When I teach I often start with group introductions. Besides the usual intent of identifying who is in the audience, I ask them to identify something unique about themselves, something that is outside of nursing. I am amazed at the number of nurses who get stuck on this question. They want to talk about their careers and will sometimes say that there is no time for anything else, that they just work. The other response is that they go to work as nurses and they come home to care for their families. These tasks and activities are important and necessary and generally gives us a lot of satisfaction.. However, a little variety can be helpful for decreasing stress in our lives.
The intent of that exercise is not to influence what the nurse does currently, but it saddens me that so many nurses do not take time for themselves. I would like to encourage each and every nurse to identify and explore doing something not related to their work role. Find some hobby or interest that can give a break from the usual routine. In other words try doing something for yourself. Stop saying there is no time. We make time for everything and everyone else, now it’s time to take care for yourself. Some suggestions: go for a walk, read a book, contact an old friend. And if you really want to do something just for you, try a spa day–get a manicure or a pedicure. Remember you are special, so treat yourself.