4 Emotional Regulation Skills CNAs Should Know

The job of a CNA is no easy task. Aside from the physical toll that it takes on the body, working as CNAs can also be emotionally, mentally, and spiritually exhausting. No matter how much you love working with people, it can be difficult to maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced, challenging atmosphere.

That’s why it’s so important to understand the importance of self-care. As a certified nursing assistant, it is an honor to serve people in need. However, without the ability to regulate your emotions, you can quickly experience burnout.

Regulating Your Emotions as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Many CNAs are drawn to their jobs because they love helping people. They feel empathy for others’ pain and want to assist in any way they can. 

Ironically, it can be a lot easier to help others than to help ourselves. Without self-care, medical professionals can eventually become overwhelmed. Here are 4 ways that a certified nursing assistant can regulate their emotions.

1.Taking Care of Your Mental State

CNAs have to deal with stressful situations daily. Staying attentive to their own mental health can make a huge difference in how they show up to their jobs. CNAs should take time out of their day to read, listen to an audiobook, or listen to relaxing music. 

Journaling daily can also help to bring clarity to our mental experience and help to clear the clutter in our minds. In addition, taking up a relaxing hobby can also have a positive impact on your mental state.

2. Stay Physically Active

Most people are aware that consistent physical activity is good for the body, mind, and spirit. This goes a long way for anyone with a stressful job. The CDC recommends two and a half hours of aerobic exercise a week. 

Walking, running, lifting weights, playing sports, and doing yoga are all possible options. If you are someone that needs extra motivation, join a local gym or take a class. Exercise has been known to activate neurotransmitters in the brain that boost overall mood.

3. Being In Tune With Your Emotions

Working with people, especially sick and suffering people, can take its toll over time. It’s easy to become overwhelmed and begin to lose yourself emotionally. Having ways to regulate your emotions is key to a long-lasting career as a medical professional.

Expressing your feelings to friends or co-workers that respect and understand you can be very helpful. If that isn’t enough, exploring talk therapy can help you make sense of your emotions. Having relaxing hobbies like watching movies or TV shows can help to manage stress at times, too.

Try to avoid overusing alcohol to alleviate stress. While this may appear helpful in the short term, it often creates more stress later on.

4. Spiritual Practices May Help

Different forms of spiritual practice can help reduce stress. Spirituality and religion do not have to be connected. Deep breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can pose major benefits to those in the medical field. 

Mindfulness meditation, in particular, can help CNAs identify thoughts and emotions as they arise. This, in turn, could help them regulate amid a challenging work situation. These techniques can help an individual on a daily basis, professionally and interpersonally. 

Regulation Resources for a Certified Nurse Assistant

Here are just a few options that could help a certified nurse assistant with their self-care:

• Insight Timer and Headspace: These are meditation apps for meditators of all experience levels.
• Talkspace: This is an app that can connect you to therapists.
• Shine: This app is filled with uplifting quotes. You can refer to it when feeling dysregulated. 
• Emergency Self-Care Worksheet. This is a guide for anyone who is feeling stressed. 

Looking For a CNA Position?

If you’re looking for a CNA position, CynaMed has you covered. We list part-time, full-time, temporary, and permanent job listings to make it easier for health professionals to find employment. Visit our website and apply today.