There is nothing so certain as change…

I’m not sure who originally made that statement about change, but it certainly applies to me.  As I look back on the first blog I wrote (wow –it’s been a year already!) there have been a lot of changes in my life. I just got back from “vacation”, which consisted of moving both my daughters out-of-state. My older daughter has accepted a new teaching position and my younger daughter is starting grad school. While they are excited about their new lives, they are both feeling a little stressed right now with all the changes they are experiencing (not to mention mom, who has shed a few tears since they both left).  

Let’s face it, change is stressful. I know I’ve written about reducing stress in previous blogs, but it seems as if it’s a good time to re-examine the topic.  

Feel like pulling your hair out?

So many of your emails and messages to me are about how stressed you are preparing for NCLEX. Someone just wrote that s/he wanted to pull her/his hair out! Before you go to such drastic means, why don’t you read through this list of easy and quick stress relievers and see if there aren't a few tips you can incorporate into your busy lives.  

• Take a power naps... it's a big help for those of us who are sleep deprived.
• Use progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)... before you go to bed or even during tests!
• Exercise... (have you even thought of reviewing for NCLEX on a treadmill?)
• Listen to music... while you exercise or take your power nap.
• Stay organized... de-clutter and increase productivity.
• Eat right... and boost your brain power.
• Think positively and make positive affirmations to yourself... to bring you better health, better relationships, and better grades.

Take charge...now!

Now I know that stress relief is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.  Try this Stress Reliever Personality Test to help you determine which stress relievers best fit your personality. As you prepare for NCLEX, be sure to make the time to control the stress in your life. Learning how to control stress now will only help you when you experience all the changes that come with being a nurse and life in general - it may even help you when your children grow up and leave home.

Now it’s your turn!

What’s on your mind? Tell us what you do to control stress while you prepare to take NCLEX. Share them with us!

The American Institute of Stress is dedicated to advancing understanding of the concept of stress. Click on the link for more information and ideas for managing stress.