It is so easy to be consumed with being kind to everyone else but yourself as a nurse professional. However, more recently, there has been encouragement about how nursing professionals can be kinder to themselves. There is a lot out there on why you need to be more compassionate and more thoughtful to yourself; however, less more on how you can begin to do this.

As a nurse professional and leader myself, I always knew that to begin to change the game on being more compassionate and kinder, I needed to raise my self-awareness on how I responded to different strategies for looking after my physical and emotional wellbeing. Let’s face it; we are all not wired the same even though we all join the nursing profession to be of service to others. This means that what helps you protect your well-being may not be what helps me on my journey to wellness.

Knowing and understanding how you react when faced with different circumstances beyond your control in the workplace or when you fall short of your expectations is vital to begin to know what strategies might work for you.

How do you usually respond?

Are you tempted to become harsh with yourself? Do you try to whip yourself into shape, thinking that will help you overcome the obstacles in your way?

Treating yourself with kindness and compassion is more likely to build your resilience and clarify your thinking when you are faced with difficult situations of your own or others doing in the workplace. As a nurse, it is so easy to blame ourselves and unfairly treat ourselves unkindly.

One of the strategies that supported me in my nursing journey and still support me today is making time for my physical wellbeing. I always thought I just didn’t have the time in between my nursing shifts and looking after my family and everyone else that required my attention. However, when I realised how much I felt in control of my day, energy, and clarity on the days I had prioritised myself and shown myself some compassion and kindness, I knew this was one strategy I could draw upon every time to bring my “A” game in work and at home. 

I have tried many strategies that helped me be more intentional and provided tangible ways I could employ and measure to enact kindness and compassion towards myself. I have gotten quite good at it, and I wanted to share the 15 different strategies I have tried to look after myself and show myself some respect and kindness as I grew into the senior nurse leader I always wanted to be.

Experiment with these strategies and make a list of those that genuinely help you feel more cared for. You, too, deserve compassion and kindness, and you can begin by showing yourself how you want to be treated with compassion and empathy by others.

My big five strategies I recommend could help you to protect your Physical Wellbeing:

1. Stay active. Design a program you can do at home to train for cardio fitness, strength, flexibility, and balance. For example, it had to be easy, enjoyable and predictable for me to commit. Therefore, I experimented with exercises and discovered, I dislike running but love weightlifting and squatting. I invested in a simple at-home kit from amazon that I use regularly.

2. Eat whole foods. Fill up on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimise your consumption of ultra-processed foods.
   

3. Drink water. In addition to its other health benefits, water helps keep your eyes, mouth, and nose moist so that you may be less tempted to scratch your face. Quench your thirst with plain water or unsweetened tea.
   

4. Sleep well. Lack of sleep can make you more vulnerable to infection and illness. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of slumber each night. I became very intentional with giving myself enough sleep by leaving my gadgets downstairs. Do what works for you.
   

5. Manage stress. Deal with tension constructively. Find relaxation practices that work for you. For example, when I commuted, I had some down time before getting home to mull things over and unwind. However, because I no longer commute, I carve out 30 minutes to do something different and mull over what has happened in the day, and if I need to talk things through with a trusted friend, I do just that. Talk with your doctor if you find yourself using alcohol or other substances to manage your moods.

My big ten strategies I recommend could help you to protect your Psychological Wellbeing:

1. Think positive. Misunderstandings, miscommunication, petite work failures happen to everyone. Always look on the bright side of things and keep a smile on your face. Remember that hardships are temporary. Remind yourself that every day is a new opportunity to turn anything around.

2. Set big goals or mini daily goals. Add more purpose to your life by working towards realistic and challenging goals. Use specific language and put them in writing.
   

3. Express gratitude. Cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. Let others know how much you appreciate them and their difference in your life and work.
   

4. Give generously. Focusing on others makes your troubles seem less grim. Share your time, talents, or money — volunteer for a worthy cause you care about. Ask an elderly neighbour if they need groceries. However, don’t forget to be generous to yourself first. You can’t give from an empty cup.
   

5. Seek support. Surround yourself with family, friends and colleagues who lift you. Share your feelings with trusted colleagues and family, and friends. Ask for help when you need it.
   

6. Repeat self-affirming positive statements to yourself. Use positive statements to retrain your brain and let go of doubts that hold you back. Say your affirmations out loud several times a day. Post written copies on your bathroom mirror and other places around your home. Works for me all the time.
   

7. Connect with nature. Green spaces have a positive effect on our emotions. Go outside for a walk as long as you’re careful about social distancing. Open a window to let in natural light and fresh air.
   

8. Laugh out loud as often as you can. Use humour to help you through difficult situations. Watch funny videos and share funny jokes with your friends or colleagues. Play with your children if they are at the age where they still want to play with mum and dad.

9. Meditate or pray daily. Develop a regular meditation or prayer practice. Create a quiet space in your home where you can sit down each day. Start with a few minutes at a time. You can extend your sessions gradually as your power of concentration grows.

10. Live mindfully. Remain intentional and aware in between your meditation and prayer sessions. Practice healthy posture and deep breathing. Slow down and give your full attention to one task at a time.

Your relationship with yourself serves as the foundation for a happy and meaningful career and life.Treat yourself with kindness and compassion the same way you would behave toward a dear friend who may be struggling with work situation of home life situation. You owe to your future self. Build your compassionate habits today and use the strategies!