Writing Letters in Japanese - Format and Tips

Writing Letters in Japanese - Format and Tips Today, it is possible to communicate with anyone, anywhere in the world, instantly by email. However, it doesnt mean that the need to write letters has disappeared. In fact, many people still enjoy writing letters to family and friends. They also love receiving them and thinking of them when they see the familiar handwriting. In addition, no matter how much technology progresses, Japanese New Years cards (nengajou) will most likely always be sent by mail. Most Japanese people would probably not be upset by grammatical errors or incorrect usage of keigo (honorific expressions) in a letter from a foreigner. They will be happy just to receive the letter. However, to become a better student of Japanese, it will be useful to learn basic letter-writing skills. Letter Format The format of Japanese letters is essentially fixed. A letter can be written both vertically and horizontally. The way you write is mainly personal preference, though older people tend to write vertically, especially for formal occasions. Opening Word: The opening word is written at the top of the first column.Preliminary Greetings: They are usually seasonal greetings or to inquire about the addressees health.Main Text: The main text starts in a new column, one or two spaces down from the top. The phrases like sate or tokorode are often used to start the text.Final Greetings: They are mainly wishes for the health of the addressee.Closing Word: This is written at the bottom of the next column after the final greetings. Since opening words and closing words come in pairs, make sure to use the appropriate words.Date: When you write horizontally, Arabic numbers are used to write the date. When writing vertically, use kanji characters.Writers Name.Addressees Name: Make sure to add sama or sensei (teachers, doctors, lawyers, Diet members, etc.) to the addressees name, depending on which is proper.Postscript: When you need to add a postscript, start it with tsuishin. It is not appropriate to write postscripts for a letter to superiors or a formal letter. Addressing Envelopes Needless to say, it is rude to write the addressees name incorrectly. Make sure to use the correct kanji characters.Unlike addresses in the west, which usually start with the addressees name and end with the zip or postal code, A Japanese address starts with prefecture or city and end with the house number.The postal code boxes are printed on most envelopes or postcards. Japanese postal codes have 7 digits. You will find seven red boxes. Write the postal code in the postal code box.The addressees name is in the center of the envelope. It should be slightly larger than the characters that are used in the address. Make sure to add sama or sensei to the addressees name depending on which is proper. When you write a letter to an organization, onchuu is used.The writers name and address are written at the back of the envelope, not on the front. Writing Postcards The stamp is put on the top left. Although you can write either vertically or horizontally, the front and the back should be in the same format. Sending a Letter from Overseas When you send a letter to Japan from overseas, romaji is acceptable to use when writing the address. However, if possible, it is better to write it in Japanese.

7 Stress Management Techniques for Nurses

7 Stress Management Techniques for Nurses Stress is an ever-present buzzword in pretty much every industry, but it takes on especially sharp significance for those in the medical and nursing professions. Daryn Eller at Scrubs Mag has compiled some strategies for nurses to help them manage stress without feeling overwhelmed. The consequences for losing the ability to manage stress are severe: burning out and leaving the industry, substance abuse, chronic illness, neglecting self care, or even  making fatal errors. Be proactive about advocating for yourself, beginning with these basic approaches:1. Take ControlStart by observing your daily routine objectively. What gives you energy, and what saps it? Can you structure your day or your approach to tasks to emphasize the ones that build you up, or at least balance them more effectively with the draining moments? Talk to your supervisor and your colleagues and see if you have a counterpart you might be able to trade with- this step helps rebuild your  sense of agency, which a lleviates that helpless, scrambling feeling.  2. Keep PerspectiveStress in the field of nursing is unavoidable- even if you try to stay detached, there are people’s lives at stake! So don’t bottle up your emotions at work- breathe and talk and even write through them. This strategy may even be more useful for your life outside of work; when you remember what the stakes at work are, interpersonal conflict or household issues seem lighter by comparison.  3. Lighten UpWhether you burst into song like Julie Andrews or make inappropriate jokes to alleviate the tension, it’s important to let levity in when you can. Learn from your mistakes, and then let them roll off your shoulders. Carrying around guilt or shame will not make your job easier.  4. Don’t be a Hero (when it comes to overtime)While the opportunity to double your usual wages might be appealing, it’s crucial to remember that nursing is exhausting physically and emotionally. There are le gal maximums for a reason. Don’t feel like you always have to be the one stepping up for extra shifts, and remember to compartmentalize and sign off at the end of the day or night.  5. Take BreaksMany nurses don’t take breaks- unless they’re smokers, which seems totally counterintuitive. Whether you treat yourself to a 15 minute non-smoking smoke break or just pause to close your eyes for a long slow breath between patient rooms, make sure you find moments to refresh yourself during the day. If you can manage even short workouts before or after work, even better.  6. Live in the MomentAmbition can take us to exciting places, and nostalgia is always a bittersweet mental journey. But during your daily life, make sure you know right when and where you are. Don’t be racing to the next thing or brooding on the last one- let go of past and future stress and work with what’s facing you right there in that moment.  7. Be Ready to Make ChangesIf you g et to a point where you have to constantly reach for these coping strategies and more, it may be a sign you’re in the wrong specialty, the wrong hospital, or the wrong doctor’s office. Be strategic about planning a move. Think about the kinds of places you’d really want to work, and don’t just restrict yourself to reading job postings or want ads. For other nurses, involving their families in their work- or even just bringing them to the hospital to get a sense of what their daily experience is- can help build a more supportive family dynamic.  The consistent thread in these tips is to know yourself, know what you need, and be empowered to advocate for yourself in large and small moments  when you feel like you’re overstressed. It will only help your work to have a revitalized version of you at work every day.