A Guide in Finding Zen in a Hectic Hospital

Workplace stress is often unavoidable in a hospital environment. In a survey of 30 nurses at St. John Macomb Hospital, 100% indicated that they experience stress from work. Those who worked 35 hours a week or more were much more likely to experience high levels of stress. If you’re struggling to find some serenity in your day, try these tactics for smart stress management.

PRACTICE 5-MINUTE MEDITATIONS

You don’t need a long stretch of complete silence to enjoy the benefits of meditation. Try a quick meditation any time you have a few minutes to spare. Gaze downward and let your eyes unfocus. Empty your mind, relax your shoulders, and simply focus on deep cleansing breaths. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, a short break for this cleansing ritual can help you center yourself and find a peaceful place to work from.

DO SOME SHORT YOGA STRETCHES

If you’re feeling tense, release the stress and regain a little zen with some short yoga stretches. You can do these every morning to start the day right, or practice them on a short break. Easy options include:

• Sitting Reed Pose – Interlace your fingers, hold your arms above your head with palms facing upward, and stretch first to one side, then the other.
• Seated Cow Face Pose – Reach down behind your head with one arm so your hand hangs behind your neck. Reach up with the opposite arm and link your hands behind your back. Hold for a few moments, then repeat with the other side.
• Seated Twist – Sit upright and twist your upper body first to one side, then the other.

ADD LITTLE INDULGENCES TO YOUR DAY

Include comforting indulgences in your day that will lift your mood and release tension. Keep essential oils on hand in a soothing scent, such as lavender or vanilla. Enjoy healthy favorites for meals and snacks, like Greek yogurt and fruit, ice cold water with slices of fresh citrus, or dark chocolate covered acai berries. Keep a playlist of soothing music on your MP3 player and listen to these songs when you have a break. Keep an inspiring book on hand with short stories or daily meditations to inspire and soothe you.

STRIVE TO MAKE CONNECTIONS

Go above and beyond the day’s necessary duties and try to make deeper connections with those around you. Getting to know even one patient on a deeper level each day can give you a renewed sense of purpose and help you remember what inspired you to pursue this career. You may even walk away from your position with the urge to further your education and do more in the healthcare field. An advanced degree can take you from a career as an RN to a nurse practitioner, opening up a new world of possibilities for your everyday accomplishments.

The hospital workplace comes with many stressors in even the best environment. Don’t succumb to the pressure of job stressors. If you feel your workday is dragging you down, add calming practices to restore a sense of balance to your day.

BLOG SOURCE: HEALTH CAREER WEB | Medical Meditation: How to Find Zen in a Hectic Hospital