Challenge Tips

It's day 5 of the Celebrate Civility challenge. Today's tip is make self-care a priority.

When you work in a high-stress, fast-paced environment with life-or-death situations, as nurses do, it’s easy to get stressed and snap at coworkers or be short because we feel overwhelmed. Practicing self-care can help you control these reactions. Use stress-relievers and take vacations.

If you need to de-stress on the spot, Dr. Clark suggests using a combination of deep breathing, stretching, and positive visualization. As you breathe deeply, stand on your tiptoes, extend your hands over your head, and reach your fingers up as high as possible. Imagine a calm and peaceful scene and repeat a positive affirmation, such as:

 

• “Stress is leaving my body.”
• “My work is very important.”
• “I’m making a positive difference in the lives of my patients.”
• “What I do matters.”

Take steps to cultivate a healthy self-esteem so you’re prepared when a difficult situation arises. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and that you’re a good person. When you’re strong, healthy, and sure of yourself, you’re better equipped to take action against incivility and bullying. 

Share your workplace stories with us in our discussion or in our Facebook group.

Find this helpful? Use the social media links on the left side of your page to share it with a nurse and invite them to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation! Join us on day 6.