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Most of the nurses experience anxiety or depression at some point in their life, usually during their graduation years, or professional career, or both. You could also be one of them! Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, such as fear or worry that can be mild or intense. An anxiety disorder is a group of mental disorders often identified by the feelings of fear and anxiety. These feelings may cause physical changes such as shakiness and fast heart rate. A study published in NCBI has shown that nursing student experience anxiety as a result of incompetence and lack of professional nursing knowledge and skills required to serve patients in the clinical setting satisfactorily. But no worries anymore! Because I have come up with ten simple yet practical tips to tackle the issue and help you perform your duties remarkably at your nursing ward:
Do the things that make you feel better, more comfortable, relaxed or joyful. Taking some time from your busy schedule for yourself, and stepping back from the issues help clear your mind. Therefore, practice some yoga postures in the morning, listen to the pleasant music in the evening, meditate in your armchair at workplace, get a massage whenever you feel down, and learn some relaxation techniques all aimed to pacify your tense mood and alleviate stressful thoughts.
The food that you consume affects your overall workplace performance. Moreover, skipping meals often causes a headache and anxiety. Therefore, consume juicy fruits and fresh vegetables timely that improve your health enabling you to perform better.
You could also be concerned about your appearance. Therefore, wear a nursing uniform that appeals your personal tastes and professional practices. Choose a warm-up scrub jacket in cold weather, and comfy, lightweight tops in your tough, busy shifts.
Alcohol and caffeine can trigger panic attacks and aggravate anxiety. Therefore, say no to these drinks.
Studies have shown that focusing on breathing tends to normalize blood pressure, heart rate, and overall nervous system. Therefore, adopt breathing exercise whenever in a stressful condition.
Your physical health supplements your mental health. Therefore, stick to daily exercises and physical activities aimed at improving your physical health. Doing morning jogging is a great idea to enjoy your time in the fresh air, improve your mood, and alleviate stress levels.
No sleep is comparable with your night sleep. As an Irish Proverb, “A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.” Therefore, never compromise your sleep at all costs.
Negative thinking and pessimistic attitude are the root causes of anxiety disorder that breed worries and fears. Therefore, always make an effort to stay optimistic under all circumstances and situations, and replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Positive thinking is a skill. With regular practice, you can gradually master at this.
Are these your work activities, studies, family, or something else you can identify? Jot down triggers stressful feelings in your personal journal, and seek a logical solution.
Talking about the things that you are overwhelmed about in your nursing department with your colleagues, seniors, friends, or family member, and asking them how they may help you will bring you many solutions. If hesitant to share your concerns with them, get a consultation with a therapist or counselor for professional advice.
Anxiety reflects worry about future events and fear regarding present experiences. And a large number of nursing practitioners face the anxiety issue in their day-to-day life. However, you can reduce and prevent an anxiety disorder by adopting a healthy lifestyle consisting of balanced diet, daily physical exercises, breathing exercise, pleasant night sleep, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and maintaining a positive attitude at all costs. Identify your triggers of the issue and share those with your family, friends, or a professional with the pursuit to get a solution. This way you are bound to conquer an anxiety disorder!
