Mental health breaks

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Aug 31, 2016

What a great photo! I'll bet you had a wonderful time there. :)

allnurses Guide · Aug 31, 2016

I recently took a "stay-cation"... meaning I took a week off of work and just stayed home. I was getting too edgy at work because I was wore out from the manipulation attempts, histrionics, ridiculous demands and blatant disrespect that is the norm in psych. It was like my ability to compartmentalize and my thick skin were being wore down. I didn't care if I went anywhere! I just knew I needed a break.

I deep cleaned and organized my house so it was comfy and pleasant. I sewed, I crocheted, I walked the nature path, I drew, I wrote little stories and just enjoyed my patio and pretty garden. Maybe not exciting, but these activities were so enjoyable, I felt like a human again. No one screaming, crying or calling me-- or hearing anyone else called-- a "b". It was lovely.

I'm taking more time off soon and I cannot wait.

whichone'spink, BSN, RN · Aug 31, 2016

I'm going out to Northern California in about 2 weeks to visit my dad and in addition to spending time with him, I'll go out to Golden Gate national park, and other points of beauty that I remember in Northern Cal. It helps he lives in Tomales so I'm not too far away from some fantastic scenery.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Sep 3, 2016

I'm on a 3 week staycation right now. I've been having problems with my RA & was totally exhausted. Sunday was my last night until 9/19 & when I go back I'm decreasing the number of nights I work.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Sep 3, 2016

This summer, we took a relaxing vacation to the Rockies and the Tetons. In about 10 days, I leave for a 10 day trip to Germany. I travel a few times a year and each trip is great for my mental health. It is easy for me to take the time as I work per diem through a staffing agency.

WCSU1987 · Sep 7, 2016

I feel weak when I don't work. Long story short I am healthcare professional, 8 years, 4-5 years mental health field. It can become very stressful and add in the commute. Easy to burn out trying to help people when they are not at their strongest.

Add in a rough job market I was laid off, then worked a few side jobs, and now work part time. I usually work 7 to 8 months 24 to 32 hours a week, in October supposedly suppose to go to 32 hours. The other 4 months I work 40 hours. During the 24 to 32 hour stints I am off 4 to 6 days. Ironically I struggle with my own mental health issues. I need me time to help heal my soul. Now I add more stress as I am going back to school for nursing.

I receive text can I come in on my days off and I fight in my head should I should I not pick up. Again feel weak, but I really need the time off.

poppycat, ADN, BSN · Sep 11, 2016

Wow, I can't believe 2 of my 3 weeks are already gone. The first week, my husband was on vacation, too. We got to do some fun things with our daughter & grandsons. We also had an in-home consultation for new window shades for all 15 of our windows. I'm finally getting blackout shades in both bedrooms so when our grandson stays overnight the sun won't wake him at 5 in the morning. Best thing is they were all buy one, get one free & they threw in the kitchen blind for nothing.

Later in the week, we had a very long consultation with a bathroom remodeling company. We're going to get rid of the stupid whirlpool bathtub & have a huge walk-in shower with a big built-in seat. No more struggling to climb over the tub to take a shower. (Neither of us has used the whirlpool tub since we got married 9 years ago so not much point having it.)

My sister came for a "short visit" & ended up staying 10 days. We did lots of lounging around & watching movies. We also went to a local spa for massages. It was wonderful. I told the massage therapist my fingers were hurting horribly & she worked on them for a long time. They felt much better after that.

This week I'll be home alone. I'm going to do some much needed cleaning & relax. I'm also going to get my butt back to AA meetings I've been missing. I've become quite a slacker in that area & my attitude shows it.