Tired nurse running on empty, sitting on hospital stairs with head in hands

Are You Running on Empty?

Tired nurse running on empty, sitting on hospital stairs with head in hands

Try these simple ways to recharge in 15 minutes or less

There’s an understated irony in the standard litany of self-care tips. Go for a run! Take a relaxing bath! Book a massage! All good things, but when a lack of time is already a significant stressor, adding more things to an already tight schedule does little to ease the pressure.

Thankfully, self-care can be practiced anywhere, any time. Try some of these strategies to ease stress in 15 minutes or less.

Tip 1: Snuggle up
Oxytocin lowers blood pressure, decreases stress hormone levels, and makes us happier overall. For many people, hugging a friend or petting a pet are simple ways to release oxytocin.

Tip 2: Stretch it out
If you tend to hold stress and tension in your muscles after a long day, indulge in some simple stretches after work to create more space in your body and mind.

Tip 3: Throwback jams
Music is powerful. Make a nostalgic playlist of some of your favorite songs, throw on some headphones, and jam out!

Tip 4: Good clean fun
Cleaning reduces stress by combining the effects of exercise, decluttering, and mindfulness. Set a timer for 15 minutes and focus on one small-but-satisfying task, like decluttering your bathroom counter or wiping the baseboards.

Looking for more ways to recharge? Explore practical wellness tips in our course, Mindfulness for Healthcare Professionals.