Stress Sucks

Hello , future nurses! You probably read the title of this blog and started thinking about all your stress. Take a second to take a deep breathe and let it all go. For 5 minutes right now, try to let everything stressing you out, disappear. I personally have a hard time doing this because of how I am constantly thinking about papers, clinical, work, remembering to text someone back, organizing my desk space, doing laundry, eating healthy, paying my credit card bill on time, etc. etc. The list could go on and on but STOP! LET IT GO!

Heads up, Buttercup...This blog isn't here to say "this is how to make stress in your life disappear", but I'm hoping it helps you feel like you are not alone. I have thrown in a few ideas for stress management as well!

I want you to realize, you are so in control of your thoughts and how you manage the overwhelming amount of stress we put on ourselves. Most stress is caused by how we absorb and process what is going on around us or in our lives. Having a bad day and wanting to hibernate while watching Grey's Anatomy is normal. BUT, to stop yourself from reaching the point of a break down is what really matters.

I recently went through a break up and I was just drained. I think we can all relate how our emotions play such a huge role in our energy, even if we tend to bottle the emotions up (ME!). Take time EVERY SINGLE DAY for self care. Whether that be laying on the floor with your cell phone silenced and starring at the ceiling fan, doing Yoga, coloring, running...anything that makes you relaxed and happy!

I prefer Epsom salt baths with a good detoxifying facial mask! Also, I have noticed that when I drink more water, I overall feel better. I'm not sure if many people think H20 for stress relief, but being hydrated is a very important factor in several aspects of your health and well-being! Music is great for taking your mind off of things as well. When in doubt, dance it out!

If you know what your stress is stemming from exactly, GOOD FOR YOU! You are one step ahead of the game. Some people have stress from an unhealthy relationship, disorganization, time management, money problems...there are a ton of scenarios. Being able to look the issue in the face and find a way to work with it better or resolve it as a whole is key.

Example: You are super stressed with your classes because you have a 7 page paper due TOMORROW in English (which you totally forgot about), 3 chapters to read for Pharmacology and a handful of notes to review for Stats homework. Did you write these assignments down? Did you set reminders in your phone? Did you maybeeeee wait until the very last minute to look over the Syllabi and check assignment due dates?

A solution to these stressors may be purchasing a planner. A planner / agenda is a simple tool that can help you remember when assignments are due and so much more! In my planner, I have everything you can imagine written down and that is the only way to stay on top of things.

One of my favorite quotes is, "You don't have to have it all figured out to move forward...just take the next step." Remember that. Sometimes you may not know what to do or where to go next...but what really matters is that you keep going anyway. You'll never know where you are meant to go or who you are meant to be without taking the leap of faith!