Addiction recovery specialists and support staff experience an unusually high level of stress due to the nature of their work. Spending every day helping people work through trauma, emotional distress, and physical discomfort takes a toll. A positive work-life balance ensures healthcare workers remain motivated and healthy. According to Cureus, multiple interventions can reduce stress in healthcare, including "Gratitude interventions . . designed to focus attention on the people and things that create positive events and feelings in one's life." Driftwood Recovery makes identifying the positives in everyday experiences easier by providing a supportive environment.

Identifying the Positives Reduces Emotional and Physical Burnout

Individuals in the healthcare field have an increased risk of burnout. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), "Research has found a link between an upbeat mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life." Finding small ways to increase positivity throughout the day can help staff members stay healthy. People who choose to focus on the positives at home and work often have better overall mental health and a reduced risk of emotional or physical burnout. Positivity improves mood, stabilizes emotions, and helps workers remain energized throughout the workweek.

Some of the ways people in healthcare identify and celebrate positive experiences include:

• Recording personal or career goal achievements
• Creating a list of positive things and adding to it each week
• Sharing positive experiences with co-workers or loved ones

Sometimes, people find it easier to focus on the negative aspects of life. However, once people look at their experiences from a more positive perspective, they find it easier to ignore or move past negativity.

Increase Confidence and Motivation By Identifying the Positives

Individuals working in the addiction recovery and mental health field increase their effectiveness and self-confidence by identifying the positive aspects of their daily routines. Often, healthcare professionals feel more motivated to continue growing and gaining essential skills if they feel hopeful for their future and client care. The mental health of clinicians and support staff has a direct impact on client outcomes during substance abuse treatment. Clients have better experiences and build stronger relationships with staff members who have the energy and emotional bandwidth to engage with them on a deeper level.

Mindfulness is one of the most effective ways to reduce negativity and gain self-awareness. Healthcare professionals must remain mindful of their needs, limitations, and boundaries to ensure they provide the best service to clients without sacrificing their mental health. Every day is an opportunity to practice positivity using mindfulness and self-care.

Maintaining self-awareness through mindfulness techniques does the following:

• Reduces the risk of mental health issues
• Decreases overall stress
• Makes it easier for people to practice self-care
• Increases self-esteem and self-efficacy

Being mindful of how work situations affect mental health is an essential part of self-care for healthcare professionals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "[I] t's important to remember that a person's mental health can change over time . . . When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities, their mental health could be impacted." Driftwood Recovery protects staff members by ensuring they have the resources and support to manage stress related to the workplace.

How Can Clinician Positivity in Treatment Help Clients Heal From Addiction?

Addiction treatment often requires an integrative and personalized approach to care. Staff members who feel comfortable, confident, and supported in their role are more likely to provide better treatment. Positivity increases the effectiveness of treatment and helps clinicians stay focused and motivated to help clients heal from the effects of addiction.

Identifying the Positives at Driftwood Recovery

Driftwood Recovery is a welcoming community where staff and clients feel supported. The treatment programs are tailored to the client's needs and each clinician's strengths. Every day, staff have an opportunity to share positive messages and build trust with clients.

Driftwood Recovery helps employees increase positivity by doing the following:

• Providing daily check-ins with each staff member and their supervisor
• Offering benefits to improve work-life balance
• Providing mental health resources

Healthcare workers often have to manage long and emotionally taxing work hours. Healthcare professionals find it easier to remain positive if they are part of a team. Driftwood Recovery has created a family-like environment where everyone has access to tools for maintaining positive mental health while treating individuals struggling with addiction. Teamwork is an essential part of the culture at Driftwood Recovery. Staff at Driftwood Recovery uplift and empower one another by sharing skills, providing emotional support, and ensuring everyone has access to the resources they need to successfully manage their workload. Co-workers go above and beyond every day to help one another find positive aspects of client care.

People in healthcare guide clients through treatment and recovery. The process often takes an emotional toll and may increase a person's risk of developing mental health issues if staff don't find ways to reduce stress. Making everyday interactions positive and inspiring helps staff members feel motivated and enthusiastic about their work. A more positive mindset decreases overall stress and facilitates better self-care. Driftwood Recovery encourages staff members to look on the bright side and embrace the positive elements of their everyday interactions with clients and co-workers. Management provides a supportive and nurturing work environment. To learn more about our programs and our workplace values, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.