With Valentineâs Day just around the corner, love seems to be on everyoneâs mind. We buy all the roses and chocolates to give to our loved ones, but what are we doing for ourselves? As nurses, we spend all of our time taking care of others that we often forget to take care of our own health, too! Here are some important tips to know about self care in nursing and how to practice it alongside your coursework and other responsibilities. Letâs dive in! đ
The Importance of Self Care in Nursing
Did you know that self care is vital for your health? Itâs trueâŠscience backs it up! Research shows that nurses who donât prioritize self care have lasting impactsâboth inside and outside the hospital. Burnout, depression, unhealthy eating, and lack of job satisfaction are just a few examples of these lasting impacts.
And this not only applies to real deal nurses, but nursing students too! With the heavy workload, long clinical days, and memorization overload, it can be challenging to take care of yourself in nursing school.
Itâs All in the Prep
The good news? Itâs definitely possible to practice self care in nursing school or as a real deal nurse, you just have to prepare!Â
Just like you should never administer a medication you know nothing about, the same goes for self careâyou have to put in the work. For example, meal-prepping is a great way for me to perform self care every week. But if youâve ever meal-prepped before, you know that it takes preparation. I make my grocery list on Saturdays, shop on Sundays, and enjoy the meals during the week! This routine helps me ensure that Iâm eating nutritious foods throughout the week to fuel my brain.Â
I also live and breathe by my planner. Where I am, it follows. A planner helps keep my schedule on track. Because of it, I no longer miss appointments and know when I need to say ânoâ to something.
Remember itâs ok to say ânoâ even if you donât have any other plans. Your free time is not the same thing as your availability! I make sure to allow time in my schedule to do things that I enjoy. For me, thatâs reading, hanging with my pup, and cycling at my favorite gym. And if you find yourself with no hobbies, create them! Learn something new, explore a new place, or grab coffee with a friend you havenât seen in a while.Â
A Moment for the Nursing School Peeps đ€
It wasnât that long ago that I was in nursing school, and no matter how many years have passed, I remember the feeling of hopelessness and being overwhelmed on a regular basis. If thatâs you right now, youâre not alone. In fact, I would guess your fellow classmates probably feel the same way. This is why self care in nursing school is so crucialâit helps you get to the finish line and become a real deal RN! So, what can you do?
Find What Works For You
First, self care is unique to the individual. What might work for me may not be true for you. For example, after every nursing exam, I would reward myself by ordering fried pickles from my favorite barbecue restaurant. Even if you hate fried pickles, you should reward yourself in some way after a difficult nursing exam!
Practice Positive Affirmations
Second, positive affirmations really do go a long way. It may seem silly, but remind yourself about how far youâve come. After every exam or care plan, I would remind myself that I was one step closer to my dream of becoming an RN.
Something that worked for me was when I had a hard week (like after the time I failed my first mental health clinical paperwork), I put sticky notes on my bathroom mirror filled with my favorite quotes from movies, songs, and books. This reminded myself that I was more important than one paperwork grade. đȘ
Know When to Step Away
Third, know when to step away (something I was/am not very good at). It can be very tempting to let nursing school become your whole identity. However, when you do so, you will discover that your mental, emotional, and physical health suffer!
Take time away from your studiesâI promise itâll be there when you get back. Go for a walk in the sunshine, host a board game night with friends, or even download an app that helps you focus on your self care (I really like the Calm app). If you need to, you can even set reminders on your phone to encourage you to step away from your notes and textbook.
The Bottom Line: Spread the L.O.V.E to Yourself!
Building these habits now not only sets you up for success in nursing school, but also can help you continue healthy habits when you become a real deal RN! They say it only takes three months to form a habit, so whoâs with me to start focusing on self care this love month? If that means buying yourself chocolate or flowers, do it! Remember, the best love is self-love. đÂ
P.S…the love doesnât have to stop there!
Looking for more social interaction and support while prepping for the NCLEX? You donât have to do it all aloneâcheck out our âPass Your NCLEX Without Anxietyâ Facebook group! This is a chance to receive personalized support from other students in your shoes as you begin your NCLEX prep. đ€
