My relationship with stress
Stress is the physical reaction of our bodies to the strain of a certain circumstance or incident in our lives. Inevitably, stress is a part of the human experience, and it may act as an incentive for me to finish my obligations (Markle, 2020). The type of work that nurses do causes them to experience significant levels of work-related pressure, exhaustion, and lack of job satisfaction, in addition to poor overall health and well-being. It is possible that excessive stress induced by a serious sickness, losing a job, a loss in the family, or a painful life event is a natural part of the human condition, even if it is extreme (Murdaugh, 2019). A period of sadness or anxiety is typical, and you may experience these sensations for a while. Stress levels may vary significantly across individuals and are influenced by the mix of our society’s surroundings as well as heredity. Despite the stress level, the essay will provide clear instructions and a self-care plan on how to deal with stress.
When I face stress in a new scenario, it has the ability to radically alter my state of mind and make me feel ill. Many of the typical characteristics that cause me stress are new or unexpected contacts that cause me to doubt my sentiments or the impression that I have little power over a situation. The ensuing sensation of ‘pressure’ will enable me to drive in stressful conditions such as a marathon or speak to a large group of people who may be apprehensive or distracted. When I am experiencing limited lifetime stress and am able to manage high-stress levels without suffering any long-term consequences, I am able to rapidly retreat to a resting state without suffering any negative health consequences. When I’m under stress, I frequently have headaches, nausea, and indigestion, to name a few symptoms. I experience a variety of emotions at times, including worry, coldness, grief, wrath, and so on.
Self-care Plan
Developing a self-care plan may assist me in improving my health and wellness, managing my stress, and maintaining my professionalism as a youth-serving professional (Shenk, 2019). My typical learning curve involves identifying routines and practices that promote my professional well-being and assist me in maintaining good self-care over the long term, among other things. Self-care is something that each individual must decide for themselves. It is inevitable that each person’s strategy will be different (Walker, 2016). It pertains to the activities I engage in at work and in society to maintain my overall health and well-being in order to satisfy my professional and personal obligations. Some of my strategies of self-care plan to manage stress include:
Workplace or professional self-care
This includes actions that assist me in maintaining the high degree of professionalism that is required of me on a continuous basis (Shenk, 2019). For example:
- A more experienced worker or supervisor will provide me with frequent guidance and consultation (Walker, 2016).
- Organizing a peer-support group would be a good idea (Murdaugh, 2019).
- In terms of setting clear boundaries between patients and fellow employees.
- Continual reading of specialized journals (Murdaugh, 2019).
- Participating in continuing professional development programs.
Physical self-care
Physical activities will allow me to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while still having the energy to meet the demands of my professional and personal obligations.
- Establishing a regular sleeping schedule.
- Attempting to maintain a healthy diet (Murdaugh, 2019).
- To avoid burnout, I will be taking regular pauses for lunch.
- After lunch, I will be going for a stroll around the neighborhood.
- My dog and I will be out for a stroll after work (Murdaugh, 2019).
- I intend to make use of my sick leave.
- Get some physical activity in pre or post-work on a regular basis (Murdaugh, 2019).
Psychological self-care
Activities that allow me to remain focused and capable of cognitively engaging with the professional problems that I face in both my professional and personal lives are important to me.
- I intend to maintain a diary in which I will reflect.
- Seek out and engage in additional efforts, or contact an even more experienced employee on a regular schedule to learn from their mistakes.
- Participate in an activity that is extraneous to my work.
- I turn off my work email and phone while I’m not at work throughout the day.
- Schedule time for rest and relaxation.
- Schedule time to socialize with supportive friends and family members.
Emotional self-care
Making it possible for me to securely feel my whole spectrum of emotions.
- Establish friendships that are mutually beneficial (Markle, 2020).
- Every day, I will be writing down three positive things that happened to me.
- After training, engage in a game and have a cup of coffee with your teammates.
- Take a trip to the cinema or do anything else that interests me.
- Continue to meet with my families groups or other social organizations.
- Have a discussion with a friend concerning how I am managing the responsibilities of work and life (Markle, 2020).
Spiritual self-care
This means acquiring a sense of proportion that extends beyond the ordinary events of one’s life.
- Participate in contemplative techniques such as meditation.
- Walking in the woods is a great way to get some exercise.
- Pay a visit to religious sites (Walker, 2016).
- Practice yoga.
- I will be talking about my feelings with a trusted friend for support (Walker, 2016).
Relationship self-care
This is about keeping healthy, helpful connections but also ensuring that I have a diverse range of interactions so that I would be not solely linked to individuals from my place of employment.
- Prioritize intimate ties in my life, such as those with my spouse, family, and children, among other things (Walker, 2016).
- Attending family and friend gatherings and celebrations will be important to me.
- Be punctual in my arrival and departure from work every day (Walker, 2016).
Conclusion
As a part of everyday life, stress may spur us on to complete undertakings that we would not have otherwise attempted or completed. Responding to distress in a reasonable fashion may provide us with the boost we need to achieve our deadlines, finish our school or job tasks, and find efficient solutions to our difficulties, among other things. Rather than spending time brooding on the stresses, we are under, we are capable to see life’s numerous problems as chances to learn and develop as a result of our experiences.
References
Markle, E. (2020, March 26). Four things to do every day for your mental health. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/four_things_to_do_every_day_for_your_mental_health
Murdaugh, C., Parsons, M.A., & Pender, N., (2019). Stress management and health promotion (Chap 8) Health promotion in nursing practice. (8th Ed.). Pearson.
Shenk, J. (Director). (2019). Stress Reset [Film]. The US Healthy Collaborative, Inc. https://takecare.org/films/stress-reset/
Walker, M., & Mann, R. A. (2016). Exploration of mindfulness in relation to compassion, empathy and reflection within nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 40, 188–190. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2016.03.005
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