Nursing can be a stressful profession. Every day, nurses deal with a tremendous amount of pressure that can ultimately have an effect on their own health. The most anxiety prone services are associated with the ED, OR and ICU departments. However, those who don’t belong to these sections are under no less pressure, as they deal with traumatic injuries and terminal illnesses that don’t always have a favorable and positive outcome in the end.
Nurses see heart-crushing deaths and attendants that have deep lines of sorrow and grief etched onto their faces. Remaining aloof from these emotions is impossible, but dealing with these emotions day after day can take its toll. The best way to continue being a wonderful and compassionate medical professional while maintaining your sanity is to indulge in stress-relieving hobbies and activities.
If nurses want to relieve stress, these activities can be used for enjoyment and relaxation. You can choose any of the following, depending on your preferences and personal likes and dislikes.
Relaxation Classes
Just because you are a nurse doesn’t mean that you cannot indulge in relaxation classes. In the summer, several sources and community centers offer classes that can help with relaxation. You can either choose yoga, Tai Chi, crocheting, quilt making, woodworking or pottery making. If you live near a large city, you will have hundreds of choices to choose from. It will not only allow you to relieve stress, but will also you to learn something new, which will engage your concentration and your urge for constant movement and the desire to keep busy.
Interesting Hobbies
If you already have a hobby, it is time that you pursue it. Whether you enjoy gardening, hiking, rock climbing, swimming, fishing, cooking, baking or camping, you can spend time doing something that you really love. If you don’t like going outside and want to stay indoors, read a book, watch some Netflix or a great movie, start making jewelry or start an aquarium. You can also learn to play a musical instrument from numerous YouTube tutorials. Remember, music can be very soothing to the senses after a stressful day at work.
Meditation
Meditating is the perfect way to relieve stress and to achieve self-actualization. Becoming one with your mind and body will not only help you relieve your mind but also your muscles and joints. If you don’t know how to meditate, there are several online videos, CDs, and books that teach you how to do it properly. Meditation will not only help you feel better and relaxed but it will also reduce anxiety and lower your blood pressure.
Exercise and Keep In Shape
Obesity is a hardship on its own and when you combine it with a demanding job of nursing, it can become quite stressful to function without breaking down in the middle of the day. Exercising can help you relieve stress. Physical activities like Zumba, cycling, jogging, yoga and swimming can help you get out in the sun and get some much-needed Vitamin D and fresh air.