Everyone deals with stress at one time or another. Unfortunately, in some cases, stress may become overwhelming, or it may last for an extended period of time. In either case, these tips may be helpful.
Get enough sleep
Stress can make it more difficult to sleep, and a lack of sleep can increase stress. It’s a vicious cycle, and it can feel like it’s never ending. Getting an adequate amount of sleep on a regular basis can help end the cycle. Mindfulness meditation may help you sleep; deep breathing, listening to music, and mindful movement may be helpful, as well.
There are a few other tips to help you get some sleep. Smell some lavender, discard your thoughts, and, if all else fails, consider seeing a sleep specialist. The cycle can work both ways: getting enough sleep can reduce stress, which can make it easier to sleep.
Eat healthy
Some people eat more – often unhealthy – foods when they’re stressed; others find that stress makes it more difficult to eat. Eating properly can make a big difference. Green leafy vegetables, turkey breast, oatmeal, yogurt, salmon, blueberries, pistachios, dark chocolate, milk, seeds, avocado, and cashews may be considered superfoods for stress relief. In addition, it’s important to avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol and make mealtimes calm and relaxed.
Take time for yourself
Exercise can give you time to think, help you sleep better, make you healthier, and help you manage stress. Physical activity helps bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Those feel-good endorphins can last well after the actual exercise is done, which is a great bonus.
It’s also important to take time to relax. This means different things to different people, but it’s important for everyone. Relaxing might mean reading, spending time with family and friends, crafting, volunteering, or countless other things. It’s important because functioning under a constant burden of stress is like trying to fly an airplane with the wheels unlocked and flaps down. There’s more ‘drag’ and greater resistance against which much of your energy is wasted.
Keep a positive mindset
A positive mindset can ease stress, but it can be really tough to remain positive when stress levels are high. The good news is that optimism can be learned, and trying to remain positive and using positive affirmations are important steps toward that goal. Although it takes effort, it can be life-changing, and it can help you reduce stress.
Feeling stressed?
At 365 Healthcare Staffing Services, we specialize in the recruitment and placement of healthcare professionals in per diem, travel, and permanent assignments in healthcare facilities across the country. Stress can affect all of us at one time or another. If you’re stressed about finding your next assignment, let us help. Give us a call at 310.436.3650.
