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Pain is a universal experience and its management is a human right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is no doubt that nursing is mentally and physically demanding work. Caring for patients, long shifts and stretched resources all take their toll. At the end of a shift it can be hard to leave work behind and achieve a vital sense of rest and restoration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most people enjoy laughing and having fun, and this can enable individuals to socialise and bond. However, there is a difference between spontaneous laughter and laughter therapy, which consists of physical exercise, relaxation techniques and simulated vigorous laughter. This article aims to enhance nurses' knowledge and understanding of laughter therapy, which is a practice within complementary and alternative medicine. It discusses the evolution of laughter therapy, and describes its components and how it is practised. This article also identifies the physical and psychosocial benefits of laughter therapy, and how patients and nurses can engage with this activity to enhance their well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All nurses and nursing support staff are entitled to rest breaks while at work and in between shifts. But pressures in health and social care services mean many do not get proper breaks or miss them entirely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author points out the need for nurses to learn how to recognize one's tipping point, the point where levels of stress start to work against oneself, to avoid being overwhelmed. Several actions to help regain control when feeling overwhelmed are suggested, including stepping away, allowing oneself come leeway and asking for help. It also points out the need to pay attention to one's thoughts and feeling when one feels that the pressure is mounting.

The author shares her experience of visiting an art gallery in order to cope with stress, pain and sickness.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including laughter therapy, bullying in the workplace and the 2019 congress of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN).

The article focuses on the findings of a study which reveals that teaching breast cancer patients stress management techniques early in their treatment can better their mood and quality of life many years later.

The article discusses the nursing care of patients with wound pain. The article refers to the previously published article, "Wound-related pain: features, assessments and treatment." The author describes non-pharmacological methods of relieving pain including relaxation techniques and music therapy. The physiology of nociceptive and neuropathic pain is described.