How does everyone wind down after work?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Ok, so I worked a 12 hour shift yesterday on the day shift. I was busy all day going back and forth between both of my patients. I left completely exhausted and my entire body sore. About an hour after I got home and showered, I fell asleep probably around 9:30pm and woke up around midnight and now I can't get back to sleep.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I don't know what to do.

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Specializes in Nursing Home ,Dementia Care,Neurology..

Have a hot drink,watch some TV then try again,works for me!!

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Specializes in Cardiac Telemetry, ED.

You still awake? I just got home. Had a he## shift. Just cracked a beer, browsing AN. When my eyelids get heavy, I'll go to sleep.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.

Yep still awake. I just opened a bottle of Lambic Framboise...It's Belgian raspberry ale...poured myself a glass and am now posting this message and browsing the internet.

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A glass of Pinot Noir works everytime for me... Nothin' like watching the DVR with a glass of wine at 8am to help me unwind!

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Alcohol always works for me!:cheers:

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

That's why I love my motorcycle, if I have had a really rough day at work, because I ride my bike to work I can just take a long route home, I live in a lovely rural area not far from the best Welsh Mountains so relax, take an extra 30 mintues to get home. I concentrate on my riding skills and getting road position and cornering right and that way I really enjoy the ride. By the time I get home I am de-stressed and wound down.

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Specializes in ICU, SDU, OR, RR, Ortho, Hospice RN.

Hi ya

When I get home from work my hubby and I play ping pong, I mean some fast down right hard games but it takes the stressors out of our day and sets a great mood for the rest or our evening.

(Well depending on who wins) hahahahaha No truly it is a great way to unwind.

We usually play a few games of Foosball but he kicks my hind end all the time in that steenkin game!! :chuckle

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Specializes in Primary Care and ICU.

Not to be crude but...sex. If done correctly, sex with the hubby should put cha down. you'll have a better sleep afterwards than any Ambien or Restoril could ever give ya.

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I went to bed at 8:00 when I put my little guy to bed. Woke up at 2 a.m. It is now 4:15 a.m.

I just resorted to a glass of milk and peanut butter toast.

A hot bath helps me sometimes.

Sex isn't "crude":D . ...but my husband is 150 miles away. :coollook::rolleyes:

steph

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Specializes in OB/Neonatal, Med/Surg, Instructor.

Working 6 - 8 consecutive 12-hour night shifts I sometimes have trouble winding down but find a small glass of wine (or benadryl) and a couple games of spider solitaire put my brain back into sleep mode. I do try to work out any issues from work on the 30 minute drive home (cry, scream, whatever) and take care of any phone calls I need to make so it's all good when I get home and my sleep routine stays intact. :twocents:

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I like to watch sports. Any sports, Sportscenter, Baseball, Olympics, Football (almost here YEA!), even a little bit of Basketball or Hockey if the others aren't on. My two dogs come sit by me and look so happy to see me you can't help but be happy.

That's my perfect Rx for stress relief; become a sports fanatic and get a couple friendly dogs (Labs).

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