How To Destress...Yes, It Is Possible.

Hello hello, future nurses! I am so glad to be back and typing away for all of you! Lately, life has been BUSY. B-U-S-Y. Working full time as a Patient Care Assistant at a local hospital has been a total BLESSING. I absolutely love my job and everyone I encounter. It has been an incredible learning opportunity and all of the nurses have taken me under their wing to really teach me.

Good days and bad days are very real. Stubborn patients, sweet patients and critical patients are also very real. Learning how to manage your time, communicate, document, etc comes with practice. Balancing all of that on top of being a full time BSN student takes practice as well (and a little bit on insanity).

I figured for my big come back, since adjusting to my new life schedule, I would talk about STRESS. Not what it does to your body and mind...but how to OVERCOME it. Below is going to be a gigantic list of "How to destress" because "yes, it is possible." I hope you all take at least 5 minutes a day to practice one of these new activities and destress from everything going on.

Enjoy!

1) Read a book

2) Watch a movie

3) Color

-There are so many fun coloring books out there. Link for adult and nurse related coloring books!

4) Burn candles even diffuse essential oils

-DoTerra is personally my fav brand!

5) Make a cup of coffee or tea

6) Go for a walk or just sit outside for fresh air

7) Snuggle your pet

-Pets love us unconditionally, so there is nothing better.

8) Yoga, exercise and stretching

9) Journal

-Even if it is a giant vent session on 3 pages of your notebook...Now read number 16!

10) Curl up on the couch with a fuzzy blanket

11) Play music

12) Get a massage (Treat yo self!)

13) Call your BFF

14) Practice deep breathing

-I am not good at meditating but try sitting on the floor with your favorite music and just take a couple deep breaths. It really does help to clear the mind!

15) Take a hot bath or shower

16) Make a gratitude list

-Writing down all of the things you are grateful for is refreshing and helps make the soul happy!

17) Put on a facial / hair mask

-Then sit down and relax because I know most of you will take the time to respond to a discussion post or do laundry!

18) Take off your bra (Its the little things in life!)

19) Go to brunch with a friend or family member

-Order that indulgent dessert!

20) Online shop (but set a budget)

21) NAP

22) Buy some fresh flowers

-Farmers markets always have fresh flowers in the Spring and Summer. Colorful flowers are so uplifting and add a brightness to any room.

23) TURN THE ELECTRONICS OFF

-This should really be the number 1 most important, but I know it's hard.

24) Update your planner

-Some people become very overwhelmed when looking at their "TO DOs". Personally, organizing my tasks and creating a schedule is very relaxing. Keep in mind, this may not be for everyone.

25) Create a vision board (Pinterest!!!)