Nursing is known to be a more stressful profession than others, as professionals need to juggle multiple patients with varying needs. Throughout this, they also need to make important decisions under pressure and strict time restraints.
Learning to balance life and work effectively is the ultimate strategy to success in the field, and in being able to maintain mental health. So, how can registered nurses juggle both of these aspects productively? In this post, we cover what you need to know about taking the first positive steps.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
Working around the clock shifts can shake up your lifestyle and routine, and often has an impact on eating habits or sleep.
Try incorporating healthy meals and snacks into your life or even give meal-prepping a go once a week. Batch cook to have something readily available that’s nutritious, especially after a long shift.
Taking the time to prepare yourself this way will prevent you from grabbing quick, unhealthy takeaways or snacks at work.
Additionally, although it can be tricky to take on board if you work a full-on schedule, try incorporating more exercise into your everyday routine. This may be as simple as taking a 30-minute walk every day, which can help your mindfulness too. By taking extra care of yourself by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you will find that you have more energy both in and out of work.
Make sure you get enough downtime
Although it can be difficult to get in some quality downtime while working as a registered nurse, it is incredibly important to re-energise and revitalise. When you come home from a long and stressful day, it can be easy to reflect on the negatives that have impacted you. Instead, try to focus on the positives to help ease your mind. Perhaps you helped deliver a baby, received a compliment or positive affirmation from a patient or visitor. By focusing on these brighter aspects of your day, you’ll better prepare yourself for a good’s night rest.
Accept that things are not perfect
As we all know that nursing is a stressful profession, it is important for registered professionals to acknowledge and understand that stress comes naturally with the job, but there’s also plenty of rewards.
Coming to terms with what you can expect will help you fight stress off in the long-term and negate any negative patterns.
In this job, there are things you can’t change; things beyond your control and mistakes will happen. Accepting this from the get-go gives you the power and strength to tackle these situations head-on in a good headspace.
Also, embrace the things that are within your control – such as your feelings and attitude both in and out of work. Learn from the challenges that come with the job and continue to move forward.
Make time for friends, family and yourself
As nurses’ schedules and rosters can vary greatly from their friends and family, it can be easy to neglect those important relationships. Try to put time aside to meet up with your social circles, as this is an integral part of maintaining mental health. Use your rest day to catch up with your loved ones, even if that is as simple as putting time aside to have a meal at home together.