We all know that working as a nurse can be stressful. Many times, you hold life and death in your hands. And while it might seem a little strange, meditating at work can help you to stay calm and collected. Even if you don’t have time to meditate in the mornings before you leave for work, you can do it on the job without distracting yourself or affecting patient care in any way.
Here are a few quick tips to meditate while you’re at work:
Pay Attention to Your Breathing
Often, all that needs to happen to bring on a sense of calm is to pay attention to your breathing. If you start to feel overwhelmed during your shift, take a pause and breathe in deeply for a few seconds. Exhale through your mouth for another few beats. Repeat this a few times, then continue about your workday. Focus on your breathing while you’re completing your daily tasks — you’ll be surprised at what a difference it can make.
Make Focus Your Intention
Before you begin a task, or even before you walk in the doors to your wing or floor, take a moment to remind yourself to focus. Too often, we start our work without really thinking about it — we just do it. Instead, try to make focus your intention throughout your day. Remind yourself to focus on what you’re doing, and train your brain to stay involved in what you’re doing right then and there rather than wander.
Actively Apply Relaxation During Work Hours
In the same way that you remind yourself to focus while you’re performing your daily tasks, remind yourself to actively relax. Sometimes, we involuntarily tense up when performing even basic maneuvers, and this can contribute to stress and tension throughout the day. Remind yourself to relax as you’re transferring between patient rooms, filling out paperwork at a desk, or moving a patient. Just because you’re doing something physical doesn’t mean you can do it in a relaxed manner!
Listen to Guided Meditation While You Work
If possible, turn on a guided meditation while you’re working. There are all sorts of recordings available on YouTube and other sites. This kind of thing can be very helpful if you need external help relaxing — it’s a constant reminder of what you’re trying to achieve, and it can really help you feel calmer and more centered throughout your shift.
Sometimes, taking the next step in your career is the best way to feel better about what you do. If you’re in the job market, let us help. Contact BOS Medical to speak with the staffing professionals.