In our time, when nurses’ professional lives are becoming increasingly stressful and demanding, daily self-care practices are more important than ever. They help nurses maintain their physical and psychological well-being, strengthen their immune system, and enhance their overall quality of life (Ausar et al., 2021).
One of the primary reasons nurses should prioritize their health is that their profession is often associated with a high level of stress. They often encounter traumatic situations, illnesses, and patient deaths, which can lead to burnout and psychological problems. Practicing self-care aids nurses in coping with stress, enhances their ability to relax and release tension, and improves their sleep quality and duration.
Daily self-care practices can help nurses strengthen their immune system and prevent the development of various illnesses. Breathwork, meditation, and yoga help improve circulation, metabolism, and tissue oxygenation, strengthening the immune system and increasing its effectiveness in fighting diseases (Ausar et al., 2021). Daily self-care can help nurses improve their quality of life and overall well-being. Centering, prayer, and meditation can help nurses become aware of their thoughts and emotions, strengthen their connection with their bodies and spirits, and bring balance and harmony into their lives.
For nurses, daily self-care such as centering, meditation, breathwork, yoga, and prayer can help nurses maintain balance despite their challenges. They can help improve mental and physical health and enhance the quality of life (Silva Júnior et al., 2020). Moreover, self-care practices can be an effective tool for preventing burnout in nurses. Studies have shown that frequent exposure to stressful situations and the inability to cope with them can lead to burnout in healthcare workers. Self-care strategies can help nurses manage stress and prevent burnout.
Therefore, daily self-care routines are crucial for nurses. They help maintain physical and mental health, prevent illness, increase work effectiveness, and improve quality of life. In light of this, it is recommended that nurses incorporate self-care practices into their daily routines to ensure their health and well-being.
References
Ausar, K., Lekhak, N., & Candela, L. (2021). Nurse spiritual self-care: A scoping review. Nursing Outlook, 69(4), 660–671. Web.
Silva Júnior, E. J., Balsanelli, A. P., & Neves, V. R. (2020). Care of the self in the daily living of nurses: An integrative review. Revista Brasileira De Enfermagem, 73(2). Web.