When you think of caring, what do you think? Do you think of caring for others or self-care? Both aspects are relevant and important for the soul and wellbeing. “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” – Margaret Mead. As individuals we are continually growing and traversing a journey of improving self. Our quest, when simplified, is one of nurturing, no matter who we are. It allows the seed of love within to flourish and heal.
One of the primary roles of healthcare professionals is to provide care as part of their day to day tasks. Without this fundamental and core skill, that is offered as part of the service, their work may become dispassionate and considerably reduce the healing time of their client. It also serves the purpose of allowing a connection that is familiar to their patient. Many patients have frequent interactions with a nurse during their hospital stay. This familiarity of care can offer them security in an unfamiliar environment, comfort during a stressful time; understanding during an uncertain time of unwelcome diagnosis and many more positive attributes.
Equally important is the role of self-care that we practice in our own lives. Rest days from demanding work are often necessary to replenish a weary soul from a busy week, including shift work and long hours. However many of us have equally busy personal lives, which leave us with little restoration time for some well-deserved me-time.
With this in mind, here are a few techniques to help start a simple self-care routine and time of rejuvenation:
- Mind
- Make a loose plan for activities and hobbies, at least two each week. These can vary each week such as baking, tennis, mountain hikes with a group, bowling, etc.
- Reward our efforts often. This can be as simple as planning a meal out with family or friends which can be a powerful motivator through the tougher days.
- Body
- Eat healthy, while enjoying the odd treat.
- Improve posture and muscle tone by exercising regularly. It can be as simple as starting with 20min workouts, five times a week.
- Spirit
- Practice simple breathing exercises to reconnect with our spirit. This too can be as simple as inhaling and exhaling for 5secs while becoming aware of inner-self, and the breathe that gives us life.
- Creativity can help to reconnect with our spirit. Find a hobby that we enjoy can help spark our creativity, for some it may be painting or singing. It is time for a little fun on this one so painting outside the lines is absolutely allowed!
Avoiding burnout is vital in life; maintaining a balance in our work-personal life really helps with surviving the increasing pressures of work; enjoying life is what it’s all about, and is greatly enhanced when we practice the values of care and self-care. Our relationship with self and others improve significantly when we practice this mindful art of wellbeing. These acts really help to rebalance the essence of who we are.
#Nurturing #MindBodySpirit #Caring #Nurse
