In times of crisis like the present, unprecedented in the living memory of this country, nurses unhesitatingly set aside their own needs for those of their patients. That selfless desire to serve, heal, and comfort is the calling that propels nurses to choose this rewarding but sometimes exhausting profession in the first place.
We know your long shifts and unending battle against illness and injury can lead to exhaustion, frustration, anxiety, and depression. And your very real fear for your own life and the lives of your family put additional stress on your well-being.
It’s so important that you set aside some time to look to your own self-care. Whether it’s connecting with family and friends over Facetime or Zoom, tuning out the news for an evening, or relaxing with a book or podcast, you can take advantage of many sources of inspiration and comfort to help you get through this.
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
TED Talk
How to Create Meaningful Connections While Apart
Author Priya Parker shares tools for creating meaningful connections with friends, family, and coworkers during the coronavirus pandemic — and shows how we can take advantage of gatherings that are unique to this moment of social distancing.
https://www.ted.com/talks/priya_parker_how_to_create_meaningful_connections_while_apart?referrer=playlist-the_importance_of_self_care
YouTube
Good News Network
John Krasinski, the mischievous Jim Halpert of “The Office” fame, has launched a good-news channel to help us all rediscover our sense of fun and optimism.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOe_y6KKvS3PdIfb9q9pGug
Podcasts
Thriving Nurse Podcast
In addition to hosting her own podcast on self-care, former nurse and now life coach for nurses Abby Sanchez posts a growing list of podcasts dealing with timely personal issues, including Taking Time for Self Care, For the Sleep-Deprived Nurse, How to Handle Emotions that Feel Terrible, and 50 more relevant topics, presented in a conversational, friends-over-coffee manner.
https://glowingnurse.com/podcastlist/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thriving-nurse/id1461536189
Sugar Calling
Cheryl Strayed, also known as Sugar, says writing taught her how to give advice. In this moment of uncertainty, she’s setting aside advice-giving in favor of wisdom-seeking and turning to the writers who have long inspired her for courage and insight.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sugar-calling/id1505881384
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
In over 20 years studying the emotions and experiences that bring meaning and purpose to our lives, Brene Brown has learned that we are hardwired for connection, and connecting requires courage, vulnerability, and conversation.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-us-with-brené-brown/id1494350511
We hope these resources will give you hope, inspiration, and reassurance during these very challenging months. And remember, if there is anything else we can do to help make your life easier, just call us at 866-463-0385. Your welfare is our first concern, and our appreciation for your service is boundless.