Best ways nurses to relax -Healthcare -UK -Blog -2023

6 ways to de-stress and unwind after healthcare shift

Being a healthcare professional is a rewarding career, but it is also one of the most demanding and stressful. Long shifts can be emotionally, mentally, and physically draining. Healthcare professionals frequently work up to 12 hours per shift on average, which often ends up in overtime as well. These long shifts are increasingly becoming a source of burnout, emphasising the importance of learning how to deal with stress.

Healthcare professionals, such as nurses, support workers, nursing assistants, and others, should look after their own health because they are responsible for the health of others. If care workers' health problems aren't taken care of, they may have depression, trouble concentrating, and other problems.

Here are some ways in which you can relax and unwind:

1. Spend time with your loved ones

Changing the scenery and hanging out with people other than your usual co-workers is a nice way to relax. Spending time with family or friends will help you improve your mood, reduce stress, make better health-related decisions, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Strong social ties lower the risk of health problems like depression and high blood pressure, so it's important to spend quality time with family and friends.

In other words, spending time with loved ones not only improves one's mental health but also stimulates one's physical health.

2. Unplug for a few hours

With so much technology and social media platforms all around, it can be difficult to disconnect and enjoy the peace and silence without worrying about someone calling, having to catch up on your social media feed, or being caught up in the world around you. Every day, cut the tie, even if only for an hour or two, and enjoy the silence. Unplugging before going to bed is recommended; it may even help you sleep better.

3. Reward yourself

To provide high-quality healthcare, you must first take care of yourself. Go to the movies, drink some wine, or get a massage. Being a healthcare professional, your muscles may have become stiff as a result of long shifts, and a good massage can help you relax your body and mind. You can also de-stress and unwind by taking a bubble bath, applying a face mask, or otherwise pampering yourself.

4. Spend time with your pets

Spending time with pets can also be extremely rewarding and de-stressing. Playing with your pets, whether a dog, cat, bunny, or hamster, can increase serotonin and dopamine levels, allowing you to relax, and stroking a pet can quickly relieve stress and tension due to the combination of touch and movement. Plus, the unconditional love that a pet provides is guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Spending time with a pet, like walking, has been shown to help lower blood pressure, and those who have pets are less likely to experience depression than those who do not have pets. So, cuddle up with your dog or play with your cat to boost your happiness and de-stress.

5. Read a book

Reading is a great way to unwind. Make a cup of your favourite beverage, soak your feet in a warm tub, relax, and read whatever book you want. It is not always necessary to go somewhere to relax; you can unwind in the comfort of your own home for a few hours with a good book.

6. Exercise

As surprising as it may sound, exercise can significantly increase your energy and improve your mood. Choose an activity of your choice after a long hour of stressful work, or you will add to your frustration. Furthermore, exercise is an extremely effective way to relieve stress as well as burn calories. Working out can help you process the emotions and events of the day. It has a unique ability to exhilarate and relax, to stimulate and calm, to combat depression, and to dissipate stress. NHS Fitness Studio has provided flow yoga videos where you can find a range of workout routines to suit you.

Healthcare professionals should learn to de-stress and unwind in order to improve productivity in both their personal and professional lives. Furthermore, you will feel much happier and more rejuvenated in your life.

Nurses Group ensures that our healthcare professionals, including nursing staff, support workers, and care assistants, have a much better professional life. We give our healthcare workers the option of pre-booking and flexible shifts, so they can choose shifts that work for them. 