When you speak to most nurses or carers, they often tell you about how rewarding their job can be – many of them truly love what they do. But at the same time, there is no denying that being a carer or a nurse for the elderly can be quite stressful at times. Stress can take a toll on you physically and emotionally.
What is important is that these nurses and carers learn to deal with their stress in a constructive and positive way.
Here are some tips we think can help nurses and carers to de-stress. And these are just quick fixes, forming good habits like these can really help you in the long run.
One of the biggest causes of stress is often from things going wrong in the workplace. More often than not, small issues can manifest and turn into big stressful issues if they are not dealt with. A good way to stop little issues from becoming big ones is to learn to build empowerment over your job.
Take control – assertive communication can help you relax.
How you ask?
Well, when you speak up, resolve a problem or improve something, doesn’t that make you feel better?
You feel important and more confident. When you resolve something (such as a conflict with a co-worker) you give yourself permission to stop stressing about it. It’s always better to focus on a solution, not the problem.
One of the most common de-stressing techniques is positive thinking and focussing on the positive aspects of a situation.
Remember; everyday may not be good, but there is some good in everyday.
It doesn’t have to be a huge thing, something as simple as savouring a good cup of tea can turn your day around.
Positive thinking doesn’t only impact you, but also those around you. It can be contagious – when you are more positive, you may find that others around you will be too.
This may sound like an odd one, because being a nurse or carer is already a physically tiring job. But doing exercise outside of work can help in de-stressing.
Exercise doesn’t have to be hard or tiring, try some yoga or pilates, maybe go for a walk outside. Exercise and physical activities help the body release endorphins, the chemical that makes you “feel good”.
Endorphins are known to help reduce feelings of depression and anxiety.
When a person is stressed, it’s easy to become dependent of caffeine, nicotine or alcohol.
These are all bad physical activities that should be curbed as they don’t help you reduce your stress in the long run. Focus on good physical activities instead of negative coping mechanisms.
For some, stress can come from feeling like you are “stuck” where you are, or that your career as a nurse/carer is going nowhere.
This is not true at all. Anyone can go back to school, take a course or simply read a book to learn more.
By getting some extra qualifications, you can direct your career in a path you want to go in. With a change (where it be in a different direction or a promotion) you can gain new responsibilities and learn new things.
When the mind is working and achieving new goals, it can alleviate your stress.
If that feels like too big of a step, why not do your own research and learn some new skill that can help you in your current job. When people learn new things it can give them a liberating sense of purpose.
What are your tips to help de-stress?
