NOTE: The American Nurses Association has extended the traditional National Nurses’ Week to a monthlong campaign to support and recognize nurses who work with courage and compassion under extremely challenging circumstances. This is part of a series of stories to honor Palmetto GBA nurses and the incredible work they do.

 Self-care comes in many different forms and looks different for almost every person. We are often told the importance of making time for ourselves, but for many that is easier said than done.

“Traditionally, nurses are horrible when it comes to self-care,” said Sheila Williams, a nurse and Medical Review Supervisor at Palmetto GBA. “I think our lifestyles with long hours at work and the ingrained knowledge of our responsibility to take care of others is the biggest reason we place our needs on the back burner.”

The American Nurses Association is dedicating this week to the mental health and physical well-being of nurses. Self-care does not have to be complicated or time-consuming. It should be an intentional activity dedicated to improving an aspect of your well-being. Some of Palmetto GBA’s nurses have shared their favorite ways to take time to intentionally care for themselves.

“I love to be outdoors. Anything outside just soothes my soul after a hard day at work. I love either reading a book on the back porch or playing with my two dogs in the back yard,” said Amber Hawkins, a nurse and Medical Reviewer II at Palmetto GBA. “The biggest tip I can give is to do to something for yourself daily even if it’s just having that cup of coffee with 5 minutes of peace and quiet.”

Many of the nurses at Palmetto GBA suggest incorporating physical activity into your personal care routine. Physical activity can also be a good way to spend time with family.

 “When I don’t work out, I have more pain, so I exercise as a part of my self-care,” said Bertina Duke, a nurse and Medical Reviewer II. “After my shift, my 6-year-old daughter and I take a jog or walk in the neighborhood just to burn off extra energy. When we return to the house, I get on the elliptical for 15 minutes.”

It isn’t just our bodies that can benefit from self-care. Karen Smith, a nurse and Medical Reviewer II, takes time to go on walks with her husband, work in her yard and play with her dogs Zuma and Jake. But she makes time for little indulgences as well. “I also enjoy getting a manicure and a pedicure,” she said.

A few of Palmetto GBA’s nurses enjoy flexing their crafting muscles as a way of getting some “me time” as well as a way to give back to others.

“When not working, I enjoy sewing, crocheting, needlework, reading and watching movies,” said nurse and Senior Medical Reviewer Jennifer Greer. “I’ve been assisting my daughter with craft fairs over the past year and enjoy meeting new people with the same interests.  I’ve also been sewing face masks recently for anyone who requires them.”

Nursing is a profession built on taking care of others. And nurses often forsake their own needs to care for their patients, co-workers, family members and friends. This can lead to frustration, poor mental and physical health and burnout. Engaging in self-care is just as important for those around us as it is for us.

“If you care for yourself first, you will care for those around you at home or at work with more energy, more love and more grace,” said nurse and Medical Reviewer II Jessica A. Jackson.