How do I keep going when the going gets tough?

As with many health care professionals, it seems like my workload is getting bigger every day, and sometimes I feel totally overwhelmed. How do my peers stay balanced and energized through a long, overloaded day? I'd really appreciate any pointers.

-- Cecile, RN

Relax, recharge, rethink

Health care professionals live busy, stress-filled lives, so it's no wonder that, occasionally, you may feel like you can't go on. But you're made of tougher stuff. Otherwise, you never would've chosen nursing as a profession.

So, how can you reclaim your get-up-and-go when it's gotten up and gone? Your peers suggest you:

• Make the world go away.

• Care for yourself, mentally and physically.

• Look at the small picture.

Make the world go away

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Patty Sadowsky, branch manager, finds "taking a vacation in her mind" really helps -- and it doesn't cost a thing.

"Cecile, this might sound corny, but I take a minute, sit back, imagine myself on my favorite beach and just breathe slowly. In no time, I'm rejuvenated and ready to hit it again. Good luck."

An anonymous reader "travels away" her stress in another way.

"I started walking in a nice park. Then, I worked up to a jog. It's the greatest thing that's ever happened to me. I get so exhausted, my brain finally shuts off and I'm too tired to think. It's so awesome to shut off all the stress for awhile."

Care for yourself, mentally and physically

Every day, you work hard to meet the needs of others. But what about you? Don't you deserve some of the care you provide your clients and your family? One reader thinks so.

This RN/home care supervisor writes:

"I keep prayer cards in my car and pray with them as I go to an especially hard visit, usually one involving kids and needles. I also try to keep my liver happy so it can do its job of filtering out toxins. The more toxins my body has to deal with, the less likely I can handle stress. Talking with co-workers about my caseload helps too. And if I get my heart rate in the 130s before work, I feel I can take on any challenge."

Look at the small picture

Occasionally, when you look at all the things you have to do and all the people who count on you, the big picture of your life can be overwhelming. When that's the case, break your day -- and your life -- into smaller, more manageable sections, and take some of the pressure off yourself.

Monica W. Ndungu provides some pointers for you.

"Make your job your best friend by always setting many short, achievable goals. Plus, have a rationale for all your activities."

Beverly Dolweck, RN, explains how to make the workday less daunting.

"Put in your mind the thought, 'One patient at a time.' Also, prioritize your patients. Go in and let each one know you're going to be his or her nurse, what the care plan is for the day and that you'll be in and out, but to call you if you're needed. Go through these steps at the beginning of the shift, even before you start assessments or passing out meds. Patients just want to know someone is there who's concerned about their care."

An anonymous reader also reminds you to "think small."

"You're looking at your workload as a 'whole,' and that's overwhelming, because it'll never end and will rarely get any lighter. Instead, break down your workload into manageable chunks and prioritize. By making the tasks smaller and doing the important things first, you'll ensure your work gets done, and any additional time can be used on tasks that aren't vital."

Shirleky Davis, LPN, concentrates on one patient at a time.

"To keep going, I look at each of my patients and say I'm here because I want to be here for them. They need me to be that person they can lean on, and one day, I might be in a similar situation. Look back to the main reason you became a nurse, and that will help you through any hard times."

Bethany Gonzalez, HR, says staying positive can pay off for you -- and your co-workers.

"When times get tough and you feel a little overwhelmed, solve one task at a time. And stay positive. People's moods really rub off, so if you're upbeat and positive, your co-workers will be too. Plus, remember bigger workloads mean bigger business, and bigger business means bigger checks! That's always a plus in my book!"

Cecile, there are days when most of us are so tired and worn down that we feel like we just can't do one more thing. So, don't beat yourself up when it happens to you. Escape the exhaustion with a trip in your mind or a brisk walk in the refreshing outdoors. Take time to heal yourself, even if it's only a few minutes here or there. And break down your day into manageable pieces. In no time, you'll have a new perspective on your work -- and your life -- plus energy to spare!