7 Self Care Tips for Nurses to Practice Today

Self-care in nursing seems to be a practice many nurses and nursing students do not have time to partake in yet it is one of the most important things we need to incorporate in our lives. These past few years have not been easy, to say the least, especially in our nursing world. Many of us have felt burnout, unsupported, overworked, emotionally drained and mentally and physically affected by our pandemic. It is time to take back control and find ways to help each other and ourselves feel like the new grad nurse searching for our first job with excitement and eagerness. Let’s talk about these 7 incredible self-care tips for nurses that will help you start taking care of YOU.

Self Care Tip #1: Exercise

Kicking it off with our first self care tip – exercising is one of the sure ways to increase mood and positive energy when practicing self care. Not only is it shown to increase endorphins but it also improves cognitive function and concentration. Whether it is actually going to the gym, working out at home or going for a jog or walk to enjoy the day, it will definitely improve your day.

I would even say to take it a step further and get outside. Being outdoors has also shown to increase happiness and positive moods. Nature and the colors within it have many positive benefits, so try to incorporate the outdoors if it is something you enjoy.

Self Care Tip #2: Getting enough sleep.

How often can you say that you got a full night’s rest and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go? Most times we are dragging out of bed wishing we had 10 more minutes. So, believe me when I say that something as simple as getting enough sleep is actually self care. Sleep deprivation can actually cause stress on your body without you even realizing it.

It’s not just about the length of time you sleep but the quality. Make sure you treat those hours you are re-energizing as best as you can. Some examples to enhance your night’s sleep is wearing an eye mask to keep all light out, white noise machine or ear plugs.

Self Care Tip #3: Healthy diet

Our next self care tip is incorporating a well-balanced diet. As nurses most of the time we eat what we have time for and end up buying something quickly at the hospital cafeteria. However, this self care tip encourages having a healthy diet and should be one of your top self care choices. Eating a well-balanced meal will not only provide immune system support but also increase your energy level before, during and after your shift. Also, having a nutritious snack throughout the day is a great way to keep sugars stabilized during a stressful shift. Abnormal glucose levels can contribute to symptoms of stress and anxiety so making sure to have snacks periodically is key.

Self Care Tip #4: Journaling

This is probably my favorite self care tip. Practicing self-care isn’t only about exercising your body, but it is also how you exercise your mind. Journaling is a great self-care method to help release stress or worries before or after your shift. This is especially useful for anyone who experiences pre or post shift anxiety. Since you are expressing how you feel and what experiences you may have had while Journaling, it provides the opportunity to track your emotions, practice mindfulness and propelling forward with growth and self-confidence.

How can journaling do this? Simple. When you write down your thoughts on a piece of paper you are helping yourself process what you are feeling and why it is you are feeling this way. With time, you can begin to track how you felt, when and why. It is then when you can group negative emotions with their triggers and positive emotions with their triggers. I talk about the importance of creating a positive and calming environment in 5 Tips to Minimize Pre-Shift Anxiety and this is a great place to start.

Self Care Tip #5: Positive Affirmations

This self care tip is very beneficial to helping you create a positive mindset. Let’s try it. Repeat after me:

I am determined to be an exceptional nurse.

I will master this material.

I am a dedicated nursing student.

I will be a nurse.

I am smarter than I know.

I believe in myself.

How did it make you feel to say that? Positive affirmations are another wonderful way to practice self help. Not only will you gain confidence as a nurse or nursing student, but in your own personal life as well. Play a podcast or YouTube video that speaks positive affirmations daily and see how much this self care tip will benefit you.

Self Care Tip #6: Find a hobby you love

Yes! Let’s do something WE love to do for once. After all, self care does have the word SELF in it. It’s a moment to focus on you while doing things that help bring positive energy, happiness and minimize stress/anxiety in your life. This self care tip is a challenge to re-discover some past hobbies or create new ones. Whether it is a sport, a craft, a language, gaming… separate time for that very thing and enjoy it guilt-free.

Self Care Tip #7: Community engagement

Our last self care tip is to engage within the community. Sometimes we think that being alone will help solve our troubles, anxiety or stress. In fact, being alone sometimes gets us deeper into those struggles. Celebrate life with those around you and get involved. Going to church, helping a local organization, or joining your local sports team can be so rewarding and exciting. Meeting new people outside of your work space also brings a breath of fresh air. It serves as a reminder that there is a YOU outside of work.

What self care tips have worked for you?
Please share and let us know how these methods have helped you!

I truly hope I was able to teach you some new self care tips and how to implement them into your life as a nurse. I know our pandemic has not been easy for many of us in the healthcare field. Nurses and nursing students have really struggled. We are still struggling. However, we cannot forget that taking care of ourselves is of utmost importance. We cannot pour from an empty cup. I hope you implement these self care tips and get back to feeling good.

’till next time,

The RN Educator