Stress is not just a potential factor to long-term mental health concerns in the hospital, but it is also an occupational hazard. You can't serve others as a nurse unless you love yourself first.  After a long and toxic shift, here's what you should do to help you relax and improve your overall health.

Relaxation And Sleep

Sleep is important for our overall health, as well as our work effectiveness. It's been known for a long time that poor sleep quality has serious consequences for our physical and mental health. Insufficient sleep, for example, increases a person's risk of acquiring significant medical disorders like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Sleep deprivation has also been linked to a shorter lifespan over time. 

For better sleep, create a relaxing atmosphere. Make your bedroom a sleeping-friendly environment. Dim the lights or play relaxing music if you must.

Meditation

Meditation is a form of supplemental treatment for the mind and body. Meditation can help you relax deeply and calm your mind. You focus your concentration and eliminate the stream of muddled thoughts that may be cluttering your mind. 

To start, find a comfortable position, cast a soft stare into the distance, then softly lower your lids. Maintain a slack jaw and a slightly open mouth. Relax your muscles in the facial area. At this point, your goal is to relax every muscle in your body. Take a deep breath and let it calm you if you're feeling tense in certain areas of your body.

Take A Warm Bath

The best way to unwind is to take a warm bath. A warm bath soothes tight nerves and makes you feel better!  Immersive bathing has been shown to aid with anxiety and depression symptoms. When your bath is half-filled, add some scented oil. The calming properties of lavender or rose oil make them excellent alternatives. Make sure your bath is at the proper temperature and dim the lights. Not too hot or it will make you feel dizzy.

Treat Yourself With A Nice Massage

Massage releases endorphin hormones like serotonin and dopamine, which help the body relax. This, combined with pain management, causes a "relaxation response," in which your heart and breathing rates are reduced, your blood pressure drops, your stress hormone production drops, and your muscles relax. Anxiety and stress levels are lowered by increasing relaxation in the body. The good effect of muscle relaxation might also help with joint mobility. Use calming oils like lavender, jojoba oil, and almond oil to get the most out of your massage.

Work up a sweat

Exercise reduces stress hormone levels in the body, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also boosts the brain's creation of endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood enhancers. Consider trying a new hiking trail or enrolling in a pilates class you've always wanted to try. Exercising can help produce endorphins, which can momentarily distract you from your stressful triggers from work earlier that day.

Prioritizing work-life balance has been demonstrated to be another excellent buffer against the negative impacts of workplace incivility. Relaxation has traditionally been linked to fewer health issues, as well as less weariness and recuperation time. Volunteering, meditation, taking a walk, listening to music, and spending time with friends and other good social supports are all activities that might help you recover from toxic work shifts.

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