Taking Real Steps to Self-Care in the Community

In the second of her two blogs to promote International Nurse’s Day, Catherine Best QN emphasises the importance of nurses making self-care their priority.

Self-care is often hyped as a panacea, but what does self-care actually mean? Well, it means different things to different people. No doubt you will have your own ideas on this.

The Self-Care Forum’s definition of self-care is as follows:

“The actions that individuals take for themselves, on behalf or with others in order to develop, protect, maintain and improve their health, wellbeing or wellness.”

Sounds simple enough!

A plethora of models exist that emphasise the importance of self-care, including, The Self-Care Matrix, and The Seven Pillars of Self-Care. Recently the Royal College of Nursing has produced its own framework of self-care which, as a nurse, you may find useful. However, what is clear, as perhaps with all the models mentioned, is that whilst the framework may be useful, it is not a magic potion. To practice self-care requires commitment and for many a shift in viewpoint for to focus on oneself as a nurse is frequently seen as anathema. It’s important however that we do.

Mindfulness

One model of self-care I have embraced in recent years is that of mindfulness. I resisted this concept of self-care for many years, seeing it as more of a ‘geeky image’ than providing real benefits for my health. Still, when I realised that needs must, I sought to adopt a mindful approach to life. It wasn’t a quick fix; however, it has without a doubt made a difference to my overall health and wellbeing.

Mindfulness, the essence of which is being in the moment, noticing what is around you and paying attention to the tiniest of details, especially when amongst nature, is known to reduce stress, enhance innovation, encourage high levels of resilience and promote effective decision making. With all this at our fingertips, is it any wonder so many of us are embracing mindfulness today?

Engaging mindfulness can help you become kinder towards yourself and others. It can help develop empathy, lower frustrations and reduce the chance of becoming angry. If you are in pain, either physically and/or mentally it can help heal the hurt. Sometimes adopting a mindful approach works, sometimes it doesn’t. However, I no longer see it as this ‘geeky image’. I have learned to live in the moment, and whatever I am doing, to embrace the job in hand.

Healthy body, healthy mind

Eating a healthy diet is also important, as is drinking sufficient fluids throughout the day, including water – something that nurses are notoriously bad at doing. No matter how busy we are, nurses need to drink, eat and have a period of rest. Make sure all nurses in your team get a chance for a break.

So how can we work together to ease the burden; ease the stress; the anxiety? How can we help each other to remain in a profession, which can be challenging, overwhelming and for some life threatening, as evidenced during the pandemic?

Realise the need to bring self-care and self-compassion into your life. Dismiss any thought of this being self-indulgent or the inner voice that says you don’t have enough time to commit to your own wellbeing. Remember the advice: ‘put your oxygen mask on first before helping others’.

The bigger picture

The country is treading a rocky path. With a number of universities considering closing, or about to close some of their nursing courses, what impact is this likely to have on the communities they serve? What impact will this have on the health and wellbeing of the population? From midwifery – to paediatrics – to learning disabilities – mental wellbeing and elderly care, all service delivery will in some way be affected. And in all of this, let’s not forget those who bear the brunt of these changes – nurses. With the number of people applying to train as nurses also falling, there is clear cause for concern.

It remains clear that if we are to maintain a resilient and robust nursing workforce that can weather the storms, we have to prioritise our own health and wellbeing. Remember, it begins with us. If we don’t care about our own health and wellbeing, who will?

Some potential strategies for self-care…

• Adopt a mindful approach to life
• Ensure for at least some part of your days off, you walk in nature
• Engage children – make exercise a natural part of their life too
• Whilst it might be tempting to eat on the go – try not to
• Don’t let chocolate and other high sugar foods become your go to friend
• Do something nice for yourself often – it doesn’t have to cost the earth
• Spend time in nature. A great place to start is a National Garden Scheme garden.

When I reflect on the best managers I have had, these attributes stood out the most:

• They encouraged the development of a coaching culture
• Created a safe working environment
• Acknowledged my contribution and others. Said thank you.
• They gave me the opportunity to access professional development
• They utilised my skills
• Listened to my ideas, and encouraged me to take them forward
• Knew when something wasn’t right
• Never used the NMC Code to instil fear
• Were good role models
• Were aware of their own needs

You have worked hard to gain your nursing registration. Nursing is a wonderful career, sometimes made more difficult by successive governments and decisions made in recent years that have really affected nursing numbers. But don’t give up your career, instead practice self-care and find a way to push through challenging times.

Here are some useful website links:

 eLfH has a plethora of learning opportunities that might help you gain greater insight into your practice and make self-care a priority. They may also be useful for NMC revalidation.

Calling all nurses! Tips on prioritizing work-life balance and wellness

Eat well

Mindfulness

Physical activity guidelines for adults