Question

Select all that apply: Select the strategies for dealing with stress: A. Avoid humor. B. Keep an hourly log. C. Get enough sleep. D. Stay in touch with family. E. Provide peer support.

Short answer

The selected strategies for dealing with stress are C. Get enough sleep, D. Stay in touch with family, and E. Provide peer support.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Positive Strategies

Firstly, identify the strategies that have a positive connotation in dealing with stress. Looking at the options, getting enough sleep (option C), staying in touch with family (option D), and providing peer support (option E) are all activities known to help deal with or mitigate stress.

Identify Negative or Irrelevant Strategies

Next, identify the strategies that would not help in dealing with stress or irrelevant to the situation. In this case, avoiding humour (option A) is considered negative as humour is generally known to relieve stress. Similarly, keeping an hourly log (option B) does not directly relate to managing stress and could even be a source of stress for some people.

Key concepts

Positive Coping Mechanisms

Coping with stress can sometimes feel overwhelming, but employing positive coping mechanisms can make life more manageable. These are strategies that not only help you handle stress effectively but also contribute to your well-being.

• Getting Enough Sleep: Sleep is critical for rejuvenation and healing. When you're well-rested, you have a clearer mind and better emotional resilience to handle stress.
• Staying in Touch with Family: Maintaining strong connections with family provides emotional support and a sense of belonging. This social interaction can ease stress and offer comfort during difficult times.
• Peer Support: Sharing your experiences with friends or peers can be a wonderful stress reliever. They can offer advice, support, or simply lend an ear, making you feel understood and less isolated.

Opting for positive coping mechanisms helps you build a foundation of emotional strength and balance, enabling you to better face any challenges that come your way.

Stress Reduction Techniques

Stress reduction techniques are practical interventions you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to manage stress more effectively. Here are some tried-and-tested methods:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Taking slow, deep breaths can help lower your heart rate and create a sense of calm. It counters the body's stress response and promotes relaxation.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness or meditation helps bring your focus to the present moment. These techniques can reduce anxiety, improve concentration, and increase feelings of peace.
• Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activity, even something as simple as a daily walk, releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Exercise also improves physical health, which can alleviate stress-related symptoms.

By adopting these techniques, you equip yourself with tools to effectively handle stress, leading to better mental and emotional health.

NCLEX-RN Test Preparation

Preparing for the NCLEX-RN exam can be daunting, but with the right strategies, you can manage your stress and improve your chances of success. Here are some tips to consider:

• Create a Study Plan: Break your study sessions into manageable chunks and set achievable goals. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures consistent progress.
• Utilize Practice Tests: Taking practice exams helps you become familiar with the test format and identify areas where you need improvement.
• Find Your Support System: Join study groups or connect with other candidates. Sharing resources and discussing topics can enhance your understanding and lessen test-related stress.

Balancing your study efforts with self-care and effective stress management tactics is key to acing the NCLEX-RN exam.