Patient Teaching...Measures to Reduce Stress & Build Self Esteem

This information comes to you from the text book of basic nursing fifth edition written by Caroline Bunker Rosdahl, RN, BSN, MA 

(specifically chapter 52 page 464)

This is a text book that I used while in college and have referenced many times since.  I will use the text to offer some further understanding to pain. The following has been re-typed exactly as it is in the text book.

• Exercise: Don't compete; keep exercise private. Do your "personal best."
  
• Nutrition: Develop a healthy diet.
  
• Recreation: Learn to have fun; it's okay to act silly; learn to play.
  

• Relaxation: Learn to relax both passively (self-hypnosis, meditation, deep breathing) and actively (knit, sew, read, travel)
  
• Support: Join a support group, ask your family to join a support group, ask your family to be there when you're hurting.
  
• Hobbies: Keep occupied; do things alone where you are not dependent on other people; develop new hobbies that fit your reduced physical abilities.
  
• Rest/Get Enough Sleep: Learn relaxation and stress management techniques. It is easier to cope when rested.