Health and happiness go hand-in-hand for all of us, and medical staffing professionals can play a role in promoting positive choices for their patients by setting an example. Researchers at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, reviewed information collected from more than 160 studies that focused on both human and animal subjects, and evaluated health responses to levels of happiness. The data indicated that those who are happy tend to live longer, healthier lives than subjects who experience unhappiness.
"Happiness is no magic bullet," said Ed Diener, a senior scientist at the Gallup Organization and author of the the study. "But the evidence is clear and compelling that it changes your odds of getting disease or dying young."
Promote your own happiness
So, what can you do between your travel physical therapy shifts to ensure that your mood is improved? U.S. News & World Report recommends taking some "me time" after work. For some, this can mean spending time hiking outdoors, while others may prefer to soak in the tub. If you're in need of some ideas, we have a few:
- Read a book, blog or the newspaper
- Watch an hour of TV
- Sign up for a yoga class
- Work on a crossword or Sudoku puzzle
Simple activities such as these can help to relax your brain, reducing any stress you may be experiencing. Many people also enjoy hitting the gym or taking on a new workout routine when things get tense. Not only will physical activity improve your health, the release of endorphins improves your mood.
Pass the advice on
If you are stressed on a regular basis, it can affect all aspects of your life. Jack P. Shonkoff, a professor of child health and development at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, explained that "toxic stress" can be a problem starting from an early age. So, it's important to encourage stress relief to patients both young and old on travel PT jobs. Once you have a better idea of what works for you, encourage others (patients and co-workers) to try some of the healthy habits.
"[N]egative emotions are only one-half of the equation," Laura Kubzansky, an associate professor of society, human development and health at Harvard, pointed out. "It looks like there is a benefit of positive mental health that goes beyond the fact that you're not depressed."
As additional research is conducted on the link between happiness and health, it's likely that mood will become a greater focus for healthcare staffing professionals across the globe.