Self-Care for Nurses

Many times, nurses neglect their own health and put their patients’ health before their own. In the long run, this hurts everyone. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to tend to your patients if you call out sick or give your 100% if you’re feeling under the weather. Although it may be difficult, make your health a priority. 

Take a Mental Day

It’s important to spend a day to relax and clear your mind from all the hecticness. Spend this day doing calming things like:

•  Yoga
• Clean and organize your home
• Listen to music
• Go for a walk or run
• Make a facemask and take a bath

While doing these activities, ease your mind and avoid thinking of things that are stressing you out.

Spend Time With Friends & Family

It may seem like you barely have time for yourself these days, but make time for your relationships even if it’s for an hour to grab a bite to eat. The hardest part will be physically going to meet up, but it will be worth it because being around the people you care about will instantly brighten your mood. Spend this time talking about yourselves, even what you’re going through at work and just catching up in general. 

Sleep

Always being on your feet throughout your shifts is physically draining. Especially if you are working back to back 12 hour shifts, it’s likely you aren’t getting much sleep. Try getting more sleep in between shifts and on your days off. If you have trouble falling asleep, try turning the blue light filter on your electronic device and investing in some black-out curtains for your bedroom. Another helpful tip, is to take melatonin supplements before sleeping to help regulate your sleep-wake cycle. 

Hobbies

Find a hobby you enjoy and look forward to. No…this doesn’t mean binge watching your favorite show. Find an activity that adds meaning and purpose to your life, aside from working. This should be something that helps you disconnect from everything else and that you genuinely like doing. Some hobbies might include reading, painting, playing a sport, working out, gardening, cooking and more.

Exercise

Exercising is crucial for our bodies to stay healthy, especially for those with physically demanding jobs. For nurses who are constantly on their feet and working long hours, it may be the last thing you want to do after a shift or on your day off, but it will benefit your wellbeing. The workout doesn’t have to be too intense, you can engage in a light jog, yoga, zumba or other fitness classes. Exercising will relieve stress, increase your energy levels and improve your overall health!

Stay healthy and practice self-care!