Stress management strategies are a focal point for people working in the health industry. They are among the most exposed to high levels of stress, which often severely affects their daily lives (Caponnetto et al., 2019). Therefore, these strategies may improve the practitioner’s level of stress but also work efficiency and satisfaction. Other benefits include higher levels of motivation, decreased chances of experiencing burn-out, and improvement of life quality (Caponnetto et al., 2019). However, the results are distinct within the controlled group that systematically performed the stress management techniques. Hence, the need to systematically implement the strategies might be an obstacle to applying them because of the difficulties related to the development of new habits. The problem lies within the need for self-discipline, which is rare among some people. Moreover, as medicine workers may experience emergency calls, stress management might be replaced by active duty and become forgotten. Therefore, scheduling the activity with the work practices might be challenging.
I use meditation as the stress management technique coupled with a breathing exercise called “belly breathing.” It relieves my mind from any doubts about the following day and the stress built up by its end. I perform them twice per day, before breakfast and after dinner. It is challenging to distinguish concrete benefits that are not related to the decrease of stress levels. Nevertheless, it is possible to say that the exercises help to manage the constant existential fears and worries about the future.
Moreover, after implementing the said techniques, there is an increase in confidence and assertiveness. These two newly acquired qualities significantly improve personal daily life and help to develop the social circle. I felt more comfortable talking to strangers and meeting new people in general.
Reference
Caponnetto, P., Magro, R., Inguscio, L., & Cannella, M. C. (2019). Quality of life, work motivation, burn-out and stress perceptions benefits of a stress management program by autogenic training for emergency room staff: A pilot study. Mental Illness, 10(2), 67-70. Web.