“Stephanie, how can I be better to myself?” Today I pulled this question about nurse wellness from the “mailbag.” This is a real nursing professional asking a real question and I have a feeling the person who asked it isn’t the only one with this issue.
Here are six wellness tips for nurses to help put you back on your own to-do list:
Table of Contents
1. Permission.
It’s time to give yourself permission to be better to yourself. You deserve it. You know everyone else will suffer if you don’t. You know everyone else will be better off if you do. Give yourself permission. It’s OK!
2. Reason or excuses.
Think of (or better yet) write down all the reasons you are not taking better care of yourself. Now, beside each point, write whether it’s a reason or an excuse. We all have good reasons not to take better care of ourselves, but if you are honest, most of them are just excuses.
3. Watch your words.
I’m an idiot, I’m so forgetful. Nix the negative self-talk. Saying things like that is not serving you well. Remember that what you say about yourself, reflects to you physically.
4. Size matters.
Sometimes, as caregivers, we think we need lots of time, energy or money for self-care, but the truth is we can do small things frequently that will fuel us. Lusciously rubbing nice lotion on our hands or feet, savoring a sweet-smelling hot cup of cocoa with cinnamon and brown sugar on the rim or spending five minutes in a candlelit room will help recharge your batteries. Create your own list of “refuelers.”
5. Stick to the plan, man.
Mark that calendar, block time off in that PDA, commit to yourself like you have made an appointment with your best friend and honor that commitment.
6. Make the decision.
Do something, regularly and consistently.
Maintaining your wellness as a nurse really can be that easy. Taking care of yourself is much easier to say then do, just follow easy tips and you’ll be better you.