As a healthcare professional, it can be incredibly hard to “switch off” once you return home from the job. Your work makes a vital difference to the lives and health of your patients, so it’s no surprise that the events of the day (whether uplifting or draining) often stick with you long after you have ended your shift.

 

You spend all day putting other people first, so when you end your shift, it is crucial that you put your wellbeing first – We underpin all that makes us successful by putting people first. We know as caring and giving healthcare workers that you are a novice to putting yourself first, but it is vital that you do in order to avoid stress and ultimate burnout.

 

We think it’s essential to keep the conversation going regarding our healthcare flexible workforce’s mental health and wellbeing. Today, we’d like to examine some of the resources available to you. Sometimes less is more and keeping things simple can be difficult. So, with thousands of wellbeing and mental health apps floating around, we decided to make things a little easier and research the most relevant ones we think may be beneficial to you.

The apps we’ll be exploring are Headspace, Unmind, Sleepio, and Daylight – our four favs!

 

Headspace 

This app focuses on meditation and the benefits you can reap from meditating regularly. If you’ve never meditated before, don’t worry: the app will guide you through the process with audio and video, including the different types of meditation and how to find a time that suits you. While the mind can be a scary place, especially right now, forming a habit such as meditation can be useful in shifting your perspective in a positive way. Headspace is interested in the science behind meditating, too – so if this interests you, head over to their website for more.

 

Unmind

Unmind is trusted by a number of employers, including John Lewis, Asos and British Airways, to provide content aimed at promoting the mental wellbeing of their employees.

The app allows users to track, assess and understand their mental wellbeing – with a content programme created by clinicians, authors and academics alike. You can also explore their range of tools and training, including a dedicated module for Covid-19, entitled “Supporting workplace mental wellbeing as the coronavirus develops.”

 

Sleepio

As the name suggests, Sleepio is centred on improving your sleep cycle. It’s a common issue, too, as around one in three UK adults suffers from poor sleep. The app works through using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques and has been clinically proven to help users fall asleep faster and get a better quality of sleep. It’s an especially useful resource for those in the medical field since you often work long shifts through the night, and therefore have a disrupted sleep schedule. On the app, you can also read about the latest sleep research that Sleepio has been carrying out.

If you find it difficult to slow your racing mind during those hours when you need some precious z’s, Sleepio sounds like a good solution. As a healthcare professional, you can request a free Sleepio account through their website here.

 

Daylight

Describing itself as your digital therapeutic for worry and anxiety, this app provides a personalised solution for your mental wellbeing. You’ll be guided through proven strategies by an app that both “talks” and “listens” to you, so there’s room for you to express your challenges and goals. You can also track your progress, which is a great way to celebrate your personal successes no matter what form they take. If you’re feeling isolated or stressed right now, this app could be the perfect solution. Just like Sleepio, it allows you to still receive CBT, even in this time of social distancing.

The app is designed to be a comforting experience and has been developed by employees from Pixar, among others!

Conclusion

If you want to look at more wellbeing apps, visit NHS where you’ll find more apps that may suit your individual needs. Also, remember there are so many more wellbeing and mental health resources out there – you are never alone. Why not check out a podcast or keep a mood or wellbeing journal to track and process your emotions.

Whatever method you choose, after the year our healthcare workers have had with a global pandemic, a little ‘me time’, and minding of your mental health is paramount.