How do you turn off the stress response?

Published

I'm in week 6 of my new grad and I have had a few crap shifts, but mostly good. Each day I learn something new and make a point of looking at each day as a new learning experience. I get my jobs done etc and am happy with how I am going and have been getting really good feedback etc. I can reflect on my day and know I got things done and be happy and satisfied that everything was completed for my shift. Today, I had a few curve balls thrown at me through the shift today, but I can confidently look back and know everything got done and the nurse I handed over to was happy. The RN I handed over to was actually a pool RN that took over from me a few weeks ago and just made me feel like rubbish, but today she said I was going really well so that made me really happy. Off course I know it will always be a continual learning experience etc.

However, the last few days particularly, I just this stressed tightness and my minds flutters off in conversations I have had through the day. I generally walk home after a morning shift and try to get to bed early, I do breathing exercises and really try to turn my brain off so I can get to sleep. But I just have this annoying feeling of an evening that won't go away.

Does anyone have any tips on how to turn this off?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I think the nerves go away with time. It's like driving; in the beginning it would make me nervous; now I get into a car and can drive anywhere in most road conditions and feel like I have it down. I don't know if there is a way to turn off the stress response though. There are ways to reduce stress, like exercise, meditation, healthy diet. Stress can be unhealthy though, as you probably know. Cortisol level rise and can cause insulin resistance, which can lead to diabetes and heart disease. Increased stress can also cause high blood pressure, another risk of heart disease.

By exercising, you will lower cortisol levels, which is good. There's a good section of this website dedicated to stress management that you can check out.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

This is THE classic situation for meditation. It's a wonderful tool to have in your self-care kit; you can even share some aspects of it with patients who need stress relief in limited situations.

Here are a few really nifty resources to get you started.

Meditation: Take a stress-reduction break wherever you are - MayoClinic.com

Home - Meditation PracticeMeditation Practice | Meditation For A Fast Changing World

The Transcendental Meditation® Technique â€" Official Website. How and Where to Learn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion