2020 has changed life for many people. COVID-19 has challenged us in ways we couldn’t have imagined. Nurses and midwives have stepped up to battle this health emergency.

Now more than ever it is vital to look after YOU.

Nurses and midwives understand the importance of health and wellbeing to those we care for — but sometimes we put our own wellbeing last. No matter what stressors you face in life nurture your own health and wellbeing. 

Many nurses and midwives tell us they feel that self-care is an extravagance— this is not true. Increasingly, we know that self-care isn’t only beneficial for personal health; it’s an essential part of being a great clinician.

Nurse & Midwife Support advocate the importance of self-care. We hope these tips enable you to take some time to care for YOU.

Self-care is any activity done deliberately to take care of your mental, emotional and physical health.

It’s a simple concept but often overlooked.

We can give you ideas, but we can’t tell you exactly what self-care means for you. It’s important to find self-care methods that work for you, and carve out time to do them.

Self-care improves mood, energy and wellbeing.

Why is self-care important?

Self-care is important to ensure you feel fit, healthy and able to live your best life. The fast-paced, unpredictable and people-focused work nurses and midwives do can be draining.

By scheduling self-care practices, any challenges that arise throughout the day may become easier to tackle.

Self-care checklist

This self-care checklist aims to assist to keep your self-care on track:

• Are you able to take time for yourself without feeling guilty?
   
• Do you believe you deserve self-care?
   
• Do you know the difference between self-care and self-indulgence?
   
• Do you realize self-care does not equal weakness?
   
• Are you okay with slowing down sometimes?
   
• Do you have a go-to list of self-care activities?
   
• Do you make leisure time a priority?
   
• Have you made self-care a habit?
   
• Do you have a basic self-care plan, preferably in writing?

Tips for self-care

Our tips for self-care:

• Self-care is individual. What works for me may not work for you. Don’t be hard on yourself if you try something and it doesn’t work. Acknowledge the feeling and try something else.
   
• Relaxation is key. Choose an activity you enjoy that replenishes you, such as mindfulness, meditation, nature, socialising, regular breaks from work. Try to build relaxation time into every day.
   
• Establish a self-care routine.
   
• Limit alcohol and caffeine — drink plenty of water.
   
• Schedule health checks — take responsibility for your own health.
   
• Do something each day that makes your heart sing.
   
• Do things mindfully — eat, walk, observe.
   
• Exercise: gym, yoga, team sports — whatever works for you.
   
• Practice positive self-talk.
   
• Listen to your body — don’t ignore your need for rest. If it feels like you’re always tired no matter how much you rest, have a chat to your GP about how you’re feeling and what steps you can take to help.
   
• Meditate or practice mindfulness.
   
• Take a break from technology.
   
• Connect and socialise with people that make you happy!
   
• Self-advocate — many of us are experiencing additional professional pressures. Have a chat with us about how to advocate for the support you need.

In addition to scheduling activities worthy of your time, there are other steps you can take to centre yourself personally, so you’re prepared professionally. Prior to work, for example, you can prepare for the challenges ahead by repeating a favourite mantra like:

I plan to make a positive difference by being here today. May I be calm and focused?

One of our team members Dianne finds it really helpful to look after her feet at the end of a long day. “I often end my working day with a foot spa,” Dianne says. “I use an electric one that vibrates and bubbles. It also gently massages my feet. You can also use a large bowl instead. I use warm/hot lemon-scented water or mineral salts, or both!”

Dianne says that just 10 minutes makes a big difference to her mental health, “Listening to music or silently meditating at the same time is deeply relaxing. Following the foot spa, I wipe my feet thoroughly with a fresh towel and apply some soothing foot balm. Lovely.”

Nurse & Midwife Support is here to assist you 24/7

Nurse & Midwife Support is the national 24/7 support service for nurses, midwives and students. If you would like to talk to a midwife or nurse about your self-care or any other issue please call Nurse & Midwife Support anytime — 1800 667 877 — or check out our website at www.nmsupport.org.au.

You may not be sure why you need to call us but know you need support. We will help you to work through your issue and gain clarity about the next steps you may wish to take to manage the problem.

Self-care is more than a bubble bath. It’s about how you approach each aspect of your life.

Discover what nourishes YOU and immerse yourself. Your Health Matters!

Nurse & Midwife Support
1800 667 877
www.nmsupport.org.au