Mental Health for Adjusters
Whether you’re an adjuster for a corporate company or a small insurance firm, the stress and pressure put on your shoulders during a catastrophic event reaches new levels. Adjusters often find themselves alone and isolated without anywhere to turn while spending long hours working in new areas far away from loved ones or coworkers. Remembering mental health as an adjuster matters just as much or even more than others can help relax, ease stress and clear the mind. We understand time is money, but mental health should be a top priority. Here are a couple of ways to cope with stress while working in a catastrophic event as an adjuster.
1) Stay in a Safe Hotel.
Sometimes going the extra mile and getting a good hotel is worth the money. Staying in an unsafe hotel can make you feel uneasy and overall increase your stress. Knowing that you’re in a secure, well-protected space will eliminate any room for unwanted stress. It can also improve your focus and help you close claims faster.
2) Have a Plan
Having a routine and planning your day out helps reduce stress and improve focus. A physical planner or to-do list can help organize a million thoughts rushing through your head. Planners are a great way to manage your weekly appointments, lunch, desk work, and relaxation times. A to-do list can help you stay on task, especially when it’s highly detailed. A detailed daily to-do list can help you plan out your entire day, allowing you to see all you have to do in one day and not fall behind.
3) Mini-Vacations
Modern life is already fast paced, even more when you’re an adjuster during a catastrophic event. Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said “, Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear? Can you remain unmoving till the right action arises by itself?” The Power of pausing in life as it moves 100 mph can allow us to find a calm perspective during the storm. Introducing mini vacations into your workday can allow you to find clarity and peace during busy endless days. A mini vacation is an experience where you take 5-10 minutes to relax and do something you would do on vacation. An example would be by closing your eyes, lying down, and imagining you were in a vacation spot (sunny beach, mountains, etc.). Or by taking a walk or exploring somewhere you usually wouldn’t go. If you enjoy reading on vacation, take ten minutes to read part of a book you want. The most important part of this exercise is to focus on your breath and lower your heart rate. Mini vacations can help enhance understanding, improve consciousness, and have a more positive outlook. 10-5 minute mini vacation can be done anywhere and easily fit into your busy schedule. Ensure you keep a clear mind by taking mini breaks. Your health is essential.
4) Stay in touch with loved ones
Sometimes, you will be alone, working long hours, and missing loved ones or important milestones back home. This can take a toll on your motivation and happiness. It’s essential to stay in touch with loved ones at home, even if it’s by simply saying good morning, checking up on them midday, or calling them on your way to your next appointment. Staying in touch also helps eliminate the stress of worrying about them while you’re away. Making the little time spent together is essential. Although there’s intense pressure on your shoulder, ensuring that you don’t take out frustration or anger on loved ones is critical, they, too, are dealing with their stress. Make the time you have with them time worthy.
5) Ask for help
Most importantly, ask for help. You don’t have to be alone and struggle alone; not asking for help can prevent you from accomplishing work correctly and on time. This can lead to more stress on managers, homeowners, and yourself. Try connecting with other adjusters in the area, build a support system for each other, and ask each other questions instead of asking managers. Lastly, another way to receive help is attending training programs through your company before arriving at the event.
Remember to put your mental health first by staying safe, having a plan, asking for help, staying in touch, and taking mini vacations.
