Healthy Ways to De-stress After a Long Shift

Are you having more long and stressful work shifts lately? Keep reading this blog post to find out some healthy ways to de-stress after a long shift.

As a healthcare worker, especially as a nurse, you may have to go through long and stressful shifts. These shifts can sometimes come with high-pressure situations, which include dealing with difficult patients and constant exposure to stressors. All of these can take a toll on your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This is why practicing self-care after your shifts is important to help you de-stress and feel better.

5 Healthy Ways to De-stress After Your Shifts

Stress is a common problem faced by healthcare workers. If not managed properly, it can lead to several problems such as burnout, depression, heart disease, and irritability. To avoid such problems, here are some practical and healthy ways for nurses to de-stress after a long shift.

Keep a journal

Writing a journal is a healthy way to let out your emotions after a tiring day at work. It helps you document your thoughts and process your feelings. You can write about the patient who stressed you out, the colleague who gave you a hard time at work, or just how you feel generally. Seeing your thoughts in black and white can magically help to relieve stress.

Have a warm bath

Having a warm bath with stress-relieving bath bombs can help you feel relaxed and refreshed after a long shift. It can also help you get a better quality of sleep and wake up feeling energetic and ready to take on your day.

Listen to music or an uplifting message

Music has long been recognized as a powerful form of therapy. It can help in slowing down the heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. When stressed, consider listening to your favorite music or an uplifting message to wash away your sorrows and transport you to a place of peace and tranquility.

Take a walk

Walking is a good way to release built-up tension and boost your mood. You can consider connecting with nature by taking a walk in a nearby park. This activity can bring some much-needed peace and calm to your spirit after a stressful and long shift.

Connect with a loved one

Catching up with a friend or family member over the phone can help you release pent-up emotions and get the support you need. A loved one can offer a listening ear, empathetic understanding, and help in validating your feelings. They can also give you a fresh perspective and great insights on how to handle situations better. 

Conclusion

As nurses, having a long and stressful shift is inevitable. However, with healthy de-stressing mechanisms in place, we can have a more enjoyable career and days filled with satisfaction. This blog post has shown you some healthy ways to de-stress after a long shift. For more helpful tips like these, please visit our blog at Natty Nurses.

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