With all of the stress of successfully graduating nursing school, passing the NCLEX, and now acclimating to your new role as a nurse – self-care has never been more important! In this article, I will discuss 5 self-care tips that will help you stay energized and focused so that you can become more confident and efficient in your new role as a nurse! Here are 5 self-care tips to help you become a rock star nurse:
Get Plenty of Rest
Getting plenty of rest is one of the most important self-care strategies. As an experienced nurse, I too use to struggle with getting adequate rest in between shifts. Getting home after working 12+ hours can leave you feeling all kinds of ways, and more times than not, I was wired and had a lot of anxious energy to get out of my system before I was ready for bed. What I have learned to do is to stick to a bedtime routine on my work days. Finding a bedtime routine that works for you is the trickiest part, but once you do find one, you’ll be so glad you did! My bedtime routine consists of eating dinner earlier than later, sleepy time tea, lavender essential oil, and disengagement from all electronics after 9:00 PM. I do my best to fall asleep by 10:30 PM, that way I get eight hours of quality sleep.
Embrace a Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet, and staying hydrated are essential to your success! You’ll be tempted to snack on the doughnuts that the nursing students left in the break-room, but you must resist! Eating excess sugar, fatty foods, and carbohydrates can deplete your energy levels. and cause sluggish thinking. Instead, bring healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, veggies, and fruit. Also, don’t forget to drink some water every couple of hours or so. Dehydration is a big problem for nurses, and we must be diligent in drinking regularly. Take it from me, all you need is one kidney stone, and you’ll never go thirsty again! So keep drinking throughout every shift!
Enjoy Your Time Off
On my days off, I make sure that I engage in enjoyable activities that help to refuel my mind, body and soul. Activities such as gardening and spending quality time with friends and family can help to keep your stress levels low. Instead of focusing on being overly productive during your time off, spend some time for yourself to enjoy your life and those whom you love! Life is short, so make sure you really enjoy it!
Avoid Too Much Caffeine
Believe it or not, chronic caffeine consumption only makes things worse. Too much caffeine causes anxiety, dehydration, and gastric upset. One small cup of coffee, or espresso at the beginning or midway through your shift is generally okay. Anything more than that is not recommended, and can cause barriers to your success. In stead of reaching for the coffee when you feel sluggish, go snack on some of those healthy food items you brought to work, and drink a big glass of water – you’ll be amazed!
Build Strong Relationships at Work
Professionalism, dependability, and a willingness to provide solutions within the workplace are just a few of the characteristics that help foster healthy workplace relationships. Remember that actions speak louder than words. By consistently demonstrating these desirable attributes, you will set the tone for how others should work alongside you. Nurses perform at their best when they have a support system, and healthy workplace relationships that they can depend on. So get out there, be a team player, and always be kind – no matter how rough your day may be.
Ask for Help When you Need it
Okay guys and gals, this is crucial to your success! Be sure to communicate your needs to your colleagues and ask for help! By telling your fellow nurses that you need to tend to your own needs, and asking for help, they can step in and cover your patient assignment while your recharge. Make sure your inform your patients and at least two team members of your plan. This way, you can still take the time to grab that water, snack or run to the restroom.
Best Wishes!
-Damion
