There is a reason why, “The family that plays together stays together.” Recreation is about reconnecting and redefining relationships. Fun makes us human to each other, it opens opportunity to build understanding and connect on a deeper level. I’ve done volunteer work with families that have placed their teens in interventional boarding schools. When those children come back home, relationships have to be rebuild and redefined, and family vacations and holidays are critical to this process.

As nurses, we are constantly in an environment of family crisis. Fun is essential to counteract the tension this crisis creates. It also allows us to see our patients as more than just a name and diagnosis. Swap magazines with your patients or gossip over the latest soap or movie star scandal while you help them to the bathroom. My personal favorite thing to do is to sing a lullaby or favorite song to my patients. Since most are stuck in bed watching television all day, discussing a favorite television show or movie is always easy.

And don’t forget your coworkers. Making time to socialize with them gives you a bigger picture of who they are and how to more accurately interpret their words and behavior.

What are strategies you or your unit uses to make work life more enjoyable and less stressful?