Everybody deals with fear and anxiety, however sometimes our anxieties can get the best of us. Here are 6 tips on stress management and anxiety management in nursing to help you manage your daily challenges easily.
1. Find a diversion Often times, nurses get stressed when there is a lot going on all at once, particularly in the workplace. When this happens, take a deep breath and try to find something to do for a few minutes to get your mind off of the problem. You could take a walk, listen to some music, read the newspaper or do an activity that will give you a fresh perspective on things – when time permits.
2. Positive affirmations work Another technique that is very helpful is to have a small notebook of positive statements that make us feel good. Whenever you come across an affirmation that makes you feel good, write it down in a small notebook that you can carry around with you in your pocket. Whenever you feel anxious, open up your small notebook and read those statements.
3. Take it one day at a time In dealing with your anxieties, learn to take it one day at a time. While the consequences of a particular fear may seem real, there are usually other factors that cannot be anticipated and can affect the results of any situation. We may be ninety-nine percent correct in predicting the future, but all it takes is for that one percent to make a world of difference.
4. Find gratitude Sometimes, we can get depressed over a stressful situation. When this happens, take a few minutes to write down all of the things that you are thankful for in your life. This list could include past accomplishments and all the things that you have taken for granted. The next time you feel depressed, review your list and think about the good things that you have in your life.
5. Think positive Challenge your negative thinking with positive statements and realistic thinking. When encountering thoughts that make you fearful or anxious, challenge those thoughts by asking yourself questions that will maintain objectivity and common sense.
6. Divide and conquer When facing a current or upcoming task that overwhelms you, divide the task into a series of smaller steps and then complete each of the smaller tasks one at a time. Completing these smaller tasks will make the stress more manageable and increases your chances of success.I know that anxieties and stresses can be difficult to manage, particularly for nurses; however, there are many helpful resources available. Managing stress and anxiety in nursing does take some practice but eventually you will improve in time.
