Even if you have the best job in the world, it can still be stressful at times. A recent study done by Therapyjobs.com shows those jobs in the Therapy industry can be very stressful. Most Therapists go into the field because they love the work and interaction with people, but the job also has stressful factors. When asked to rate their stress levels from 1 to 5, (1 being stress-less and 5 being very stressful) 40% of respondents rated their levels of stress at 4, while 12% said their stress level was at a 5.

Stress Factors

So what did the respondents say makes the job so stressful? The amount of paperwork was noted as the number one source of stress, having too many patients and not enough time with patients were also sources of stress. Budget constraints were also source of stress for many and others listed conflicts with management or a colleague was causing them stress. Other stressors noted were not having enough patients and the lack of job opportunities currently available.

Stress is on the rise in many different industries, but for healthcare and the therapy industries the stress also comes from the increase in hours. Many therapist are working more than 60 hours a week. The increase is likely due to patient volume, 42% of respondents said that the number of hours had increased in the past 2 years.

Ways to relieve the stress

From the survey results many said they help relieve workplace stress by speaking with co-workers and friends. If the stress was too much, the respondents were likely to look for a new therapist or therapist assistant job or switch careers. For the most part, many of the respondents were handling the stress by making time for hobbies, taking time off work and going on vacation, getting enough sleep and eating healthy and exercise.

There are also some ways to relieve stress while you are at work.

1.) Take a short walk at lunch or walk to lunch – Make sure you are in a safe area to walk, and take 15 mins to enjoy being outside and clear your thoughts. You’ll be amazed at the difference.

2.) Read a book at lunch – Use your lunch time as an escape to another world. Bring a book and read during your lunch period.

3.) Take a mental break twice a day – Even if you are busy seeing patients all day, take 5 mins to take a deep breath and refocus.

These are just a couple of things to help relieve some of the stress of the day. As a therapist, your day is full of helping people respond to stress or injury, remember that you need some therapy too.