Whether you are working in a busy COVID-19 unit, in a provider’s office or a lab, chances are – you are feeling the stress of this pandemic.
Likely you are working more hours than usual, you are on your feet, and you are tired. If your family is continually asking you what you would like for a holiday gift and you just do not know what to ask for, it is a great idea to ask for gifts that promote self-care. Gifts that ask you to slow down and take care of yourself is a way to not only pamper yourself, but to also remind yourself that you also matter. Here are some great ideas to relieve some some stress.
Mind/Body Treatments
Treatments that connect your mind and body are the ultimate way to slow down. We are working a lot of hours and it can be hard to dial the number or text to make an appointment for a massage or an acupuncture session, but our bodies are screaming for it.
Massage
It goes without saying that massage feels good. The oils smell good. The music is relaxing. But did you know that it is most likely good for you too?
Though various studies done have been done on a small sample size, the results are promising. One study performed on 38 nurses involved the use of 15-minute chair massage sessions. These sessions were performed weekly. Stress levels were assessed at five weeks, then 10 weeks. The conclusion found that stress levels had reduced significantly. Another study evaluated 66 Iranian ICU nurses. All nurses received semi-weekly 25-minute Swedish massages. The nurses who received massage had less stress than the nurses who did not.
So, add a massage with your local therapist to your list!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); its aim is to bring balance to the body. TCM believes that our life force is known as “qi” or “chi” and health is the harmonious balance of the “yin” and the “yang.”
Acupuncture uses thin, tiny needles, inserted into various points throughout the body; there are 350 points that an acupuncturist may use to attempt to bring balance. These points are along meridians of the body that qi is thought to flow.
There is minimal risk associated with acupuncture; there is also many research studies that indicate that it is likely quite effective, though researchers are still unsure how it works.
A visit with an acupuncturist is relaxing – you will likely be situated on a massage table that may be heated. After the needles are inserted, you will rest and relax alone. Once the needles have “done their magic” the acupuncturist will remove them, and you will be able to go about your usual activities.
Definitely worth a try!
Gift Certificates
Generally, I am not a fan of gift certificates and would not recommend them unless they are for an experience (see above…) However, in our current time, we have many businesses hurting for business. We, as healthcare professionals, are also struggling. We are struggling to get basic tasks done because we are busy. We are tired. We are depressed. We are anxious.
A well-meaning gift certificate for your favorite grocery store, restaurant, or Door Dash is a fabulous gift. Gift certificates can mean that you are giving businesses your dollars. A gift certificate to a business such as Door Dash can also give you a break – the ability to order a meal for your family when you mentally and physically cannot fathom cooking a meal.
The Gift of Time
Self-care does not always mean face masks, bath bombs, and fancy lotions. It can mean asking your brother or mother to watch your kids so that you and your husband can pick up a hot cup of coffee and do your Christmas shopping. Or so that you can get that massage. Or so that you can go to therapy (let’s face it – we’ve all seen some pretty upsetting things this past year.)
Don’t be afraid to ask for time – whether it is for a family or friend to watch your kids, for your husband to help you finally clean the garage, or a little help each week cooking dinner.
Blue-Light Blocking Glasses
Though most healthcare professionals spend a considerable amount of time on their feet, they also spend a lot of time looking at screens – charting, administering medications, reviewing labs. Not to mention the blinding lights in most healthcare facilities. It is enough to give even the hardiest and most well-rested person a headache!
Blue-light blocking glasses work by filtering blue light so it doesn’t reach the eyes. This helps prevent eye fatigue and blurred vision, in addition to dry and irritated eyes. You can find blue-light blocking glasses at most eye retailers, as well as online eye boutiques. You can even find them on Amazon.
Fitness Equipment
Long hours make it difficult to get to the gym. Plus, we’re tired – on days off, we’re trying to recoup from the days that we’ve just worked – if you’re like me, you want to rest (and it may be all that safe to go to the gym in some areas anyway).
The gift of fitness equipment, whether it be a yoga mat, hand weights, a bike, or a treadmill, may be a welcome gift. It allows you to get in some gentle or vigorous movement on your own terms.
A Yoga Subscription
Depending on where you live, live yoga classes may not be occurring. Searching on Facebook or on a fitness app, such as MindBody, for yoga studios that offer live or on-demand virtual yoga classes can be a great option for the yogi nurse in your life.
Even if you aren’t a yogi, requesting a class or two may be a great idea. Why? Research indicates that a regular yoga practice can reduce burnout. A study conducted in a large hospital system found that nurses “…the yoga participants reported significantly higher self-care as well as less emotional exhaustion and depersonalization upon completion of an 8-week yoga intervention.”
Good Coffee
Let’s face it – healthcare providers love a good cup of coffee. Whether it is because we’re not sleeping well, we’re running on little sleep, or because we’re working several days in a row – coffee is a vice for many of us to mitigate stress and tiredness.
So it can’t hurt to provide us with some good coffee!
The best thing you can is request that your loved ones buy you some beans, a gift certificate, or other products from a local coffee shop. The next best thing – search Etsy for a small business that is selling unique products pertaining to coffee, such as hand-crafted coffee mugs.
Otherwise, coffee companies such as Purity Coffee are offering deep discounts for healthcare workers. Healthcare workers can get 30% off coffee by confirming their identity. Nurses can get a free bag with purchase.
Resources
Alexander, G. K., Rollins, K., Walker, D., Wong, L., & Pennings, J. (2015). Yoga for Self-Care and Burnout Prevention Among Nurses. Workplace Health & Safety, 63(10), 462–470. https://doi.org/10.1177/2165079915596102
Brazier, Y. (2017, December 21). Acupuncture: How it works, uses, benefits, and risks. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488#risks
How Can Massage Therapy Benefit Nurses? (2017, June 8). Caring Hands Massage Therapy. http://caringhandsrmt.com/massage-benefit-nurses/
