Tis’ The Season:

The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration for many, but for nurses working in a hospital setting, it often means navigating through heightened stress, limited time, understaffing, and facing the challenges of trauma while neglecting self-care. In the spirit of supporting our unsung heroes, here are ten realistic tips to help nurses manage stress during the holidays.

1. Prioritize Self-Care in Bite-Sized Moments:

Find brief moments to recharge during breaks. Practice mindful breathing for a few minutes or enjoy a quick walk around the hospital grounds. These small acts can make a significant difference in maintaining mental well-being.

2. Create a Support System:

I know it can be hard to do at times but establishing a buddy system with fellow nurses to share the workload and provide emotional support can be beneficial. Also look to close friends, family, and community members for support. A supportive network can help distribute stress and foster a sense of camaraderie during challenging times.

3. Set Realistic Expectations:

Acknowledge the limitations of time and resources. Set achievable goals for each shift, focusing on essential tasks, and communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure a shared understanding of priorities.

4. Embrace Flexibility:

Understand that the holidays may bring unpredictable situations. Develop the ability to adapt to changing circumstances by having contingency plans in place and being open to adjusting schedules when necessary. Keeping an open mind and having a grateful perspective can help keep you open and flexible during this holiday season.

5. Utilize Stress-Relief Techniques:

Incorporate stress-relief practices into daily routines. Techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, or quick stretching exercises can be done in short intervals to help manage stress. Accessing things that make you feel safe can reduce stress as well. Things such as listening to your favorite song, sipping your favorite holiday drink, or even taking a walk with the dog can invite a sense of calm and relaxation.

6. Delegate Tasks Effectively:

Trust me, I understand that this does not come easy to you but communicating with team members to delegate tasks based on individual strengths may take some of the load off everyone. Effective delegation can help alleviate the workload and ensure that each nurse can contribute effectively to patient care without feeling overwhelmed.

7. Schedule A Session With Your Therapist:

Navigating family, friends, and work during the holiday season can be tricky even for those who are usually “on top of things”. Taking the time to schedule an appointment with your therapist may just be the resource you need to make it into the New Year. If you don’t have a therapist websites such as Psychology Today and TherapistDen can be good places to start to find one.

Meet The Author

Jakayla is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing outpatient therapy for 3 years. She obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2020. She has a passion for supporting helping professionals with overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence, and developing healthy lifestyle habits.

8. Celebrate Achievements, Big and Small:

Recognize and celebrate accomplishments, no matter how minor. Acknowledge the collective efforts of the team and celebrate small victories to boost morale and create a positive work environment.

9. Establish Boundaries:

Clearly define professional and personal boundaries. Learn to say no when additional tasks are beyond your capacity. Setting boundaries is essential for preventing burnout and ensuring a sustainable work-life balance.

10. Reflect and Decompress:

Dedicate time for reflection at the end of each shift. Allow yourself to decompress by journaling, meditating, or engaging in activities that promote relaxation. This practice can help process challenging experiences and prepare for the next day.