Turn Hand Hygiene Into A Mindful Moment
Published
You practice hand hygiene more times than you can count every day. Why not make handwashing benefit you in more ways than one? If you find your anxiety levels rising and you need a moment to recalibrate, pausing to wash your hands is the perfect time to do it. After all, research shows mindfulness can not only help reduce stress, but also increase your self-compassion.
Use the 20 seconds of handwashing to recalibrate and lower your anxiety. While scrubbing, try to focus your thoughts with one of these mindfulness activities:
- Breathing techniques: Try the 4-7-8 method. Inhale for a count of 4. Hold for a count of 7. Exhale for a count of 8.
- Positive internal talk: Recite an affirmation or mantra that speaks to you.
- Prayer: If you are spiritual or religious, take the time to pray.
- Music: Hum a song that brings you peace and slows your heart rate.
- Give yourself a pep talk: In your mind, speak to yourself as you would talk to a close friend or family member.
There are so many ways to channel mindfulness in nursing, and focusing your thoughts during handwashing is a great time to use them. Take advantage of that opportunity to slow down and recalibrate.
For more inspiration, read our nurse’s guide to managing anxious moments.
How do you practice mindfulness? Share your go-to method with us in the challenge update thread here, in our private Facebook group, or on Twitter, or Instagram (tag us with #healthynurse!).
Find this helpful? Use the social media links on the left side of your page to share this with a nurse and invite them to join Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation!
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Blog Challenge Tips
06/26/2023 4:30pm CDT
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