how do you relax outside work

[aussiemags]

I feel as if I am going through a stage in my life where nursing seems to occupy too much of my time. My stress levels are rising and it's time to learn to relax. I have rearranged my schedule so I have more time off - but my dilemma?? What to do with my days off (apart from bill paying, housework). I am keen to expand my interests outside nursing and am interested to hear what others do that is fun and relaxing, the sort of things which give something back, which help refill the cup that we constantly give from at work.

[at your cervix]

I run. I love it! Some days I'll take off from my house and run around the farm fields near where I live, other days I'll drive somewhere new to run. Some days I'll load up the iPod with upbeat music, some days I'll just run with my own thoughts. Many of my best ideas have come to me during a run. Whenever I have a complex problem to deal with, I head out on a long run and frequently have the problem solved by the time I get back.

I even trained for-and ran a marathon next year, I don't have as much free time this year so I'm only training for a half.

[nursecoachUK]

The best thing I found was drama and singing classes and groups - sociable, fun, challengeing and a chance to do something so involved it took me out of 'work-mode' and into a different place.

Movies and books are great for escape, walking and exercise to clear my head and energise me, fun with friends and family just to relax and laugh, live comedy for some real happiness treatment!

Claire

[mlkm84]

I lie down for relax :wink2:

[aussiemags]

I always try to remember "Never let them rent space in your head" and I also try to think of why I am there... my kids my kids my kids..Not there for the other staff who are unbearable at times-Just there because my kids need me to work.

"Never let them rent the space in your head"

Love this!

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions. Hope other people are getting ideas too. Some of the things suggested I used to do and had put aside - am now encouraged to start up again.

[november17, ASN, RN]

I play a lot of video games. Especially stuff like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. Engages my brain, helps my body relax. Plus blowing stuff up is fun and releases a little stress :)

Otherwise, my wife is a massage therapist and I get the occasional massage now and then.

I also spend a lot of time outside in the garden around this time of year.

[live4today, RN]

On my off days, I do my best not to THINK. That's a first start to my relaxing/winding down. It begins IMMEDIATELY after I leave work. While driving home, I blast my favorite music...sing along with the CDs, or my favorite radio station. Second, take a slow relaxing hot shower before going to bed. Once I climb in bed, I take a few slow deep breaths in...exhaling slowly, too. Then, I talk with God...praying for peaceful thoughts to enter my mind before falling to sleep. When I wake up on my first off day, I lounge around...eat breakfast...then may go to the store, or stay home and do nothing...especially remembering not to think....especially about "the job".