STRESS MANAGEMENT--This is really from OlivejJ

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

How to manage Stress???

Hello, everyone

My name is Olive, I am 23 years old, from Canada, B.C. I just started the nursing program this January of 2004. Frankly speaking, I am very stress out. I also work during the weekend so I don't get much time off for myself. I just want to ask anybody outthere how they deal/manage their stress??? the stress is affecting my health (I've lost 10 lbs since I started school, I've develope migraine and I'm always irritated), as well as my relationship with my boyfriend, family, friends, and co-workers. I used to be such a bubbly person but lately I feel so depress. So if anyone would like to share their secret please respond

Olive:chair:

I know I won't be the only one to say, I almost wish I could lose weight to deal with stress! Many of us gain weight--I have heard of an average weight gain of 20# by graduation!

Stress is miserable--and it seems to go along with nursing school. Can you identify what the stress is related to? Is there something specific? Like, are you afraid you will hurt someone, that you cannot succeed? Have you been this stressed before? If so, were there similar circumstances? What did you do back then to make the stress better?

It does sound like you are loaded down--school is a lot and a job is a lot, and you are doing them both.

There is a saying about stress management: you can remember it by "HALT!" Never let yourself get too Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired. Easier said than done.

I would add, schedule your day a bit. Cut out "lost time" if you can, and make the best use of your scheduled time. In other words, if you are going to study between 4 and 6, that's ALL you do. No telephone, TV, kids, nothing. Make sure you eat a balanced healthy diet--no skipped meals! Get rest. Decide at what time your day is over and then stop THEN. Have an evening routine to help get good rest--bathe, brush teeth, prop your pillows like you like them, and focus on something pleasant and restful. DO NOT think about school as you are going to sleep! You won't rest, even if you do sleep at all, and that won't help the situation, but a good night's rest will.

Lastly--and I had to write this down for myself, short as it is, you can get in a good frame of mind if you will repeat this to yourself:

I am worth every effort I make on my own behalf. (and) Everyday, in every way, I'm getting better and better.

If you will do that when you are walking, for example, so that your steps count out the beats of the sayings, you will be in a more relaxed and happier frame of mind.

You can do it!!! Keep in touch and let us know how you are!

Love,

Chris