As a nurse, it is expected to provide great care to your patients. It is common to put ourselves on the back burner during our shift or working with ideal clients as an entrepreneur. I congratulate you Sis on all of your success and for working so hard, however I have a question for you. Who is caring for the caregiver within you?

Self-care is a word that will enhance your quality of life. Self-care is providing your mind, body and soul with things, activities that provides fuel to those areas. I know that you are killing it as a Mom, Wife, Nurse, Business Owner, Etc. But what about the woman within all those titles? How are you showing up for her?

The day-to-day life can get the best of us. I am guilty as well of putting my to do list before my needs. I will make sure everyone and every other thing is great, yet I neglect self-care.

Here are three things I have implemented to enhance my self-care awareness.

1. Be Truthful

It is key to be truthful with how you are feeling. When the gas light comes on in our car, we know it is time for gas. How many times have you ignored the gas light in your life?

You know that you are tired.

You know that you have over-committed yourself.

You know that last client really did a work on you mentally.

You know that last shift was emotionally draining.

I will not even make reference to those kids….. Lord we love our kids, but can you say break please? Be truthful with your self-care needs. You know you are in need of self-care Sis.

2. Plan Self-Care

Nurses are masters of planning! We can plan several human needs at one time on any given shift. We can create master care plans to enhance the quality of an ill patient. Sis, take that same energy into planning self-care activities for yourself. It is amazing what a nice bath, candles and music can do to your mental. Plan a day at the spa. Plan time near a body of water with a new journal and pen to reflect on your feelings. Sit for 5-10 minutes quietly. Start planning your self-care activities.

3. Make an Appointment

It is not enough to be aware of needing self-care and planning self-care activities, you must execute. Make an appointment on your calendar with your self-care activities. Keep the appointment. Do not cancel or move around to a later time. Once you make the appointment with yourself keep is as if you are meeting with your boss or your ideal client.

You are worth it Sis! You must take care of your MVP (Most Valuable Patient). You are your MVP. Apply the same amount of tender, love and care you give to others to yourself. To increase your self-care awareness be truthful to yourself, plan self-care activities and make an appointment that you will keep.

-Dr. Nichelle Henry