Pharmacy technicians often choose their career path knowing they’ll play a role in helping people who need life-saving medications. Yet, as rewarding as this career choice may be, the daily responsibilities can also become demanding. Unfortunately, the risks of on-the-job exhaustion are dangerous, ranging from giving someone the wrong drug to including incorrect dosage instructions on a prescription label. To prevent these disastrous consequences, learn some simple yet effective strategies for beating burnout below.

3 Tips to Help Pharmacy Technicians Beat Burnout

1. Find a Support Network

From long lines to communicating with doctors’ offices and insurance companies all day, pharmacy workers face unique circumstances at work which most other professionals can’t relate to. For this reason, it may be difficult for technicians to find people to whom they can vent about a particularly stressful day. Many technicians turn to support groups to find like-minded individuals. There are dozens of groups online on social media platforms such as Facebook, for instance, where technicians are welcome to share their experiences. Just be sure to check group rules and respect privacy regulations before sharing anything online.

2. Recharge Mentally

Many pharmacists face mental exhaustion because they put so much emotional energy into their jobs. Simply put, they care about the patients they see, want to help them in any way possible, and aim to avoid mistakes at all costs. These high stakes can take their toll on any individual, which is why it’s important to spend some time recharging your mind. For some, meditation is a helpful practice to restore mental energy. For others, activities like journaling and yoga can provide the mental nourishment needed to reset.

3. Use Your Vacation

Each pharmacy technician is a vital member of their team, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t allowed to take breaks. Your vacation days are there for a reason: to give you a necessary breather from your demanding job. For some people, a “stay-cation” spent at home is a relaxing way to escape the everyday stressors of work. In other cases, a week-long trip to the beach is just what busy techs need to come back feeling refreshed. Even if a lengthy vacation isn’t feasible for you right now, consider taking short day trips here and there to give yourself a break—and something fun to look forward to.

Despite the job-related challenges of being a pharmacy technician, individuals in the field agree that it’s one of the most fulfilling and rewarding career choices available. If you’re considering this career path and you’re looking for a source for quality instructional training, turn to Big Apple Training in New York City. Their courses provide the foundation needed to launch a successful career in health care, including pharmacy and nursing jobs. Explore their available courses online or call (914) 437-7373 for their White Plains, NY, location, or (718) 231-3600 for their location in the Bronx.