Welcome back to the third part of our Self-Care series! If you haven't had a chance to read September's or October's Refueling Your Heart blogs, I encourage you to go back and check them out. They're full of valuable insights and help set the tone for this month's reflection. This month we are focusing on social and medical self-care!
Check-In and Check-Up – from connection to prevention.
Remember self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survival!
Social Self-Care
Human beings are inherently social, and for us healthcare workers who often have a natural instinct to care, building meaningful connections and fostering a sense of community can be deeply meaningful and rewarding.
On duty check-ins:
1. Initiate conversation
Ask coworkers about their day to build interpersonal connection. One tip I like to share is making a note of big events in their lives so you can remember to circle back and ask them about it. We have a lot going on in our own lives and I would not expect someone to remember my donkeys’/goats’/chickens’/cats’ birthdays.
2. Engage with all members of the workplace
Include maintenance staff, housekeeping personnel, and administrative assistants. Show genuine interest in their well-being and daily experiences.
3. Share a meal
Strengthen camaraderie and build rapport team members. Who knows, maybe you just found your guacamole obsession partner?
4. Cook together
Whether it is a new instant pot, slow cooker, or air fryer for the breakroom or potluck, food always brings people together.
5. Recognize and celebrate
Important milestones such as birthdays, baby showers, and bridal showers. Go back to Maslow’s to cultivate a sense of belonging and morale.
Off duty check-ins:
1. Meal date
Whether this is going to a fancy restaurant, a food truck, or a meal at home, it will build your relationships and share meaningful (probably much needed) time together.
2. Date night
We are all busy. Prioritize and deepening romantic relationships through intentional time spent together is a must for a healthy you. Not in a relationship…take yourself on a date!
3. Go out
Girls’ night or bro’s day. Arrange an outing with a friend(s) to foster social connection and strengthen bonds.
4. Road trip or mini vaca!
Load the vehicle up and take a trip with friends/family/the kids to discover new experiences and make lasting memories. Rent an Airbnb for the weekend to connect with nature and visit new cities.
Medical Self-Care
We know that medical self-care is crucial for the patients we serve, but it’s just as essential for ourselves. Prevention is more than an appointment; it’s a mindset. From regular check-ups to emotional boundaries, self-care helps us stay resilient, connected, and well.
On duty check-ups:
1. PPE
Do I need to say more…? Please, please, please protect yourself to maintain a happy, healthy life. Patients are important but so are you!
2. As prescribed
Plan and take your medication on a regular schedule. This might have to be communicated to a supervisor to ensure you aren’t late or skipping a dose. I know you know but I am putting it in writing.
3. Vaccinations
Some facilities might require it, but this is important because of our risk for constant exposure.
4. Healthcare employees are the worst patients.
We know too much. Enough said. Remember if you do fall ill, be kind to your medical staff and take that time to put your healthcare duties to the side and be the patient patient.
Off duty check-ups:
1. Attend your appointments
We need our doctors/NP’s as much as patients do. As much as we wish healthcare workers were invincible, we are not, and we age just like the rest of the population. To ensure we live a healthy life, having a provider that has our best interest is important.
2. Make movement a daily requirement
Call me PT with early mobility but the research has spoken. Try walking 15 minutes before and after work…parking farther away may help with this goal.
3. Sleep is not a suggestion
7-9 hours every night at the same or close to the same time.
4. Healthy food intake
Challenge yourself to make healthy, clean meals and eventually it will become a habit. Shop the perimeter of the store, not the aisles (avoid the processed foods).
5. Limit alcohol or any substance (tobacco, and I am going to say it…caffeine)
We know the effects substances can have on the body and mind…so just don’t. Go for a walk or take a nap! Get those endorphins going with your newfound hobbies!
This month’s challenge:
- Connect with someone: If you are feeling extra motivated this month, try a check-in (self-care) activity at work and at home.
- Put Your health first: We know prevention is important. Schedule those check-ups and prioritize your own well-being as you continue to support the health of others.
Thank you for taking the time to invest in your self-care journey! Next month, we’ll wrap up our series with a focus on spiritual and emotional self-care, just in time for the busy holiday season. Together, we’ll explore the power of stillness and the practice of being present.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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Sarah Ewers, BSN, RN, is the Nursing Clinical Development Educator for Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative. Sarah earned her Bachelor in Science of Nursing through Viterbo University and continues to have a passion to hold herself accountable for multiple hours of continuing education. She brings a wealth of experience in providing quality care to patients in multiple settings including Intensive Care, Medical-Surgical, Rehabilitation, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care. She brings a fresh approach that participants can relate to and bring back to their work practice to implement and grow in their career. She is excited to share her real-world experience to inspire and influence healthcare providers.
sewers@rwhc.com, 608-644-3227
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