COVID-19 has been impacting everyone in different ways. And one of the most important sectors to support the recovery from the pandemic is the healthcare industry. You may be feeling some nerves about what the environment feels like and how you will have to adjust to continually changing safety guidelines. But here are some resources and advice to help you get adjusted.
1) Utilize your network!
Reach out to other alumni of UConn or medical professionals. If you know other students who have entered their workplace before you, set up a call with them. Networking can provide you with a better understanding of the professional and career-related perspectives on the industry. Connecting with some frontline workers can provide you with an insight into the current situation, and the specific long-term goals in each region.
2) Take care of yourself!
Research suggests that self-care is important, especially during turbulent times find ourselves in. Below you will see some information provided by the CDC on some of the best ways to cope with stress as it relates to COVID-19.
The CDC put out some healthy ways to cope with the stress:
- Know what to do if you are sick and are concerned about COVID-19. Contact a health professional before you start any self-treatment for COVID-19.
- Know where and how to get treatment and other support services and resources, including counseling or therapy (in person or through telehealth services).
- Take care of your emotional health. Taking care of your emotional health will help you think clearly and react to the urgent needs to protect yourself and your family.
- Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting.
- Take care of your body.
- Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate.
- Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
- Exercise regularly.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
- Make time to unwind. Try to do some other activities you enjoy.
- Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling.
- Connect with your community- or faith-based organizations. While social distancing measures are in place, consider connecting online, through social media, or by phone or mail.
In addition, here are some free apps that you can download to help support you:
Happify: Science-Based Activities & Games
This app utilizes positive psychology to help you build skills for a more fulfilled emotional life.
Headspace: Guided Meditation
This app allows you to meditate, even if you only have a few minutes a day, and practice mindfulness.
3) Show appreciation!
You may be nervous about entering the new industry, but keep in mind that the current healthcare workers are also dealing with levels of stress and nervousness, as well. Take a few minutes to reach out to someone you know and send them your thanks and best wishes. In such an unprecedented time, kindness can go a long way.
If you are looking for other forms of sending your thanks, here are some:
- UChicago Medicine has a form you can fill out on their page to send thanks to their staff and show appreciation
- Atrium Health has a few different methods of saying thanks on their website, from an e-message to social media hashtags that you can use
- You can send in a note of gratitude, with some photos or artwork, to Hennepin Healthcare to show thanks
- United Way is also offering options of virtual volunteering by customizing your own thank you card to send
