As someone who has openly shared the ups and downs of my journey in optometry, I understand the mix of emotions that come with the territory. There are days when the satisfaction of helping patients leaves me convinced that I’ve chosen the best profession in the world. Yet, there are also moments when the stress of the clinic makes me question my career path. It’s a natural part of any job, especially in a field as demanding as ours.
A survey by the Association of Optometrists on Health and Wellbeing revealed that a significant number of professionals experience moderate to high levels of stress. This is particularly true in environments with a high volume of eye examinations, tight deadlines, and the pressure to meet sales targets. Add to this the physical strain of conducting repetitive eye exams, and it’s no wonder we sometimes feel overwhelmed.
Through conversations with colleagues and personal reflection, I’ve gathered some insights on managing stress and finding comfort in our roles:
Sleep Well
Quality sleep contributes significantly to our overall well-being. It acts as a cornerstone for our physical and mental health, playing a pivotal role in enhancing our alertness and optimising our performance throughout the day. Striving for a consistent and adequate eight hours of restful sleep not only rejuvenates the body, but also has the potential to significantly lower stress levels, thereby promoting a more balanced and harmonious lifestyle.
This means making sure your sleep regime is adhered to – aim to put down the phone and other electronic devices a good hour or so before bed, invest in some good bedding and avoid any other nighttime distractions. Trust me, the world feels better when you aren’t battling with heavy eyelids and an overwhelming urge to yawn.
Stay Active
I’m pretty bad at this one, but exercise really does make a difference to your stress levels. It offers you a chance to focus on you and your body (a million miles away from the 16-20 times you are focusing completely on somebody else and their eyes!). Take some time to exercise and the endorphins that kick in from a decent work out will make you feel much better.
Exercise may seem like a chore, but it’s a powerful stress reliever. It shifts our focus from patient care to self-care, releasing endorphins that boost our mood and energy.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness was a foreign concept to me until a manager introduced me to its benefits. Short sessions can ground us, alleviate stress, and better prepare us for the challenges ahead. Even a short mindfulness session can bring these benefits – perfect for use in between appointments or during a lunchbreak.
The practice of mindfulness harnesses the power of the present moment, allowing us to cultivate a sense of clarity, focus, and tranquility in our daily lives. By tuning into our thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement, we can develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and our surroundings.
Incorporating mindfulness into our routine can lead to improved emotional regulation, heightened self-awareness, and a greater sense of overall well-being. Furthermore, it can enhance our ability to concentrate, make decisions, and navigate complex situations with composure and resilience. Embracing mindfulness has truly enriched my life, leading to a profound shift in how I approach both work and personal challenges. If you are particularly prone to stress – I urge you to try it!
Communicate
Sharing our experiences with family, friends, or colleagues can provide new perspectives and solutions to stressful situations. Open dialogue can also lead to practical changes in the workplace that reduce stress. When we open up and share our challenges and triumphs with others, we create opportunities for empathy, understanding, and support. This communication can foster a sense of togetherness and collaboration, enabling us to tackle stressors more effectively. Through these conversations, we not only gain valuable insights and advice, but we also build stronger connections with those around us.
In a professional setting, the sharing of experiences and ideas can spark innovative solutions and strategies for managing stress, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive work environment. Furthermore, experience has taught me that optics is a particularly judgemental profession – and needlessly so. Communicate, learn and grow by discussing findings, cases and even mistakes that you have made – it’ll help you feel better and even encourage further openness between peers.
If you ever need to talk to a peer for advice; feel free to contact me – I am more than happy to be open and non-judgemental to your concerns. The Association of Optometrists also have the AOP Peer Support Line – a confidential, free-phone helpline for individuals (members and non-members) at any stage of their optical career to call and discuss their problems with a trained, empathetic peer who recognises the pressures of optical practice.
Explore Your Options
The findings from the AOP study discussed earlier shed light on the experiences of different groups when it comes to work-related stress. It is interesting to learn that part-time workers and individuals in independent practices tend to report lower levels of stress. This insight underscores the potential benefits of making adjustments to one’s work schedule, approaching breaks differently, or exploring opportunities in alternative work environments. By taking these findings to heart, it’s possible to make meaningful changes that could positively impact your well-being and job satisfaction. Your health and happiness matter, and it’s worth considering how you can apply these insights to improve your own work experience.
Remember, each of us will have unique preferences for our work environment. It’s about finding the right fit that allows us to manage stress effectively and thrive in our roles. I’m curious to hear your strategies for coping with workplace stress. Feel free to share your thoughts and tips in the comments below.
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