And while nursing may seem like a 24-hour profession, nurses are people too! They need time for rest and relaxation in order to give their best at work.
As a nurse, you must know that the self-care of nurses is vital and it's also recommended by the American Nurses Association in its code of ethics.
But with everything else on your plate, it can be tough to find the time or energy to really take care of yourself.
According to the survey report of 2012, Out of 2,500 registered nurses, 71 percent were suffering from musculoskeletal pain, and 18 percent experienced depression. A few causes were found behind this result, and one of them was a lack of self-care. This actually demonstrates how a lack of self-care of nurses can lead to self-destruction, and it will definitely affect professional life.
That's why we've put together this list of life-changing self-care strategies specifically for nurses.
From taking mini-breaks throughout the day to investing in a good pair of shoes, these tips will help you take better care of yourself both physically and mentally. So read on, and start improving your self-care routine today!
But before we jump into self-care strategies, let's first learn about what exactly is self-care and why is it important.
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What is Self-care? Why Self care is important for nurses?
According to the World Health Organization, "self-care is the ability of individuals, families, and communities to promote health, prevent disease and maintain health and well-being without depending on health care services."
In other words, self-care is anything you do to maintain your physical, mental, and emotional health. And while some self-care activities may seem like common sense (eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep), others may be less obvious (scheduling time for yourself, setting boundaries with patients and colleagues, taking breaks during your shift).
Nurses are often responsible for the well-being of others, but they often neglect their own needs. This can lead to nurses feeling burned-out, stressed, and overwhelmed.
Self-care is important for nurses because it allows them to take a break from their responsibilities and relax. It also allows nurses to recharge their batteries so that they can be more effective in their jobs.
Life-Changing Self Care Strategies For Nurses
If you're looking for some self-care inspiration, check out these 11 life-changing self-care strategies for nurses:
Set aside time for yourself every day
Set aside time for yourself, even if it's just 10 or 15 minutes. During that time, do something that relaxes you and makes you happy. Whether it's reading, taking a walk, listening to music, or taking a bath, make sure to take some time for yourself every day.
Connect with the nature
Nurses who connect with nature often report feeling more relaxed and at ease. Nature can provide a sense of peace and tranquility, and it can also help to clear the mind. Spending time in nature can also boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
If you're looking for a way to connect with nature, consider going for a walk in the park, taking a hike in the woods, or visiting a botanical garden.
Nurture a hobby or passion
Nurses are constantly under stress. One way to manage that stress is to nurture a hobby or passion. This can help to take our minds off of work and allow us to relax. Some nurses use their hobbies to relieve stress, while others use them to stay energized and focused.
Find something that you enjoy doing and make time for it every day. Whether it's painting, hiking, cooking, or playing music, make sure that you're taking time to do what you love. No matter what your hobby is, it is important that you find time to enjoy it.
Spend time with loved ones
One of the best self-care strategies that nurses can use is to spend time with loved ones. This can help reduce stress and promote healing.
Spending time with loved ones can also provide a sense of connection and support, which are essential for nursing self-care.Exercise
Exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it can also do wonders for your mental and emotional wellbeing. Taking some time to move your body and get your heart rate up can help reduce stress, improve your mood, and give you more energy.
Eat healthy foods
It is crucial for nurses to eat healthy foods in order to take care of themselves. Eating nutritious foods helps boost energy levels, promote better mental health, and improve overall physical health. Nurses who are eating unhealthy foods are more likely to experience fatigue, depression, and health problems.
Some great options for healthy foods include fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
Self-care is important for nurses in order to maintain their own health and well-being. Eating healthy foods is one important aspect of self-care that nurses should not neglect.
Hydrate adequately
Nurses are responsible for their own well-being as well as the well-being of their patients. This means that nurses need to make sure they are taking care of themselves in order to be able to take care of others. One way to do this is by making sure you have hydrated adequately.
Dehydration can cause a number of problems, including fatigue, headaches, and other health issues. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider carrying a water bottle with you so that you can stay hydrated while on the go.
Get enough sleep
Nurses need to get enough sleep in order to be effective and alert on the job. Fatigue can lead to mistakes, which can potentially jeopardize patient safety. According to the National Sleep Foundation, adults should get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
Nurses who are short on sleep are more likely to make errors and experience health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the awareness that arises through paying attention to purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.
When nurses are mindful, they are more able to take care of themselves both physically and emotionally. In fact, mindfulness has been shown to be an effective way of reducing stress and improving one’s overall well-being.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, but one simple way is to focus on your breath. Simply sit or stand in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Then, simply pay attention to your breathing. Notice the sensations of the air moving in and out of your nose and mouth.
Don’t try to control your breathing, just let it happen naturally. If your mind starts to wander, simply bring your attention back to your breath. You can do this for a few minutes or for longer periods of time if you like.
Laugh often
Laughing is a great way to reduce stress and promote positive emotions. It's also good for your health! Laughing can help improve your immune system, increase oxygen levels, and release endorphins.
So, try to find things that make you laugh often! Watch funny movies, read funny books, or spend time with friends who make you laugh. Laughter is the best medicine!
Don’t be ashamed of seeking help
I know we nurses are notorious for being self-reliant and for not wanting to ask for help. However, it is important for all of us to realize that we cannot take care of others if we are not taking care of ourselves.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or stressed, it is ok to ask for help. There are many resources available to nurses, including support groups and counselors. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it. Talking to someone who can help you manage your stress and mental health can make a world of difference.
What Are Some Barriers To Self-Care For Nurses?
Some barriers to self-care for nurses include time constraints, emotional exhaustion, and guilt. nurses may feel that they do not have time to take care of themselves or that they are too busy taking care of others to focus on their own health.
They may also feel guilty about taking time for themselves when there are patients who need their care.
How No Self-Care Can Affect Professional Life?
When as a nurse you're not taking care of yourself emotionally and physically, you're more likely to be tired, stressed, and anxious. And that can lead to decreased productivity, inadequate patient care, and difficulty focusing.
In addition, when you're not feeling your best it's harder to make good decisions or maintain healthy relationships.
So not taking care of yourself can have a ripple effect on your professional nursing life in terms of your emotional state, your work performance, and your interactions with patients and others.
Summary- Self-Care Strategies For Nurses
Don’t forget, nurses are human beings too! We all need to take care of ourselves in order to be effective in our jobs. Self-care is not selfish, it is essential. So, make sure you are taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
By incorporating some or all of these self-care strategies into your life, you'll be on your way to a more balanced, happier, and healthier nursing career.
So follow these tips and if you think you need help, we are just a message away!
FAQs
Why is self-awareness important in nursing?
There are many reasons why self-awareness is important in nursing, but here are a few key points:
First and foremost, self-awareness allows nurses to have a clear understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, which in turn allows them to be more effective clinicians.
Secondly, self-awareness helps nurses to be more effective communicators, both with patients and with other members of the health care team.
Finally, self-awareness fosters empathy and compassion, which are essential qualities for nurses working in the field of patient care.
How can I improve myself as a nurse?
The best way to improve oneself as a nurse is to always be learning. Whether that means taking on new challenges at work, reading nursing journals, or attending continuing education courses, nurses should never stop growing and developing their skills.
Additionally, mentoring other nurses and sharing one's own knowledge can help create a stronger nursing community overall. Finally, it is important to advocate for oneself and for the profession of nursing—both inside and outside of the workplace.
What is the therapeutic use of self in nursing?
Therapeutic use of self in nursing is the intentional and professional use of one's self (including one's thoughts, words, and actions) to promote health and healing. It is based on the premise that nurses can create therapeutic relationships with their patients that can facilitate health and healing.
How do nurses maintain a high self-awareness?
Nurses maintain a high self-awareness by constantly reflecting on their own actions and words, and considering how they might affect patients. They also seek feedback from colleagues and patients to ensure that they are meeting the highest standards of care.
What is basic self-care?
Basic self-care is about tending to your most important needs. Whether it's taking a break, getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, or spending time with loved ones, these are all things that can help you feel good mentally and physically.
Self-care doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. In fact, some of the best self-care activities are free or very low cost. Just taking a few minutes each day for yourself can make a big difference in your overall well-being. So if you're looking for ways to improve your health and happiness, start with basic self-care practices.
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