Long, stressful work hours, dealing with trying friends and family, responsibilities at home — we can all relate. There are unlimited stressors in life and if you let them, they can ruin your mental and physical well-being. Read on for 5 healthy ways to destress!
No matter the industry, we can collectively agree that exhaustion is almost always a constant. It is statically proven that every year stress levels increase and bring about a negative impact on mental and physical health. We often forget to take time to decompress and just relax amid the hustle and bustle of life. But getting into the habit of taking time to unwind at the end of each day is extremely beneficial to both your mental and physical wellbeing. Here are a few things that can help you lessen the stress in your life:
Cooking at Home
“Who knew that cooking could be so relaxing?”
Too often the end of a long day has people searching for the fastest option for food- and this is usually something unhealthy and leaves them feeling sluggish. Try cooking at home a few nights a week!
Home cooked meals are usually immensely more nutritious because you are preparing the meals yourself and have the opportunity to use fresh ingredients instead of relying on over processed alternatives. Not only is cooking at home rewarding to your body, but it also nourishes the mind. Eating foods that are rich in fiber, protein and good fats can help increase energy levels and overall health. Many people also find cooking to be therapeutic and relaxing once they’ve gotten in the habit of cooking at home. Start saving your favorite recipes and see how creative you can get in the kitchen!
Up your Self-Care Game
“Treat yourself. You deserve it!”
Self-care is extremely important, but unfortunately often overlooked. It produces positive feelings and boosts confidence and self-esteem. Putting an emphasis on self-care also helps you to maintains a healthy relationship with yourself- something many people struggle with and something that can affect personal and professional relationships as well. Practicing self-care comes down to making time to do what you need to rejuvenate and balance your life. Treat yourself- you deserve it. If this seems daunting, try a few small suggestions:
Self-care can be simple- for example, taking a bath at the end of the day or week. For many of years, baths have played a huge part in human health. They have long been synonymous with relaxing because they provide an opportunity to quite literally wash away the day and shut out the world. The University of Wolverhampton published a study that found that a daily bath during the end of the day, significantly improved the mood and optimism of the participants. In addition to these benefits, baths have also been proven to aid in getting a better night’s sleep!
Therapeutic Journaling
“The best advice you can get is the advice you give yourself.”
Therapeutic journaling is an art within itself that is cost-effective, easy to do and mobile. Therapeutic journaling prompts self-awareness and insight and is great for healthcare professionals! Taking the time to truly reflect on your experiences can help you seperate your life on the floor vs. your life at home!
Writing in a journal to express oneself might feel odd, but is a simple and extremely beneficial thing to do. Therapeutic journaling offers many benefits, such as promoting personal change and growth, further developing one’s sense of self. Journaling allows you to be able to share your thoughts and feelings in a private way that brings about many personal benefits.
First, you are able to share and vent your thoughts. For many people, this is the only opportunity for them to release their thoughts completely and not worry about what they say. Keeping all that bottled in is extremely unhealthy for mental wellbeing. Therapeutic journaling also allows you to be able to learn more about yourself and your growth. As you reflect on past entries, you can begin to recognize your own pattern of behavior, thoughts, actions, etc. This helps create greater self-awareness, and reading old entries may even be able to provide guidance to current situations. The best advice you can get is the advice you give yourself!
Yoga
“Just breathe.”
Yoga has many health and relaxation benefits. Yoga increases happiness and promotes physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health. British medical journal The Lancet conducted two studies of people with hypertension and found that those who practiced yoga saw a significant drop in their blood pressure levels compared to those who chose to lead sedentary lifestyles. Yoga is a great way to bring exercise into your routine in a slow, gradual way that works both your mind and body, and also gives you a small moment and escape from the hustle and bustle that comes with working in the healthcare sector!
Meditation
“Be present, it is the best gift to give yourself.”
What is mediation? Mediation is a practice which requires focusing all of one’s attention and being fully aware of when the mind drifts from that focus.
Mediation is an easy way to unwind and ease the mind. You can simply take five minutes out of your day and sit or stand or take a walk and put all of your focus on your breathing. As you first begin to practice meditation, you will find that your mind may begin to wander- and that’s ok. When you notice your mind starts to wander, just try and turn your focus back on your breathing and your body. It will gradually become easier to focus, and this practice alone is incredible tor mental wellbeing.
Some benefits of meditation include a reduction of stress, improved concentration, practice of self-awareness, increased happiness and even slowing the aging process! Be present- it is the best gift to give yourself.
Give it a try!
Give these 5 healthy ways to destress a try. They are simple, cost-effective and extremely beneficial for all. Adding simply one to your daily or weekly routine will change your life and your outlook on the importance of practicing self-care!
KPG Healthcare is proud to staff some of the best hospitals in the Nation. Looking for your next career move and interested in contributing to one of California’s most renowned hospitals in the nursing division? Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!