Mindfulness Matters

As we enter the summer months. I want to explore how we as nurses can begin to care for ourselves.

Last month, I discussed the power of the scroll and how we must get back to controlling the internet instead of allowing the internet to control us. Sleep is the foundation of good health. Take measures to ensure you are getting a good, deep sleep each night. Giving up the cell at bedtime is just the first step.

To continue with our self-care journey, we must recognize the power of mindfulness. That is, being present and fully engaged in the moment with whatever you are doing.

This can be a challenge for us nurses. We spend all day in fight or flight mode at our jobs, then we come home and may be met with home responsibilities. The small nuggets of time we get free, we steal away to scroll. This adds to our dysregulated nervous system … dopamine drips with each Reel or post we see. We feel better (so we think), then we continue this cycle of scrolling while doing tasks. It perpetuates a situation of us not being able to enjoy the small things because we are looking for that hit of dopamine. Laundry does not provide the hit, I know that!

We need to set the phone down so we can become mindful. What you will find when you do this over time, is that you will be free of the distractions. This will help you slow down so that you can observe your thoughts and become more aware of your emotional and physical state.

You will also see that a flow of creativity may evolve with this quiet mindfulness. Other mindful based practices such as meditation yoga or even just basic breathing quietly can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. By practicing mindfulness, we can create a space to process our emotions, reflect on behaviors, and develop healthier ways to react to life's challenges.

Physical health and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected as well. Healing ourselves involves taking care of our bodies through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest. In a society that glorifies business, it can be difficult to prioritize sleep or find time for regular exercise, but these are non-negotiable components of holistic well-being.

Emotional healing requires us to address past wounds and traumas, but it also helps us build resilience for the future. Therapy, journaling, and practicing gratitude are excellent ways to cultivate emotional strength.

Healing and being mindful is not a one-time event, but an ongoing commitment to self-care and growth. It requires us to slow down, listen to our inner selves, and take deliberate steps to restore balance. By incorporating mindfulness, nurturing our bodies, and building emotional resilience we can heal and thrive even during the pressures of life.

Take the next step in your journey as a nurse business entrepreneur. Enroll in the Foot and Nail Institute training program at www.footandnailinstitute.com/enroll.