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Stress and Stress Management from the POV of an RN

As a registered nurse (RN), I know firsthand how stressful the job can be. We work long hours, often in demanding environments, and we’re constantly dealing with high stakes. It’s no wonder that nurses are at a higher risk of developing stress-related health problems, such as burnout, anxiety, and depression.

But stress doesn’t have to control our lives. There are a number of things we can do to manage stress and improve our overall well-being. Here are a few tips from an RN:

• Identify your stressors. What are the things that cause you the most stress at work? Once you know what your stressors are, you can start to develop strategies for coping with them.
• Set boundaries. It’s important to set boundaries between your work and personal life. This means not checking work emails or messages outside of work hours, and taking breaks when you need them.
• Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly. These things will help you to feel better physically and mentally, and make it easier to cope with stress.
• Find healthy ways to relax. Everyone has different ways of relaxing. For some people, it’s spending time with loved ones, reading, or listening to music. For others, it’s exercising, spending time in nature, or practicing yoga or meditation. Find what works for you and make time for it regularly.
• Seek professional help if needed. If you’re struggling to manage stress on your own, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. A therapist can teach you coping skills and help you to develop a stress management plan.

Here are some additional tips that I have found helpful as an RN:

• Find a support network. Having people to talk to about your stress and challenges can make a big difference. Talk to your friends, family, colleagues, or a therapist.
• Take breaks throughout the day. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, get up and move around, or step outside for some fresh air.
• Say no. It’s okay to say no to extra work or commitments, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
• Delegate tasks. If you have the ability to delegate tasks, do it! This will free up your time so you can focus on the most important things.
• Take vacations. Don’t put off taking vacations. It’s important to take time away from work to relax and recharge.

Stress is a normal part of life, but it doesn’t have to control us. By following these tips, we can learn to manage stress and improve our overall well-being.