You can see it, feel it in every facility I’ve been to. Nurses are not the same. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. https://njsna.org/report-finds-mass-trauma-among-worlds-nurses/

Hey there, feeling like you're running on fumes? We’ve all been there, and it’s okay to admit when things are tough. Nursing can be overwhelming—long shifts, emotional rollercoasters, and the constant pressure to be everything to everyone. Sometimes, it feels like too much. This space is for those moments when you need to hit pause, catch your breath, and talk it out. Whether you’re dealing with stress on the job, feeling emotionally drained, or just need some advice from people who get it, you’re in the right place. We’re here to support each other—no judgment, just understanding. Drop a note, share your thoughts, or even just vent if you need to. You’re not alone, and together we can figure it out.

1. Breathe: Slow, deep breaths can help lower blood pressure and heart rate. Try pranayama breathing, a yogic method that involves breathing through one nostril at a time to relieve anxiety. The technique is supposed to work the same way as acupuncture, balancing the mind and body. 2. Count Backward: When worries are running rampant, try slowly counting to 10 and then back again to calm down. It’s harder to freak out about an upcoming exam or job interview when you’re busy remembering what number comes before seven. 3. Stretch: Standing up for a quick stretch can relieve muscle tension and help you relax during a stressful workday. Try a shoulder roll-out or a chest-opening stretch right from the desk chair. 4. Be Alone: Take a “bathroom break” even if you don’t need to go. Five minutes of alone time can help you collect your thoughts and clear your head. 5. Give Yourself a Hand Massage: When there’s no professional masseuse in sight, try DIYing a hand massage for instant relaxation that calms a pounding heart. Hands in general can carry a lot of tension. Apply some lotion and start kneading the base of the muscle under the thumb to relieve stress in the shoulders, neck, and scalp.

You are not alone! Results from a 2020 survey indicate that almost two-thirds of nurses (62%) experience burnout. It's especially common among younger nurses, with 69% of nurses under 25 reporting burnout. This issue affects all hospitals and health care systems in the U.S.