[Routes to modify the impact of stress]

The combined effects that daily frustations and tensions have upon you depend, among other factors, on the evaluation you make of the importance of your needs as well as your confidence in your abilities. This effect is equally dependent upon your evaluation of the availability, quality and adequacy of your support system. To minimize the effects of stress, it is important to develop your internal and external resources. Stress management requires more than learning relaxation techniques. It demands the development of certain attitudes that will eventually influence your entire life. This includes the development of a realistic perception of situations and demands the realization that you can only do your best, keeping in mind your knowledge, and resources as well as the context of the moment. Stress management is time management. The management of your energies is related to your resources, your values, your needs and your priorities. The bottom line is the management of your life. Daily, nurses confront the challenge of discovering their own way of gathering information, of resolving problems, of planning pleasant activities, of benefiting from those surrounding them, as well as generating ideas, thoughts and emotions. Caring for patients must also include taking care of one's self.