with struggling employees appropriately, which can result in turnover. A strong leader mustsitdownwiththoseemployeesandempa- thetically share with them the consequences if their behaviors don’t change. Leaders can also explore options available to these employ- ees, if there are any, but the key is to directly deal with the issue. Some people may find this behavior harsh, but in reality it is the exact opposite. The leader needs to help struggling employees up so they can get better or provide them with the personal time and space to go home and resolve their issues; to allow a per- son to suffer and ultimately destroy a career is selfish. When people don’t have personal and professional separation, they feel overrun and ineffective in all things. This causes employee burnout and a difficult home life. In leadership today, a leader must be clear in their expectations to their team. To be suc- cessful a leader must have employees who are able and willing to do what it takes to achieve success. This only happens when all of the employees are at their best. Separating per- sonal life and work does not eliminate the per- sonal side of business — it actually strengthens it. The greatest achievement is when people are able to perform a job they love and have a fam- ily who loves them. The goal is not to sacrifice one for the other, but rather be the best at both. The best way to do that is to separate them so neither is affected negatively by the other. Here are a few tips on ways to implement triggers for you to remember to be present: 1. Never walk in the house talking on the phone. 2. Change your clothes immediately upon arriving home, so that you feel the part. 3. Make eye contact with those speaking with you, whether they are your co-worker, your boss or your 3-year-old. 4. Share the expectations with your com- pany team and your family. 5. Be aware of your personal state of mind and change it if necessary. Final thought: Be happy no matter where you are in your journey. Happiness is not a destination, it is a mindset and a journey — ultimately, it is a choice. Happy employ- ees make great employees, and happy people make great people. n NathanJamailispresidentoftheJamailDevelopment Group,amotivationalspeaker,entrepreneurandcor- porate coach. Get your copy of Nathan Jamail’s most recentbook,TheLeadershipPlaybook. STRESS MANAGEMENT TIPS TO MAINTAIN HEALTH AND MAXIMIZE JOB PERFORMANCE Whether you’re dealing with life-and-death situations on a daily basis, are overloaded with patients, or are feeling worn out from long hours, learning how to properly manage stress is vital to your healthcare career. Chronic stress can take a toll on both your mental and physical health, contributing to possible burnout. Below are 9 stress-managing strategies to protect your health and maximize your job performance. Be mindful of your particular stressors and responses. Keep a journal for a week or two to identify the activities or situations that cause you stress and the ways you respond to them. Once you know the causes, you can learn to better manage or even eliminate the problems. Get organized. Something as simple as a messy office space or facility can cause stress. Maintain a sense of control and focus by making sure your work space is clean and organized. Use a calendar to schedule upcoming events and jot down a to-do list if you find yourself dwelling on responsibilities. Establish work-life boundaries. Set work-life boundaries for yourself, such as not checking your email right before bed or answering the phone after a set time. This may not be possible for all positions, but when possible, take time to unplug from electronic devices and engage in an activity that you enjoy. Take a break to recharge. If allowed the opportunity, take time in your day to step away from work. Eat lunch away from your workplace, make a phone call to a friend, or go outside for a walk. Yoga, stretching, and deep breathing are also often recommended to combat stress. Communicate. Your employer and managers care about your well-being. If you are expe- riencing overwhelming stress, talk with your supervisor to develop a plan to manage your stressors. This might include clarifying expectations, incorporating colleague support, or identifying resources that can help. Create a network of support. You need other people. Confide in your family members, friends, or trusted colleagues to talk about your stressors and get support. It might also be helpful to establish a mentor who can guide you through stressful situations in the workplace. Take care of your body. The healthier you are, the better you will manage workplace stress. Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, taking vitamins and exercising regularly. Maintain a positive focus. Sometimes much of the stress we face is self-imposed. Remember that nobody is perfect and there is only so much you can do in one day. Don’t forget the value of humor! It might also help to keep a journal of positive things that happen to maintain an optimistic perspective. Know that you’re not alone. Lastly, remember that stress is a normal part of life. Almost everyone feels the impact of stressors on a daily basis, especially healthcare professionals, and while it’s ok to feel overwhelmed from time to time, it’s not ok to when it takes over your life. After all, you can’t take care of others unless you take care of yourself first! ADVANCE Stafff