An
company | Brands
Blog & News/5 Tips for Nurses to Keep their Pep on and off the Clock
You lead a busy and rewarding life as a travel nurse, but that doesn’t mean that you’re immune to stress and its effects on your body and mind. While travelling, learning new hospital routines and patients as well as dealing with modern life in general can sap even the most enthusiastic nurse’s energy levels. It will be helpful for you to learn some simple techniques of stress management for nurses.
Yoga and meditation Think “center and focus--breathe in, breathe out.” Both help you create a serene oasis for yourself in your mind and will help you return to your work refreshed and renewed. The beauty of yoga is that it is easy for most people to learn and you can do it almost anywhere there’s a quiet corner of a break room. There are different forms of yoga, such as hatha yoga; some forms emphasize strengthening and stretching, others breathing and meditation; all can do your mind, body and spirit a world of good.
Massage and spa treatmentsMassage and spa treatments are the perfect antidote for achy muscles, reports one travel nurse website blog, whether as a wonderful deep-tissue massage or relaxing pedicure – just the thing for those tired hard-working feet. If your health care facilities are now incorporating seated chair massage into their benefit perks for their employees as a relaxing pick-me-up between shifts, lucky you!
Take some time offEven a mini vacation for just a couple of days can work wonders and soothe the soul. Or, just spend a day at home relaxing; taking a break from the usual routine. Listen to your favorite music, spend some quality time with your cat or dog, or go for a brisk walk.
ExerciseWhen focused on overall fitness and not just a few muscle groups, exercise is one of the best ways to keep your body in shape. Besides helping you get and stay fit, it’s an excellent stress-buster, since it releases endorphins--chemicals in the brain that take the edge off daily tensions. Exercise doesn’t have to be stressful or wear you out. Instead, it should energize and revitalize you, leaving you feeling tingly and ready to handle whatever the day dishes out.
Manage your timeEffectively and watch out for ‘time bandits:’ those little things that steal precious moments, like surfing the net, television, or other things that waste time if you really want to be doing something else more else. Learn to say “no” to those endless requests for help from co-workers, friends and others while striking a better balance between your work and personal life.
Learning effective stress management for nurses will pay off for you as well as those around you. When you aren’t pressured into having to do too much at once, you feel calmer, function better, and thus more relaxed. Positive attitude carries over to your patients and others.