As a nurse, you’re constantly caring for others, but it’s important to take care of yourself too. Are you looking to improve your self-care routine? Here are three easy and quick ways to treat yourself.
Self-Care Life Hacks for Nurses
Plan Healthy Meals & Snacks
The food you eat before, during, and after your shift will give you the energy to push through. So, while that donut is delicious, a sugar crash is sure to follow. Rather than slogging along on junk snacks, treat yourself to tasty, nutritious, and energy-packed foods. Of course, meal planning may seem overwhelming at first. However, you owe it to yourself to eat well. Start by setting aside an hour or so on your day off to shop and meal plan. Cut up fruit, prep salads, and/or cook and freeze lunch-size portions of simple recipes. If this is beyond your culinary expertise, don’t worry. Many grocery and health food stores offer nutritious single-serve options. Or order healthy prepackaged snacks like whole wheat crackers, nuts, and seeds, and dark chocolate Grab a couple of packs plus an apple, and you can put together a healthy lunch in under two minutes.
Set Aside Non-Negotiable Me Time
Nursing is a draining job. Therefore, it’s essential to set aside time to recharge. To ensure you don’t short yourself, add me time to your calendar every week. You could book a regular event like a one-hour yoga class every Monday night, or switch things up. For example, one week you could get together with a friend and another you could schedule a sleep-in day. Just remember this time is non-negotiable. Even if you’re busy, you need to keep these restorative events at the top of your priority list.
Meditate
Celebrities from Oprah Winfrey to Hugh Jackman routinely applaud the life-altering benefits of meditation. If you’ve never meditated, the idea may seem overwhelming. And, yes, it OK if your first thought is, “I can’t possibly sit still for twenty minutes.” Begin slowly with something like the 4-7-8 breathing technique. Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of 4. Hold your breath for a count of 7. Then, exhale completely through your mouth to a count of 8. Repeat this a few times, and you’re on your way to launching a meditation practice. For more ideas, check out our post, How to Meditate on Your Shift. There also are numerous guided meditations on YouTube as well as meditation apps like Headspace.
Are You Hoping to Treat Yourself by Finding a Better Nursing Job?
If your self-care routine is suffering because of a not-quite-right nursing position, BOS Medical Staffing is here for you! Our recruiters place CNAs, LPNs, and RNs throughout the Atlanta Georgia area. We can help you find a role that matches your talents and your schedule, so you’ll be happier and healthier. Check out all our available openings and discover your next opportunity today!
