Date Published: May 19th, 2020
As the spring semester draws to a close, there’s a lot of uncertainty out there. Lockdowns and restrictions related to COVID-19 are starting to be relaxed in some areas but not others. No one is quite sure what nursing education classes will look like in the fall – whether they’ll be online, in-person, or some combination of the two. Trying to juggle studying, taking major tests, and normal daily responsibilities is already a lot, and the added uncertainty means added stress.
To help nursing students cope, Dr. Cindy Clark recently hosted a webinar called “Stress, Coping, and Wellness in Uncertain Times.” You can watch the full webinar recording here. For some quick tips, keep reading.
- Get adequate sleep, exercise and nutrition: There are a lot of resources for exercising at home without equipment. This can be an excellent way to manage your stress and can help you sleep.
- Get outdoors as you’re able to: When guidelines around you permit it, go outside and enjoy the sunlight or the breeze on your face.
- Be mindful: This can really help you build resilience. Try to stay present and focus on details in your environment. When you’re washing your hands, for instance, pay attention to things like the temperature of the water and how the soap feels on your hands.
- Take some deep breaths, and practice patience, kindness and goodness: We can be the model for the interactions that we want to have and to see around us.
Miss part one of the series about stress and coping? Click here to read more tips.
- Spend time with your pet: Our pets are probably the biggest winners in this whole pandemic. Spend some time playing with them, enjoying time with them, and getting outside together if you’re able.
- Listen to some music: Find some music that you really enjoy. Take some time to really listen to the music, focus on it and how it makes you feel.
- Learn something new: Try a new recipe, because going to restaurants isn’t possible in a lot of areas right now. Or maybe find a podcast and learn about something new.
Watch out for negative coping mechanisms, like substance abuse, because they can actually leave you more vulnerable to stressors and in an even more depleted state. Try several things on this list and any other ideas you have to combat stress and negative feelings during this time – that way, you’ll be able to find the best combination of stressbusters for you.
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