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If you’re not careful, being a nurse can become all-consuming, especially at the beginning of your career. Believe me, I almost fell into this trap when I started as a fresh new grad on night shift. My days off were spent sleeping and recovering so that I could go right back to work and do it all over again. That’s no life at all. However, with some trial and error, I was able to figure out how to prioritize myself outside of nursing and actually enjoy my life. After all, you deserve to ENJOY the fruits of your hard labor! So, here are some strategies I use that can help you prioritize yourself outside of nursing!

1. Meditate

Now, I know this is probably not what you were expecting. However, taking 10-15 minutes to meditate at the start of my day has been a game changer. Meditation sets the tone for the rest of the day and is a useful way to improve your mental clarity. If I’ve had a rough few shifts, I’ll practice mindfulness or meditation to help me reduce stress and provide me with a sense of calm and balance.

The benefits of meditation include emotional resilience and enhanced self-awareness, which are both useful for nurses. Dealing with human suffering, critical situations, and loss on a regular basis requires us to pause and assess our own mental health. Meditation allows us to take the time to self-reflect and understand our own needs and limitations. If you are trying to prioritize yourself outside of nursing, this is an easy way to help you get started. If you’re feeling hesitant about meditation, try these daily affirmations instead. I’ve personally used these to get myself out of a negative slump.

2. Solo Dates And Staycations

This is one of my favorite ways to prioritize myself outside nursing. Spending the weekend at a luxury hotel in my city or taking myself on a solo date gives me something positive to look forward to in the midst of a stressful workweek. There’s no shame in loving yourself. Self-care becomes even more essential when you have caregiving responsibilities at work as a nurse and at home with your family. Spending time alone in a different environment can offer a fresh perspective on life. Moreover, it builds independence, allowing you to enjoy your own company, which is valuable in a profession where you constantly interact with others.

As a nurse, you’re used to putting everyone else’s needs before your own. The saying “you can’t pour from an empty cup” rings true when your career is based on giving to others. A solo date or staycation is an opportunity to focus solely on your needs and desires. Even if it’s as simple as reading a book uninterrupted or enjoying a leisurely meal, these acts of self-care can have a major impact on your well-being.

3. Focus On Hobbies Outside Of Nursing

Don’t forget that you do have an identity outside of your job. In a field as demanding as healthcare, it is easy to get lost in the midst of everything. Making time for your hobbies will allow you to maintain a sense of self separate from nursing. This distinction is important for maintaining a balanced perspective on life. I love to spend time outdoors, gardening, taking long walks, hiking, or doing anything that allows me to get some fresh air and recharge.

If you find it hard to prioritize yourself outside of nursing, try adding it to your schedule! Sometimes, things won’t get done if you don’t intentionally make the time for it.

4. Join A Social Or Recreational Club

This is a great idea if you’ve recently moved to a new community or if you’re on a travel assignment. Feeling isolated can take a negative toll on your mental health. If you are a social person and find yourself a bit lonely on your days off, joining a club can offer you a sense of belonging. For example, sites like Meetup or Facebook groups are useful for bringing people with similar interests together in a social setting. Airbnb Experiences also offers group classes and tours that connect you with people from all walks of life. You could also join a book club, hiking group, dance group, etc., to provide an outlet for stress relief.

5. I Prioritize Myself In The Gym

Did you know the average nurse covers about 4-5 miles per shift? That’s a lot of running around! One of the most important ways I prioritize myself outside of nursing is by making time for the gym. Your physical health is paramount as a nurse. We are prone to back injuries, muscle tears, and body aches due to constantly turning and moving heavy patients. Additionally, our work environment is dangerous (ER, behavioral health, etc.), leaving us at high risk for workplace violence.

Maintaining your fitness can help you avoid some of these injuries, protect yourself, and prolong your career. Who wants to get off work feeling mentally and physically burned out after every shift? Although this is sometimes unavoidable, exercising at least three days per week can alleviate some of these issues.

6. Set Boundaries

Don’t be afraid to set boundaries at work and at home. If you don’t, people treat you like a doormat, leaving you overextended. Don’t want to work that extra shift? Just say no. No explanation is needed. An important part of prioritizing yourself is recognizing and asserting your limits. Setting boundaries doesn’t make you uncooperative or difficult. It’s a way for you to respect your own needs and desires, ensuring you have the energy to perform at your best.

Having boundaries means respecting yourself and encouraging others to respect you as well. This definitely takes practice, so it’s okay to start small and gradually become more assertive about your limits. The most important part of this is clearly communicating your needs calmly and consistently. If your boundaries are ever challenged, remind yourself that this is an act of self-care necessary for your mental health. Put yourself first!

7. Don’t Forget To Reflect

Have any of these changes made a positive difference in your life? Are you feeling less stressed? Do you have more energy? If not, there is no shame in seeking professional help. It can seem impossible to prioritize yourself when you’re tied to many responsibilities outside of work. Journaling is a great way to identify some of these issues. A counselor or therapist can also help by providing strategies that are specifically tailored to your situation. When trying to prioritize yourself, you’ll have to be flexible. It’s not a linear process, and it takes time.

Some people may require more than just self-care alone. How are your finances? How is your emotional and spiritual health? Do you like your unit or the facility? If you aren’t happy with any of these things, you might require more than just the typical self-care practices to feel like yourself again. And that’s okay!