Get zen with these tips on how to avoid Travel Nurse stress.

Nearly everybody faces on-the-job stress, but it can be especially rough on healthcare professionals. There are such high stakes to the outcome of a Travel Nurse’s work and performance that it is totally understandable to get stressed from time to time.

But you can’t let stress get the better of you! Here are 5 tips for how to avoid travel nurse stress:

Be Self-Aware

Be sure to “check in” with yourself to see where your stress levels are. It’s so easy to ignore stress when you are always go-go-going. Whether compassion fatigue or general nurse burnout, take a moment to breathe and get in touch with where you’re at and how you’re feeling. Maintaining an awareness of what you can and can’t control or fix will also help you check your stress. Don’t let yourself get too worked up over something beyond your control. Ask yourself, “What’s the best possible outcome in this situation?” Make any possible positive steps under your control toward that outcome, and beyond that, let it go!

Take Care of Yourself

Good nutrition, plenty of sleep, and regular exercise are really important for combatting stress. You also want to make time for “me time” — whatever that is for you. That could mean making time for hobbies, yoga, pampering, meditation, religious practice, a good hike outdoors, an urban adventure, a glass of wine and a good laugh with a friend, or anything else that helps you recharge.

Organize and Plan Ahead

A good defense for stress is being as prepared and organized as possible. There will always be stressful things that get thrown your way, but having other elements of your life and work organized that will work to lessen your overall stress levels.

Communicate Openly

Call up a friend or family member and chat with them. A lot of stress can melt away when we are able to simply vent to a loved one and air it all out. Also, consider your Travel Nurse recruiter an ally — that’s what they strive to be. Communicate your stresses to your recruiter in an open, honest, non-aggressive way. Your recruiter is likely to help you out in any way he or she can — even if that’s just by listening!

Practice Gratitude

Stress is real, but you’d be surprised how much an attitude of gratitude can make everything look and feel better. If you’re in a situation that causes stress, take a moment and think of three things you are thankful for, large or small. Just shifting your mindset can put things into perspective and alleviate stress.

Of course, these tips are just a start and everyone’s situation is different. Do you have any handy tips for how to avoid Travel Nurse stress?