The title of this month's Editorial is really a projection of my own situation. I read all the columns in the paper and women's magazines and at least buy the newest books that will give me clues on how to de-stress, become more centered, and tune in with planet Earth. Yet, I frequently am stressed, unfocused, and not sure if the tune I'm playing is swing, rock, or classical!!
I think I fit into the same category as many of you-overly busy at work and home, caught up in today's fast-paced life, and often too isolated because I work from my home office and you work from your car!! We go home-a short trip for me-and through technology can become hermits or lose ourselves by totally focusing on others.
Yes, I think I should take an exercise class, join a civic group, and become active in politics-especially this year. But I think we all know many ways to do little things during the day that can help reach our relaxation goals. Let me give you some of my tips; I hope you'll share yours with me.
[black small square] Talk with those you meet, even briefly. Say hello to people you pass on the street, strike up a short conversation with the waiter who's taking your lunch order or the clerk from whom you're purchasing postage stamps. Interact with people daily other than your patients and their family.
[black small square] Take a walk. Park your car a bit far away from the patient's home (if the area is safe) or find a nice public park or track; breathe deeply and walk purposefully. Even a 10-minute walk can invigorate and clear the mind.
[black small square] It's winter, it's cold, and you need something warm. Go to the mall!! Leave your money and credit cards in the car!! Bring your thermos of soup and a sandwich, plan to meet a coworker there or make a lunch date-you're not required to be alone all day just because you're employed in home care!! If you are alone, take a power walk once around the mall's walkway before you leave.
[black small square] Stop for coffee or tea at a real coffee shop or diner. Sit at the counter or, if at a table, begin a conversation with the person who's working on a laptop-there's always someone there. I know; I'm one of them!!
Don't have the time? Well, maybe not every day, but if you try to work a break into most days, even for a few minutes, you'll find you're not just better at work, you're also feeling better when you return home. For me, these are the activities I do to get out of the house (i.e., home office).
To help you with taking care of yourself, there's a new column beginning this month by Kathy Sitzman, who authored the wonderful HHN column "Short & Sweet." Kathy is once again sharing with you her positive approach to life and home care nursing in a new column entitled "Nurse Matters." So, while you're sipping your soup or taking that power walk, you can gain useful tips on how to prevent or deal with many of the challenges we face every day.
Because I can't "do lunch" with you, please drop me a note about you do to de-stress. We'll publish your tips in an upcoming issue. Until then-take care of yourself!!