Beating Stress post duty

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What do you usually do to beat stress after a tiring duty?

I would usually just go and sleep but now that I have my Wii, I'm being de-stressed by the Wii Sports Resort games.

Do you go and watch Nursing/Medical Drama on TV like Mercy, Gray's Anatomy, etc.?

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

My home life has NO medical whatever in it.

And when my friends ask for advice, it's always, "go see your doctor. I am OFF DUTY."

I don't want to be "on call" 24/7.

No thanks.

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When I get home, I fix a snack and curl up with a good book, a glass of wine, and a cat or two on my lap. I read for an hour or two before I go to bed so I can get work out of my brain before trying to sleep. The only medical show that I watch with any regularity is Nurse Jackie, and of course they're all wildly inaccurate.

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Specializes in Plastics. General Surgery. ITU. Oncology.

I'm heavily addicted to my computer. I'll pick up my mails, surf half a dozen non-nursing sites, read my favourite newspaper online, maybe play a bit of Sims 3 or just a few games of Solitaire:)

I know. I'm a nerd.

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Specializes in Emergency, CCU, SNF.

I always walked home from work...sometimes it turned into a full-blown run! Physical exercise and an endorphin kick did it for me.:)

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

I usually have a snack, put on something on the DVR...usually abou t a hour's worth(for background unless it's a good show)....and browse 4-5 websites(including an.com) before bed. I don't read, because I've stayed up 4 extra hours to finish a book, or watch something I want to pay attention to, because then I don't want to sleep.

I have had a beer at 6AM, usually if it's a VERY draining or difficult shift. Not very often though.

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Come home, eat, and take nice hot shower. Surf the internet, check email, watch my ESPN, and catch up on the previous nights sports (work nights) before going to bed.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-SURG,STICU.

I usually read non-nursing ficition books to help destress. It has go to be something light hearted not something I need to think too hard about.

I will also get on the computer and just play some mind numbing game. However, I have to be careful with the games because I am so competitive. My husband and I was at one time playing the same game and I felt that I just had to beat his score everyday no matter how late I had to stay up to do it. Needless to say that was stressing me so much that I had to stop playing that game.

A nice cold beer or glass of wine and a hot bath also helps after a really stressful day.

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I know that when I get to my car, my favorite relaxing lavender scent will still be there along with my favorite CD's. The drive home has almost no traffic and there is enough time to mentally relax.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

The first thing I do is turn-down the convertible top on my car, let the air revive my senses as I head on towards the gym, after one 1/2 hrs. I go to the yoga for another 1/2 hr. then go home with a better attitude:yeah:

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