10 Easy Ways for Nurses to De-stress From Toxic Shifts

1. Eat. During toxic shifts there is no time to eat the right food on the right time. Water, fruits and veggies can help detoxify you. Some may look for chocolates, desserts or carbs. Well, this one really works on me. :)

2. Sleep. During working days, a morning shift nurse can get an average sleep of 6 hours a day. However, a night shift nurse can get an average sleep of 4 hours only. Sleeping pattern is also affected, resulting to insomnia. Sleeping for atleast 8 hours a day can help you relax your mind and body. Hmm... I can sleep for 12 hours or more during day-offs hehehe :P

3. Exercise. Exercise can help you reduce emotional stress. It can clean your thoughts and help you deal on things calmly. I feel so active and alive at work if I can jog for atleast 10 laps a week.

4. Movie. Watching movies can make you "escape from the reality", thus making you stop thinking about problems and stressors temporarily. Just make sure that the movie you are watching would not add more stress on you. 100% effective on me! :)

5. Have a pet. Some said that having a pet is like having a baby. It's nice to go home from work and someone is eagerly waiting for you. So true! The hugs and the kisses. :)

6. Write and Read. In some people, writing and reading a journal can help them reduce stress. These would make you think, thus helps you solve problems or find positive angles to the situation. Trying to work on this one. :)

7. Music. Some genre of music can make you relax. Some may also prefer loud music. Music therapy. :)

8. Play. Playing now a day would also include video games. Due to our advance technology, we can now play games online and through iPhone, Android phones or tablets with our friends. But playing physical games such as basketball and badminton still works. #cocpamore

9. Avoid unhealthy habits. Alcohol, smoking, gambling, caffeine, substance abuse and overeating is a BIG NO NO! Be healthy!

10. ME TIME.


~ Kay-een ♡