Below you’ll find just a few of the many creative ways your Nurses Association colleagues answered the question, “How do you take special care of yourself?” Look for more self-care ideas in the May issue of New York Nurse, and send us your own, using the following e-mail link.
My colleagues and I give each other back massages with a handheld massager at the end of a stressful busy day. To counter my own stress, I take walks in the city on my lunch break. - Felice Rosen, RN
I enjoy rereading my favorite passages in “The Power of Now” and “A New Earth.” And sitting outside, just enjoying nature’s sights and sounds.- Virginia Meyers, RN
I take part in a quilt group that meets after work to teach, learn, and share our love of quilting. And get a personal massage on a regular basis. - Robin Brennan, RN
Nurturing my spirituality through prayer, meditation, and colleagues. - Anonymous RN
Before I enter the hospital, I say the Serenity Prayer, take a deep breath and remind myself that I am old and tough and I can do this. I always take a snack that I can eat quickly for the endless “no time to eat” days, because if I am tired and hungry, it can set up a more trying day. Also, if I can give great care and comfort to a patient it helps me to take care of myself and reminds me why I’ve done this for 32 years. – Diane Earl, RN
Have a group for talking, venting, and drinking of healthy red wine. – Anonymous RN
I exercise and take a long shower. Sometimes, I’ll go out to eat with friends or have a favorite drink or two at home. When I’m alone, I spend extra time with my dog or watch TV to get away from it all. – Mary Flood, RN
Ballroom dancing is a great social exercise! I practice or go dancing at least once a week. You’ll never see me compete, but dancing has brought a lot of joy to my life. – Heidi Brookins, RN
My colleagues are very important people in my life. They ease my stress at work. Being able to share thoughts with those who understand is very helpful. Having a great person at home who understands the stresses of my life is the best of all. – Eileen Dunn, RN
In the summer I go to the beach, most of the time with my coworkers. Nothing soothes my soul like a soak in the ocean and sun, with sunblock on, of course! All times of year, I like to curl up with a good book and lose myself to my reading. – Virginia Labusohr, RN
To ease my frustrating commute in New York City traffic, I treat myself to books on CD so the time is productive. At work, we have a small chapel and I frequently visit it to regroup and set my priorities. – Patricia Rochford, RN
I spend at least 10 minutes focusing solely on my children – I listen to them and find out how their days were – before I start dinner preparations and other things. – Deb Elliott, RN
Exercise, specifically ballet class, and keeping up with friends who are not nurses, as well as those who are. – Sandy Owen, RN
I reduce stress by listening to my 87-year-old mother reminiscing about “the good old days;” I laugh and laugh! I also go swimming and meditate twice a week asking the Heavenly Father to keep me focused and thanking him for his blessings. – Joan Cumberbatch
I make every effort to attend my children’s sports games, concerts, and competitions. As a single mother, I work hard to support my children’s needs and I enjoy seeing their success in the activities they enjoy. – Vicky S. T. Smith, RN
I knit and quilt to take my mind off of work. My role as a staff RN on a busy cancer unit is stressful, and running my needles helps tremendously. – Victoria Arrick, RN
I get a restful sleep each night, and enjoy playing the piano and singing. – José Planillo, RN
Playing the drums is a great way to release pent-up energy and get rid of frustrations in a positive way. I also follow my doctor’s advice and take my medications as prescribed. – Don Burlingame, RN
Be resistant to working too much overtime – short staffing is not my sole responsibility to rectify. – Anonymous RN
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