As a nurse and a woman I have spent most of my life helping others to heal while frequently ignoring my own needs. The truth is nurses and caregivers need healing too! When my children were young I would really push myself between taking care of them, working as a nurse, volunteering at the school, doing the finances, keeping up on the housework and carving out some time to go out and have fun. What I did not do was schedule time for myself. I never made time for just me unless I was sleeping! Oh, I would periodically get sick or have a minor injury such as pull a muscle so that forced me to slow down and then I had some time to myself. Does this sound familiar to you?
This is not unusual for women. We are the caregivers and nurturers of the family. If you are a nurse, caregiver, therapist or other type of healer it is imperative that you take time to nourish and heal yourself. This way you have more energy, joy and are more present for those you are caring for.
Caring for your physical body –adequate rest, eat right and exercise – is not enough to maintain good health. Your mind and spirit need attention too. After 30 years of nursing I was starting to burn-out, less empathetic and not looking forward to going to work. When I started taking healing touch classes they really emphasized the need for us to do self-care for our whole self – body, mind and spirit. I was taught techniques, learned about many options and given permission to take time for myself. It has really made a huge difference in my life. I wish I had known about this stuff when I was in my 30’s!
Now I meditate each morning (sometimes it is only 5 minutes) to start my day grounded and peaceful. I receive care from other practitioners such as massage and energy work once a month (sometimes I miss a month and I can feel a difference in my body) and actually schedule time to go out and walk in nature, read a book or some other activity that nourishes me. I’ve learned how to set boundaries and politely say “no”.
I have seen too many nurses and caregivers get burned-out and/or become sick because they ignore their own well-being. PLEASE DON’T do that. YOU need to be healthy and happy to continue to care for others and have a good life of your own. Step 5 in my process is Self-care is a NECESSITY not a luxury. I can help you learn how to care for your whole self and in turn you can take better care of your loved ones or clients. Give me a call 510 381-3191or schedule your free consultation.
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Laurie Ratto, RN, Speaker, HTCP, CCA has 30+ years’ experience helping people to heal from physical, mental , and emotional pain. She provides a safe, nurturing space for women to release fears and self-doubt, what spiritually ties us to pain. Laurie Ratto specializes in complementary medicine, as a holistic healer, she keeps her RN certification current because she understands the power of balance as we heal.