Serenity in Scrubs - Breathwork

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks on your plate—the things you have to or must do, would like to do, and even the ones you'd rather avoid? As your mind races through a never-ending to-do list, anxiety can start to creep in. Whether you're a bedside nurse juggling multiple patients or a nurse manager balancing staffing issues, budgets, and administrative demands, the weight of responsibility often lingers long after your shift ends.

In these moments, grounding yourself in the present can be a powerful tool for relieving stress and calming your nervous system. One simple yet effective way to reset the mind and body is through breathwork. By focusing on your breath, you shift attention away from overwhelming thoughts and into the rhythm of inhaling and exhaling.  According to Metz-Shah (2023), the appeal of this complementary modality to the stress response is that it can be accessed in any healthcare setting, at most any time, is safe, and most of all, practical. 

To Begin this simple Breathwork:

1. Set your timer for one minute

2. Breath in for 4 seconds

3. Exhale for 4 seconds

4. Repeat this breath cycle for the full minute

This small but intentional practice can help ease tension and restore clarity—one breath at a time. Let us know if this breathwork was helpful.

Reference

Shaw-Metz, J. L. (2023). Coming up for air: Breathwork practice for stress management in the healthcare setting. Journal of Interprofessional Education & Practice, 30, 100594.