As an ultrasound technician, you provide an invaluable service to those you interact with. As a patient-facing medical professional, you encounter a large amount of variety in your job and a never-ending supply of work to do. Being on your feet all day long and navigating the waters of both patients and doctors can leave you exhausted and can take a toll on your physical health.

At EcoVue®, we know how hard you work to operate a smooth clinic, which is why we provide you with only the very best in ultrasound jelly. In order for you to provide the very best to your patients, you need to feel your very best. Self-care practices can help you stay healthy and capable of providing your A-game on the job. If you feel like you could use a boost, check out these self-care practices geared towards ultrasound technicians.

Focus On Physical Health

The first place to begin is to focus on how well you are treating your body. Make sure that no matter how busy you become in your career, you do not neglect your physical well-being. Physical health is affected by a large array of factors. Some of the following can help contribute to ensuring your health is at its best, even when your career as an ultrasound tech is hectic:

• Eat the right foods: As someone who works in the medical field, you undoubtedly know what foods are healthy and what is not. By fueling your body with a variety of fruits, veggies, and whole grains, you can help contribute to better physical health. If you find you are in too much of a hurry to cook healthy meals, try to dedicate one evening a week to meal prepping. By creating healthy meals ahead of time, you can easily grab something on the go without resorting to processed or fast foods.
• Get Plenty Of Rest: You might have a hectic schedule with late-night shifts and long hours but you still need to pay attention to how much sleep and rest you are getting. Even when you can’t get a full 8 hours of sleep, make sure you have relaxation time when you are not working to allow your body a break.
• Add-In Some Exercise: Just because you are on your feet all day doesn’t mean you should neglect exercising. Try to implement at least a small amount of cardio each week to improve your body’s endurance and ability to withstand the rigors of your job.
• Cut Out Bad Habits: With the high level of stress involved with medical professions, it is easy to start relying on bad habits to cope. However, over time these bad habits can cause a deterioration in your physical health. If you have picked up habits such as smoking or drinking heavily, make a commitment to work on cutting out one habit at a time. Try replacing bad habits with new hobbies that can help relieve stress instead, such as taking up a sport or learning a new skill like cooking.

Take Care Of Your Mental Well-Being

While your physical health is extremely important, your mental well-being is of equal importance. When you work in a high-stress environment, it is often your mental state of being that takes the largest toll. Because our minds are so connected to our physical health, you can suffer from ailments that derive from stress.

If you feel like your mental health is on the decline, take the time to address why and find ways to improve your brain’s well-being. Taking breaks during your workday and investing in quiet time at home to recharge between shifts can go a long way in contributing to better mental health.

You should also work-out your brain just as you would your body. Keep your mind stimulated through reading and other growth activities. Join a local class to learn something new or take an online course in a subject you enjoy. By exercising your brain, you can keep your mind sharp and clear.

Give Attention To Your Emotional And Spiritual Health

Just as your mental health greatly affects your physical well-being, so does your emotional and spiritual health. As someone who works in the medical field, you likely face a slew of emotionally draining days. When you are emotionally exhausted, it can be difficult to take care of yourself. Make sure you invest in activities that rejuvenate you. Treat yourself to spa days or a long hike in the woods. Whatever it is that brings you emotional peace, make time for it. If you are having a particularly hard time processing emotions from work, seek out professional help. A therapist can go a long way in providing you with the tools you need to stay emotionally healthy.

Your spiritual health is also of importance. While spirituality will look very different for each person, find what it is that brings you to a centered place of peace. Whether that involves being active in a church or joining a meditation group or simply spending time in nature, recharge your spiritual batteries frequently.

Request The Right Resources

Professional Development

Not only should you focus on keeping yourself healthy, you should also make sure you are free to grow professionally and have access to everything you need in the clinic to make your job smooth. If you have areas that you hope to develop more skills, talk to your supervisor about how you can make that happen.

A good work environment should include room for professional growth and mentorship. Seek outside mentors as well who can help you find the right path for your career. Not only can mentors help you with your career decisions, they can also direct you towards the methods they have used to create a balanced and healthy life.

The Right Tools And Products

One way to lower stress at work and to make your life easier is to ensure you have access to the right tools and products. As an ultrasound technician, your patients rely upon you for accurate reporting and comfortable experience while in your hands. You can only provide them with these things if you, yourself, have the right tools and products at hand.

If you see any weaknesses in the way your clinic operates, don’t hesitate to speak up. Talk to your managers about ways you could improve or tools you feel would be helpful to your day-to-day life.

If you aren’t already using a high-quality ultrasound jelly, consider upgrading to HR Pharmaceuticals EcoVue Ultrasound Gel. This ultrasound gel is designed with premium materials and is created with sustainability in mind. With unique packaging that is lightweight and designed to allow for the maximum use of the ultrasonic gel, EcoVue is the industry leader in the environmentally friendly ultrasound gel. Having the best ultrasound gel will allow you to do your job effectively and to put your patient’s mind at ease. The happier and calmer your patients are, the easier it is for you to keep a positive state-of-mind as well.

Remember, as an ultrasound tech, it is important that you take the time you need to care for your own health and well-being. Work towards achieving a healthy, balanced life so you can give the most when you are on the clock. Feel free to reach out to EcoVue® anytime to learn more about our high-quality ultrasound gel.