Self-Care It is important for nurses and nurse practitioners to engage in self-care, because as the old adage goes, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Nurses have to take care of themselves to do their jobs effectively and be the best caregivers to their patients that they can be. Paying attention to your own physical and emotional health enables you to handle the challenges of supporting and caring for others. Maintaining physical and mental health makes one more resilient, able to weather hard times and enjoy the good ones. What activities or images come to mind when you think about self-care? What feelings do you associate with self-care? Do you have any hesitations about engaging in self-care? Why is it important for you to engage in self-care?
When I think of self-care, a variety of activities and images come to mind:
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Activities: Going for a walk in nature, reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga or meditation, getting a massage, pursuing a hobby (like painting or playing an instrument), cooking a healthy meal, getting enough sleep, saying “no” to extra commitments, and even just taking a few quiet minutes to myself to breathe and reflect. For nurses specifically, it might also include things like debriefing with a colleague after a difficult shift or attending a support group.
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Images: I picture a serene landscape, a cozy reading nook, a warm bubble bath, a person laughing with friends, someone peacefully meditating, a vibrant garden, a person sleeping soundly. I also picture the act of setting healthy boundaries, like a shield protecting my time and energy.
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Feelings: Self-care evokes feelings of relaxation, rejuvenation, peace, joy, contentment, gratitude, and empowerment. It’s a sense of being grounded and centered. It’s also about feeling valued and worthy of care.
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Hesitations: Honestly, sometimes I hesitate to engage in self-care. The biggest reason is often guilt. I might feel like I’m being selfish or that I should be doing something “more productive.” There’s also sometimes a lack of time – it can feel like there are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone take time for myself. Sometimes, too, self-care can feel vulnerable. It requires acknowledging my own needs and limitations, which can be uncomfortable.
When I think of self-care, a variety of activities and images come to mind:
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Activities: Going for a walk in nature, reading a good book, taking a relaxing bath, listening to music, spending time with loved ones, practicing yoga or meditation, getting a massage, pursuing a hobby (like painting or playing an instrument), cooking a healthy meal, getting enough sleep, saying “no” to extra commitments, and even just taking a few quiet minutes to myself to breathe and reflect. For nurses specifically, it might also include things like debriefing with a colleague after a difficult shift or attending a support group.
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Images: I picture a serene landscape, a cozy reading nook, a warm bubble bath, a person laughing with friends, someone peacefully meditating, a vibrant garden, a person sleeping soundly. I also picture the act of setting healthy boundaries, like a shield protecting my time and energy.
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Feelings: Self-care evokes feelings of relaxation, rejuvenation, peace, joy, contentment, gratitude, and empowerment. It’s a sense of being grounded and centered. It’s also about feeling valued and worthy of care.
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Hesitations: Honestly, sometimes I hesitate to engage in self-care. The biggest reason is often guilt. I might feel like I’m being selfish or that I should be doing something “more productive.” There’s also sometimes a lack of time – it can feel like there are simply not enough hours in the day to get everything done, let alone take time for myself. Sometimes, too, self-care can feel vulnerable. It requires acknowledging my own needs and limitations, which can be uncomfortable.
