BEATING STRESS

Nurses know stress. They deal with traumatized patients and families, heavy workloads and long work hours.

Unwinding is critical to avoiding the physical and psychological problems that can come with constant stress, such as depression, back pain, poor concentration and weight gain. Stress also been shown to weaken the immune system, increase the risks of cancer and be a factor in cardiovascular disease. Gleaned from multiple experts and sources, here are some suggestions that might prove beneficial in managing stress. 1. Work at good on-the-job communication. A culture encouraging staff to share information fully and openly can increase trust levels between patient and nurse and nurse and supervisor/ co-workers, and, thus create a less stressful climate. 2. Be organized on the job. Take time to set priorities for the day. This could reduce the chances of feeling overwhelmed, and, of course, stressed. 3. Have an on-the-job mentor. This way there’s a guaranteed place to vent or express concerns that can, otherwise, stay bottled up. 4. Do something you routinely did as a child. Why not ride a bike? Visit your favorite childhood park? Make a snowman in winter? 5. Volunteer. Consider reading once a month to young cancer patients or helping with an animal rescue group. This also can be incredibly fulfilling, and it looks good on a resume. 6. Stretch, breathe and meditate. Yoga not intriguing? Basic meditation, stretching and breathing techniques, though seemingly simple, can provide stress relief. 7. Spent time with a funny friend. The adage that laughter is the best medicine could be true. Scientifically, it’s been shown that laughter is both preventive and therapeutic. It decreases stress hormone levels and boosts healthy hormones, such as endorphins. 8. Sleep. A dark, cool, quiet room with few electronics is the best place for good shut-eye. 9. Find the inner artist. Making art helps lessen anxiety, stress and depression and promotes self-awareness and selfesteem. Reasonably priced art supplies or art kits are available at any hobby store. Just set aside an art space, turn on some relaxing music and paint to better health. 10. Put on a chef’s hat and get cooking. The process of chopping, measuring, stirring and sautéing can be therapeutic. 11. Get outdoors. Science has repeatedly demonstrated the psychological benefits of nature – calming the brain, improving the mood and boosting concentration. Hospital patients recover faster when they have a view of trees and flowers from their window, and children with attentiondeficit disorder exhibit fewer symptoms in a natural environment. 12. Take a soothing bath. This relieves the body of the constant pull of gravity. Heated water also relaxes muscle tension, improving circulation, range of motion and energy flow. 13. Make and follow a to-do list. The action of crossing something off a list is a tangible way to see how much is accomplished in a day. 14. Splurge on a massage. The physical and psychological benefits can include reduced anxiety, enhance circulation and raise self-esteem. 15. Organize your living space. How calm and relaxed can you be when the house is a mess? Sharon Grason, a veteran trauma and surgery nurse and director of the nursing program at Georgia Gwinnett College, has some suggestions for surviving and thriving in the highstress world of nursing. She tells her students they need:

•a compelling story to remind themselves why they became nurses

•a strong support system

•interests outside of nursing

•faith in God or some other solid foundation

“I tell my students that nursing will bring you to your knees more times than I want to admit,” Grason said. That’s why the nurses’ story has to be “profound, something that hits at their core,” she said. “It’s that story that gets you up off your knees and continuing to move forward.” Her story evolved from her mother’s metastatic colon cancer. Grason was 15 when her mother received the diagnosis and 19 when she died after chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Some days her mother would ask Grason or her dad to stay at her hospital bedside in the for the day or overnight. But sometimes, with the right nurse on duty, she’d feel comfortable and encourage them to go home for a break. Grason said she decided she would be the kind of nurse.

“I want to provide that same sort of comfort and confidence to my patients and their families,” she said.