Self Care for the Nurse.............

Nurses face many challenges to their health daily, not only in the workplace, but in their personal lives as well, be it family or just life in general. So how do we cope, when stressors are not avoidable? We must develop a plan for better self-care that is holistic, so that we can be better balanced to face life’s challenges proactively. Holism is merely embracing physical, spiritual and mental strategies in our lives daily, which will help reduce stress-related illnesses such as anxiety-disorder, depression, overweight/obesity, musculo-skeletal problems and hypertension (which can lead to stroke).

Some great stress-management tips are:

1. Simplify your life!                     

2. Get enough sleep!

3. Eat well!                   

4. Exercise!                                         

5. Have fun!

6. Maintain a support system!                                 

7. Meditate and pray!

8. Keep your sense of humor!                                                 

9. Be assertive!

10. Be creative!        

11. Give of yourself!     

12. Pamper yourself!

     

One must tap into the many free resources in one’s community and nation that can enhance ones mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Some of these are:

A. Physical

Let’s Move!    www.letsmove.gov     

We Can!  http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov

www.cdc.gov/healthyweight, www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity

www.choosemyplate.gov     

Tobacco Free Nurses: www.tobaccofreenurses.org

B. Mental

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill: www.nami.org

Pathways to Promise: www.pathways2promise.org

Mental Health Ministries: www.mentalhealthministries.net

Stress Management Institute: www.stressmanagement.com

C. Spiritual

Nurses Christian Fellowship: www.ncf-jcn.org

American Holistic Nurses Association: www.ahna.org

Reference: Maccaro, J. (2003). Natural Health Remedies. SILOAM : Florida, pgs. 242-243

About the Author: Stephanie Grey is a Faith Community Nurse and has been in the nursing profession for over 20 years. She directs Be Healthy Ministries, Inc., a non-profit and also a Health Ministry that seeks to promote health in mind, body and spirit through health promotion and illness prevention projects. Visit Be Healthy Ministries, Inc at www.behealthyministries.com or email at snursegrey@aol.com.

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