TONL Monthly

 

 A few years ago, I read an article by Tami Forman titled "Self-Care Is Not An Indulgence. It's A Discipline," which spurred me to make healthy changes in my life. The article was about self-care and reframing what this concept means. Although written for women, I looked at self-care in terms of being a healthcare provider. Before reading the article, I too imagined the occasional massage and taking a vacation as ideal self-care. In reality, self-care is the behaviors and habits that will help us be more physically and emotionally healthy. These behaviors require daily commitment, not just the occasional indulgence we entertain. I was not taking care of myself, and it was affecting my ability to be the dad, husband, nurse, and person I wanted to be. I committed myself to make small changes and build on them once they became routine. Self-care means getting enough sleep, eating healthy, limiting alcohol, exercising, avoiding toxic relationships, setting boundaries, and prioritizing wellness. Frankly, these things appear boring but are so vital to our resilience and well-being. Self-care is not just something to do when your world gets out of control; it's what you do day in and day out to prepare for the storm. While I am nowhere near the exemplar of self-care, I recognize the importance of trying to be better than I was yesterday. Our profession requires a lot of us both mentally and physically, so we must commit to taking care of ourselves as much as we care for others. Self-care looks a little different for everyone in terms of behaviors, but the idea is that you are taking care of your body and mind every day. These small wins in caring for yourself and giving yourself grace allow you to better care for others. Please don't neglect your health and care for the caregiver that you are.

Kit Bredimus, DNP, RN, CEN, CPEN, CNML, NE-BC, CENP, NEA-BC, FACHE
Chief Nursing Officer/Vice President, Nursing
Midland Memorial Hospital

 

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