I’m a Nurse, Solution Focused Life and Stress Management Coach and Entrepreneur.
Kathy Parlevliet, the Nurse who knows. Recognizing the healing part of driving after a day of work. Driving allows me to focus differently. To help dismiss the emotions of my day. Decompressing all the energy that had been exerted on the tasks involved in the day of a nurse. Finding relief in just driving.
Being relieved that another day is done. Taking that slow breath and acknowledging everything you accomplished. Absorbing and releasing all the conversations and interactions that you were a part of.
It is amazing to me, how my brain shifts into the next thing I need to do. Barely giving myself time to unwind. The stops to the market or another store to help organize the next day. Sometimes driving to another family members home to celebrate a life moment. Or making sure they are alright. Our caring and compassion is built in to who we are. Even if we are exhausted.
What do we really need to do for ourselves? How should you begin to realize the necessity of downshifting slower? What else could be more important?
Recognizing that talking to our coworkers is a great relief. Standing outside your building and walking out to the car together. Laughing or crying about the nonsense of the day. Can be so supportive. It usually is just a few minutes. But you know that you are not alone. While driving towards home. Listening to music or a talk station on the radio. This can help you focus away from your day. Hear what else might be going on in the world. Nothing is better, than a favorite song. Make it about yourself. Breathe in that moment.
Finding the time to just be. Having families or pets that require immediate care when you get home is difficult. Somehow find a way to acknowledge your day. And then move forward. If we don’t appreciate ourselves, stress can build. And we feel isolated. Health comes in many forms. Our work life isn’t going away. Learning how to cope with one of the most emotional and physical jobs in the world. Nothing else compares to the life and death moments we see.
If you are having difficulty with reaching peace at the end of the day. I am here for you. TheRNcoach.com.
Let’s Talk Soon,
Kathy
© 2024 The Nurse Who Knows
