These are 8 stress management techniques for nurses in the workplace, so you can start feeling better again!
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and on the verge of tears –
Trust me, I get it.
Nursing – The beloved yet stressful career we all decided to pursue.
Not only are we trying to keep our patients alive throughout our shift, but we are also trying not to have a breakdown ourselves.
Nursing school was hard as it was, but no one could have prepared us for the reality of what being a nurse is.
The first time I left a shift and cried in my car was, surprisingly, not too long ago.
It was a rough day, with many tasks and not enough help. I felt inadequate, even though my patients were fine and nothing happened to them.
It was just one of those days and after I got home, I promised myself I would do anything in my power not to let it get to me again.
It may not always come easy, but it is important to remember to take care of yourself first.
I have compiled some of my best stress management tips for nurses, that I will be sharing with you in this blog post!
This post is all about the best stress management techniques for nurses.
8 Stress Management Techniques for Nurses:
1. Sleep, sleep, sleep
You’re probably sick of hearing this from all outlets, but it is true and it is important!
When you sleep, you heal.
When you sleep, your mind feels better.
There are many benefits to a good night’s sleep such as having better concentration throughout the day, as well as the decreased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other different diseases.
Although it may not always seem feasible, aim for 8 hours of quality sleep every night. If you can’t do 8 hours, at least try to get 6 or 7 hours of sleep.
Some ways you can increase your quality of sleep is by:
- Having a bedtime routine you look forward to
- Using black-out curtains or an eye mask
- Using a white noise machine
- Limiting screen time 30 minutes to an hour before bed
2. Eat healthy and hydrate
I can give you a whole list of why eating healthy and hydrating are crucial for any human being, but I will be here all day.
All I will say is: The better we eat, the better we feel.
I am guilty of not always following this, as I know how tiresome it can be to come home from a long shift to cook or think about what healthy options I have.
This is why meal prepping has become a lifesaver.
Don’t only prep your lunch for work, but also have your dinners ready and you’ll see how much of a difference that will make!
As a rule of thumb, the best ways to eat your meals are:
- Veggies
- Protein and fats
- Carbs
- Dessert (yes, you can have something sweet after!)
This way, you are preventing a spike in your blood sugar and you will have healthy regulation as well!
As for blood cortisol levels (you know, that annoying hormone that loves to shoot up when we are stressed), it is best to eat a low inflammatory diet.
Less processed foods – more healthy, fresh, and whole foods!
3. Move your body / Exercise
We’ve all heard it, only 30 minutes of exercise a day can benefit you.
Find what works for you.
Whether it is a walk, a jog, the gym, yoga, pilates, walking your dog, swimming, tennis, etc.
Whatever way you want to move your body, just do it!
Exercise is a game changer.
You will have increased blood flow to your brain, you will feel sharper and more alert throughout the day, and let’s not forget the beneficial increase in dopamine!
4. Sunlight
I am the BIGGEST advocate for getting natural sunlight.
There is nothing better than going outside, even for just a few minutes, and feeling the sun on your skin.
Sunlight naturally increases your serotonin levels, which in turn helps you feel happier and more energized.
On your days off, try to go outside in the morning and soak up that fresh Vitamin D.
I promise you, you will notice a difference!
5. Leave work at work
If there was only one piece of advice I could give you, it is this one.
You need to leave your work, at work.
There is no reason why you should bring all your stress and worry from your job inside your household.
You did the best you could at work.
You kept your patients alive.
You helped your coworkers.
You were on nurse mode for 12+ hours.
Trust yourself.
Your shift is over, you gave report, and your coworker can handle it now.
Unwind, take a bubble bath, and read a book.
Enjoy your time off!
6. Find a hobby / Routine
It does not need to be the most extravagant hobby, but just find something you are interested in and try it out!
Having something to look forward to on your days off is always fun!
Some hobbies you can take up are:
- Painting / Drawing
- Reading
- Writing / Starting a blog (which is what I did!)
- Cooking / Baking
- Photography
- Gardening
But really, anything that catches your attention is worth a try!
7. Take a mental health day
Do not ever feel bad for needing time for yourself.
If you are having a rough day, or if you feel like you won’t be on your A-game for your next shift, call and say you need a mental health day.
Most employers nowadays have certain allotted hours for mental health (or personal) days, and it is within your right as an employee to use them.
I’ve used my hours twice before, and I have never been ashamed to.
You come first.
Don’t ever leave yourself for last.
8. Start therapy
Therapy is not for everyone, I understand.
And if it is not for you, that is okay.
You can always talk to a family member or a friend if you are feeling overwhelmed, as this can also help you.
If you do want to give therapy a try, I believe it is a great option.
I, myself, have been going to therapy on and off for many years.
There is comfort in knowing you can vent to someone and you are not annoying them, because they are there to hear you out and give you advice when needed.
There are also other strategies you can practice such as deep breathing, and journaling!
Nursing is a stressful career, and it comes with many challenges. It takes time and patience, but always give yourself some grace!
You are doing great!
This post was all about the best stress management techniques for nurses.
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