Compassion Begins with You!
“Compassion for others begins with kindness to ourselves.” Pema Chodron
It’s easy to forget ourselves when the needs of our patients become our primary focus. The incredible dedication that defines our profession compels us to pour our hearts, hands and souls into caring for others, sometimes at the expense of our well-being. Having spent years in skilled nursing facilities and post-acute care, I understand this deeply. We give so much, and in doing so, we can inadvertently create fissures in our resilience. It’s important to recognize that self-compassion is not selfish but a source of strength. By nurturing our own needs, we can cultivate a deeper capacity to support those we care for.
What is Self-Compassion?
Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness and offering the same empathy, encouragement, support, and concern that you give to friends, family and loved ones. It consists of three core components:
Kindness: Having a sense of warmth and support during challenging times instead of overt criticism and feelings of inadequacy
Common Humanity: Awareness that pain and personal shortcomings are normal in the human experience
Mindfulness: Being balanced in your awareness of difficult thoughts and feelings and being your own friend during times of pain
Why practice self-compassion?
“If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” - Jack Kornfield
The physical and emotional demands of nursing can profoundly affect both our personal lives and our overall well-being, even more so in post-acute care. It's a journey that often tests our limits, reminding us of the importance of self-care and support. Balancing these challenges is important for nurturing our hearts and minds as we navigate our passions and responsibilities with integrity.
Practicing self-compassion can:
Improve mental health
Reduce everyday stress
Enhance patient care
Boost professional fulfillment
Ten Ways to Practice Self-Awareness:
Recognize your emotions. Acknowledge and accept your feelings as normal without being too critical of yourself. This is the first and most important step.
Be kind to yourself. Being aware of your inner thoughts is crucial. Are your self-talk statements kind? Remember, it’s okay to make mistakes; you can always learn from them.
Let go of perfection. Caring deeply is part of being a nurse. Remember, your journey is ever-evolving. Focus on the positives to reduce self-imposed pressure.
Take small breaks. Give yourself the time to step away during your shift. This time helps you breathe, relax and recharge. Just a few minutes can make a difference in your ability to handle the day's stress.
Practice mindfulness. Practice mindfulness through meditation or being present to reduce stress and promote positive thinking.
Engage in self-care. Do things you enjoy that help you relax, like walking, reading or even taking a nice bubble bath. This enables you to rejuvenate your sense of self and maintain mental and emotional wellness.
Set boundaries. Recognizing your limits and knowing how much you can handle can ensure you have time to deliver quality care.
Reach out for support. Reach out to your peers, family or friends for emotional support. Sharing your feelings with trusted people provides comfort and reminds you that you’re not alone.
Reflect on your day. Acknowledge your efforts and celebrate your accomplishments. Remember the positive impact you’ve made on patients and peers.
Seeking professional help. It’s ok to need more support from therapy and counseling. They can provide valuable resources and strategies to help manage stress in your personal and professional life.
Practicing self-compassion is crucial to maintaining well-being and continuing to provide high-quality care. Remember, taking a moment for ourselves is not just an act of kindness toward ourselves but a promise to our patients that we will be present, grounded, and equipped to provide the best care possible. Embracing self-compassion allows us to grow, endure, and thrive. Prioritizing ourselves enhances the love and support we give others, ensuring our capacity to love and heal remains boundless.
I want to learn from you!
I believe inspiring nurses involves learning from them. Connect with me on social media and share how self-compassion has helped you in your nursing career.