On every airline flight, a flight attendant gives directions to those on board so they know what to do in an emergency. One line always stands out: “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.” I think this line speaks volumes about the importance of self-care. Because if we don’t care for ourselves, how can we care for others?
Today, most nurses are responsible for caring for their families, aging parents, patients, caregivers, other members of the healthcare team, and others, depending on their circumstances. As a result, self-care is often tossed out the window due to time restraints, work schedules, and responsibilities. Yet, most of us know that making room for our needs is critical to enabling us to care for others and keep going with calm and inner strength.
Self-care only works when you listen to your body and do what you want without resistance. I’ve learned to do things that allow me to step away from the challenges of my day-to-day routine and relax my mind and body. My routine changed a few months ago; I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. I was treated with aggressive chemotherapy, eradicating the tumor, but it left me with neuropathy and nerve damage in both legs. As a result, I have had to re-learn how to exercise and care for myself to continue to heal. Today, I swim, do water aerobics, write a Blog and spend time with my husband, family, and friends. These activities have allowed me to relax and focus on healing. I have a long way to go, but coping with a major medical illness has allowed me to refocus on everyday challenges.
Think about things that you like to do and make time for them. Don’t feel like you have to spend a lot of money on these things, but you do have to commit to taking care of yourself. Here are some things that you might want to consider adding to your to-do list that will allow you to improve your mind, body, and spirit:
- Get medical and dental checkups on a regular basis
- Find an exercise that you like to do and set time aside to do it. Schedule the time as an appointment and keep it!
- If you have fallen away from your religious affiliation, reconnect. Having a higher power, you can depend on, talk to, pray to, and believe in can provide strength during challenging times.
- Find a cause that means something to you and volunteer. Giving back allows you to focus on others rather than yourself.
- Continue to learn. Learning helps us learn new perspectives and opens up our minds. If you desire to return to school, make time for it. If you are interested in learning new things, look at your local community colleges, which often have self-improvement courses that you can take for reasonable costs.
- Take the time to have fun. Life is short. Take time off and enjoy yourself, your family, and your friends.
- Make a move. If you are not happy in your career, make a move. Nursing is rich with opportunities.
- Network with colleagues. Networking is an important part of your professional career.
So from one nurse to another, take care of yourself!
I think your point about finding an exercise you LIKE to do is key. It ties in well to having fun that you mention down the list. I totally agree- if you dread the exercise, you're not going to do it. Great post, Anne.
Great post Anne and I agree that nurses are prone to throwing self care out the window. It is not healthy for us, our patients, or the systems we work in. I think it is crucial for us to make ourselves a priority and this in turn will enable us to provide safe care and sustain our enthusiasm for life-long learning! Thanks for your great list of tips and keep up your self-care efforts!
I agree with Elizabeth. If you don't enjoy your exercise, it won't last, and it will be wasted effort. Learning is crucial and severely underrated, especially in America, where entertainment is king. Great post!
"Continue to learn" is so important for nurses who may become disabled. Be prepared so you can move into a new career path if disability happens.
Great realistic and practical tips here. "Continuing to learn" resonates a lot for me, and volunteering, and of course if your current nursing job is not a good fit, there are as you say many "rich opportunities" for nurses.
I have so much fun dancing with my friends in my Zumba class I rarely think of it as a workout. Big stress relief for me too!
Anne thanks for the post. I am in the process of trying to "make a move" That is why I love nursing, there are so many unique opportunities in our profession.
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Really enjoyed your post. If we are going to give our patients the care they deserve then we must make sure to take care of ourselves. Thanks for posting.
Thanks Elizabeth…we all have to like what we are doing….or we won't do it.
Thanks Beth….so many nurses forget about themselves. Self-care is important and something each of us has to learn to do better at! Have a good week
So true Greg……
Thank Donna….life long learning is a MUST for everyone!
Thanks Annette. Appreciate your comments.
Yes, that is how I feel about swimming…..it is a solo sport, but love the people I meet at the pool!
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Wow Kelly….keep us posted.Very exciting!
So true…..
Hi Anne-
This is such a great post & also refreshing- These are some excellent tips that we can implement right away- Thanks for sharing-
Thank you for your candid advise! I love a good list to refer to check off!