Angels need help too!

People who work in the care sector often feel "called". With dedication, they care for and support those in need on a daily basis in difficult situations and/or with their lifestyle. For them, the patient comes first - many put their own needs second - both physically and emotionally.

But if you're constantly giving without refuelling, you run the risk of burning out!

In this blog, we present some exercises that have helped our former nursing students to reduce or completely relieve their stress in the hectic everyday life of nursing.

Maybe it will work for you too!

1. serenity through interpersonal connection

Many patients at once, double shifts, understaffing or even existing language barriers can lead to uncertainty, hectic, excessive demands and the resulting increase in stress in day-to-day care.

Regularly thinking about your vocation and enjoying your work can help to minimise stress!

It is amazing how much strength human interaction can give - be it through an encouraging word, a smile or simply the feeling of being there for someone. When we do something good for others, we also feel a sense of gratitude and connection. This positive feeling can strengthen us!

Therefore:

Take a few minutes in the evening to reflect on the positive aspects of the day!

Perhaps you will remember

• • A beautiful encounter

• • a word of encouragement

• • or a moment when you were really able to help someone

Such rituals help you to see the good in everyday life and strengthen the feeling of being connected - with the people you care for and with yourself.

2. concentrate on the here and now!

Pause for a few minutes and concentrate only on what is happening around you and within you - without immediately judging or distracting yourself.

Here are a few simple tips that you can try out straight away:

• • Take short breathing breaks to consciously collect yourself

• • A short walk or a quiet moment in the break room can work wonders

• • Seek short exchanges with colleagues to reduce stress and experience human connection

• • Recognise your personal limits and talk openly about them

3. break management: less guilty conscience, more energy

Breaks are required by law - yet they are often neglected in hectic everyday life. Yet regular breaks increase concentration, reduce errors and help to cope better with physical stress.

Our tip:

Try to agree binding break times as a team and keep to them as best you can

• • Use your breaks to really switch off and recharge your batteries.

4. talk to each other - not about each other

• • Talk to each other regularly - not just about stresses and difficulties, but also about what is going well!  This is because sharing also creates the feeling of not being alone - and that is a Important resource in everyday care!

• • A coffee together at the end of the shift also strengthens togetherness and creates cohesion! And sometimes it's the human conversation that recharges us!

5. say no sometimes!

It is difficult to say "no" to every shift swap, extra shift and/or additional tasks in day-to-day nursing care. In most cases, these tasks are taken on under pressure from the boss, because the team is understaffed and/or out of a sense of responsibility. After all, who lets their colleagues or patients down when they need them! This makes it easy to say a constant "yes" to all the additional tasks that arise.

However, this can quickly lead to extreme stress and a permanent burden. It doesn't help anyone, least of all you!

Be aware of this:

You don't have to cover every double shift or every task your sick or absent colleague has to do!

Think about it honestly:

• • Do I really have to do this shift, or can someone else do it who has more time and capacity?

• • Is it possible to share the shift or task with another colleague?

• • Do I need a break?

• • What other tasks in my private life need to be done?

As difficult as it is to say no - it protects your health in the long term and keeps you enjoying your job! 

Just try it out and see if the tips work for you too!