Georgia Association of Nurse Anesthetists Wellness Feature
Let’s be honest—we’re all just trying to figure it out.
Our parents did the same, only with fewer resources. Now, we carry an overload of information, opinions, and expectations right in the palms of our hands. The digital age has brought incredible advancements—but also new pressures. It’s no surprise that many of us wake up and reach for our phones before our feet hit the floor.
Add in the demands of a high-stakes profession like nurse anesthesia, and the result can be chronic overstimulation.
CRNAs are highly skilled professionals whose day-to-day work requires constant vigilance, precision, and calm under pressure. The operating room environment is rich in auditory stimuli—alarms, equipment, voices—that can trigger what’s known as auditory stress or alarm fatigue (Cvach, 2012; Konkani et al., 2014). Over time, this contributes to mental fatigue, emotional burnout, and difficulty disconnecting after hours.
So, how do we turn off when we’ve been “on” all day?
How can we care for ourselves as compassionately as we care for others?
The answer: intentional self-care.
Not the once-a-year vacation kind—but small, meaningful practices that support your body and mind every single day.
Simple, Impactful Self-Care Tools for GANA Members
- Be Intentional with Your Time
- Time is a limited resource—treat it that way. Block time for yourself the same way you would for a case or meeting. Whether it’s five minutes of silence in the car, a walk, or dinner with loved ones, intentionality creates balance.
- Move with Purpose
- Yoga & Stretching: These practices ease physical tension and promote mindfulness. Just 10 minutes a day can shift your stress response.
- Exercise: Physical activity supports mood, energy, and cognitive function (Mikkelsen et al., 2017). Find what works for you—walking, strength training, dancing.
- Create Quiet
- In a profession full of noise, silence can be healing. Whether it’s meditation, deep breathing, or simply turning off notifications, even a few quiet moments daily can help recalibrate your nervous system.
- Engage in Creativity
- Painting or puzzles offer a way to center your thoughts and stay present.
- Journaling helps you process your experiences, emotions, and goals.
- Embrace Nature Therapy
- Sunlight, fresh air, and green spaces reduce anxiety and improve mood. A short walk outside or lunch in the sun can be more restorative than we realize (Berman et al., 2008).
- Prioritize Recovery
- Massage Therapy relieves muscle tension and encourages relaxation.
- Rest is not optional—it’s essential. Sleep is critical for brain function and emotional regulation (Walker, 2017).
- Connect with Others
- Whether it’s a CRNA book club, a support group, or just laughing with friends, community helps combat burnout.
- Shared understanding and joy are powerful forms of self-care.
The Takeaway
You are more than your role in the OR. You are a whole person who deserves care, rest, and peace—just like your patients. Intentional self-care isn’t indulgence. It’s professional preservation.
References
- Berman, M. G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19(12), 1207–1212.
- Cvach, M. (2012). Monitor alarm fatigue: An integrative review. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology, 46(4), 268–277.
- Konkani, A., Oakley, B., & Bauld, T. J. (2014). Reducing hospital noise: A review of medical device alarm management. Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology, 48(6), 511–517.
- Mikkelsen, K., Stojanovska, L., Polenakovic, M., Bosevski, M., & Apostolopoulos, V. (2017). Exercise and mental health. Maturitas, 106, 48–56.
- Walker, M. (2017). Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner.