How do you decompress?

[BarrelOfMonkeys, BSN, RN]

I was ending a very challenging day today and on my 1.5hr commute home I wondered what you all do to decompress from your day? I did a quick search on allnurses and came up with rectal tubes, various shift lengths, different department mentions but nothing specifically mentioning how do nurses decompress after work (unless I missed it). ?

I tend to listen to 50’s-60’s music on my way home to get my mind off my day. When I get home I enjoy cooking A LOT and when I just want quiet time I enjoy creating origami models. I was also interested to know if any of you journal about your days?

When I have an entire day off I generally hike for hours with my Nikon camera or cook literally all day.

How about you?

[Sassy-RN]

Walks in the woods, gardening, soduko, puzzles and Vodka.

[BarrelOfMonkeys, BSN, RN]

2 minutes ago, Sassy-RN said:

Walks in the woods, gardening, soduko, puzzles and Vodka.

You had me laughing over the vodka! LOL

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Constructive things: reading, writing (I've produced two crappy novels so far, working on my third), yoga, taking walks with my boyfriend, making plans with friends, crocheting, practicing Spanish, sitting down and actually listening to music, the odd coloring page, singing, working on home improvement projects I've been meaning to get to.

Not completely constructive, but still valid self-care: Eating. If I cook it myself, great, but sometimes you just need some good greasy carryout. Drinking a glass or two of wine. Throwing a bunch of random crap in my cart on Amazon and being delighted/horrified when it all arrives in a couple days (this just happened to me today). Taking naps.

I do journal often, to answer your question. It's great, isn't it? I have fi be careful because sometimes it fuels the fire and I start to ruminate, but usually it's a great way to get some feelings out, learn something, and move on.

[BarrelOfMonkeys, BSN, RN]

9 minutes ago, NightNerd said:

Constructive things: reading, writing (I've produced two crappy novels so far, working on my third), yoga, taking walks with my boyfriend, making plans with friends, crocheting, practicing Spanish, sitting down and actually listening to music, the odd coloring page, singing, working on home improvement projects I've been meaning to get to.

Not completely constructive, but still valid self-care: Eating. If I cook it myself, great, but sometimes you just need some good greasy carryout. Drinking a glass or two of wine. Throwing a bunch of random crap in my cart on Amazon and being delighted/horrified when it all arrives in a couple days (this just happened to me today). Taking naps.

I do journal often, to answer your question. It's great, isn't it? I have fi be careful because sometimes it fuels the fire and I start to ruminate, but usually it's a great way to get some feelings out, learn something, and move on.

You had me at amazon shopping and the surprise packages! LOL

I def enjoy journaling!

[pixierose, BSN, RN]

I’ve gotten into coloring recently. It’s fairly relaxing.

If it wasn’t -50 below, I’d go hiking with my pooches and drag the kids.

Lol at the Amazon shopping ...

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

On my hour commute to work from home, I used to pray and sing hymns of praise. But on the way home, I'd crank up the car stereo and listen to '70s and '80s music as loud as I could stand it, and sing along at the top of my lungs. It really helped me de-stress and by the time I got home I was usually in a good mood, even on tough days. My family appreciated it. ☺️

[BarrelOfMonkeys, BSN, RN]

29 minutes ago, pixierose said:

I’ve gotten into coloring recently. It’s fairly relaxing.

If it wasn’t -50 below, I’d go hiking with my pooches and drag the kids.

Lol at the Amazon shopping ...

Hmmm, coloring. I know a lot of people do that. I used to love to paint and draw. ?

[anewsns]

Right after work I can’t do any of my mentally challenging hobbies so I’ll just throw on YouTube and let it roll or watch 90 day fiancé or sit in silence or apparently answer random questions on allnurses.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

Alcohol. Lots and lots of alcohol. And chocolate.

and kitty cat kisses.

[Pepper The Cat, BSN, RN]

5 hours ago, NightNerd said:

Constructive things: reading, writing (I've produced two crappy novels so far, working on my third), yoga, taking walks with my boyfriend, making plans with friends, crocheting, practicing Spanish, sitting down and actually listening to music, the odd coloring page, singing, working on home improvement projects I've been meaning to get to.

Not completely constructive, but still valid self-care: Eating. If I cook it myself, great, but sometimes you just need some good greasy carryout. Drinking a glass or two of wine. Throwing a bunch of random crap in my cart on Amazon and being delighted/horrified when it all arrives in a couple days (this just happened to me today). Taking naps.

I do journal often, to answer your question. It's great, isn't it? I have fi be careful because sometimes it fuels the fire and I start to ruminate, but usually it's a great way to get some feelings out, learn something, and move on.

It’s always fun to see what drunk Pepper bought sober Pepper!

[Seeing Myself Out]

A tension pneumo? I would go for the second intercostal space along the midclavicular line.