What does self-care look like to you? How has it evolved over your career?

Self-care to me is about maintaining a balance between work and personal activities that recharge and ground me. It looks like spending time playing guitar, reading, and getting outside for walks. Playing guitar lets me express myself creatively, reading helps me unwind, and walking gives me time to clear my mind and connect with nature. As I’ve progressed in my career, self-care has evolved from just occasional relaxation to a structured practice. I’m more intentional about making time for these activities regularly, recognizing their importance in preventing burnout and keeping me energized.

Self-Care to me looks like a relaxing day to me. Whether it be an off day from work, off day from school, or just a day where I can just be lazy. It includes non-stressful activites and doing hobbies I enjoy. It is a time where I can catch up on things that I have not been able to do. It involves sports like basketball or golf. It can also include hobbies such as drawing, video games, or just hanging out with my friends.

Self care is very important to me because being in such a demanding field as a nurse you are always putting others before yourself. Taking the time to prioritize your needs and nurture yourself protects your inner peace. Self care for me take many different forums. A big way that I take time for myself is working out. Whether it be a lifting session in the gym, a run outside, or a walk with friends I always find a way to move my body. This helps to make me feel better about myself and allows me to put my mind at ease. Another way that I practice self care is reading novels. I love reading because it relaxes me in a way that working out can’t. I like being able to relax with a book either at the beach or the pool in the summer and in my room under blankets in the winter. Throughout my career my self care has evolved as I have evolved. My interests have changed and grown since I started my career. At first I thought self care was taking a bath with candles lit but I have found that it can be many different things. My interests in working out and caring for my body are new so right now that is my biggest form of self care. I am excited to incorporate Wellness Essence Essentials into my self care routine! Using essential oils is a big part of relaxation in my life so I am delighted that these are specially aimed for nurses and other healthcare professionals!

Self care to me revolves around doing things that make me happy, whether that’s taking care of my skin or my hair. It doesn’t just consist of my physical well being, but it also includes prioritizing my emotional and mental health. A big part of my self care includes resting, getting enough sleep, and taking time to focus on myself. Self care has evolved my career in that taking the time look after myself reduces the likelihood of poor coping and feeling burned out.

To me, self-care is about putting yourself first above other aspects of your life. Self care is an important part of improving physical, emotional, and mental health. For me, some self care activities I do include, going to the gym, getting a massage, pedicure, going on a walk outside etc. These activities have helped me to prioritize myself when the majority of time is spent helping others. If you do not prioritize yourself and your own wellbeing, it can be easy to lose yourself and feel like lost.