35 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Nurses
I know it can feel frustrating when hospitals and the public expect nurses to solve their own burnout with self-care and resilience training. I get it — I’ve been there, in the trenches of acute care, wondering how to survive another shift.
I understand the sleep deprivation, the burnout, and the 0200 Google searches for "how to survive being a nurse." So I also fully understand if the thought of adding one more thing to your day feels impossible. Honestly, sometimes, just getting out of bed is enough, and that’s okay.
I see your tireless work and endless compassion for others. Like you, I know self-care alone won’t fix everything nurses face daily. But here’s the thing: we do need to start somewhere, and as much as I hate to say it, the best place to start IS with yourself.
What Does Self-Care for Nurses Actually Look Like?
Self-care is one of those buzzwords that gets thrown around a lot, but self-care for nurses … it has to be wayyy more than just a trendy concept to survive this career (I know you know what I mean). But no one can tell you exactly what self-care is or isn’t because it’s deeply personal — it can only be defined by you.
Whether you’re a nurse who is at the bedside or running your own business, consistent self-care helps you build a sustainable life that allows you to keep showing up for your patients, your business, and, most importantly, yourself.
You’re not just preventing breakdowns with your self-care routine — self-care is the ultimate power move for nurses because when you invest in yourself, you’re investing in everything and everyone you care about. You’re setting boundaries with your time, saying “no” to what drains you, and creating habits that support your energy and focus.
When you embrace self-care, the ripple effects are massive because you’re really showing up with clarity, energy, and purpose. Your patients feel it. Your clients notice it. Your family benefits from it. And a well-rested, clear-headed nurse is a profitable one.
So what does self-care look like for you? It’s not one-size-fits-all, and that’s the beauty of it. Learn how to create a version of self-care that fits you and supports your life, your business, and the legacy you’re building. Let’s dive into 35 simple self-care ideas for nurses who want to make that happen.
35 Simple Self-Care Ideas for Nurses
HEALTH & FITNESS
Stay hydrated: Proper hydration boosts energy, focus, and overall well-being. Get yourself a reusable bottle and fill that baby up multiple times throughout the day! It’s so stupid simple but it’s also vital. You got this.
Make Your Favorite Meal or Try a New Recipe: Cooking something you love can be therapeutic and nourishing. Just a simple reminder to feed your body good-for-the-soul food.
Take a Nature Walk: Find renewal and grounding in the earth’s connection to all living creatures, including you. Let nature be your teacher, and allow yourself to be present and open to the lessons it has to offer.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene: Reevaluate your sleep routine and see how you might improve your sleep hygiene to give yourself the proper amount of sleep that makes you feel good and refreshed every day. If you’re a night shift nurse, check out these tips for surviving as a nightwalker.
Start a Morning or Bedtime Stretch Routine: All you need is 10 minutes to get in a feel-good full-body stretch! Stick with the same stretch routine every time, or find new stretch videos on YouTube for inspiration.
CAREER & BUSINESS
Slow Down Your Morning Coffee: Use your morning coffee to sit and focus on the here and now. Appreciate the pause, and don’t rush it. This small change in your morning routine can positively affect your overall mindset and productivity for the rest of the day!
Get to Work 15 Minutes Early: Rushing into work never feels good, so give yourself a few minutes to prepare your mind, body, and spirit before heading into your workspace.
Brain Dump a Task List and Take Action on 2-Minute To-Dos: Clear your mind by jotting down all your tasks, then tackle the quick ones first. Completing small items creates momentum for tackling bigger priorities. It’s a productivity boost that keeps overwhelm at bay.
Ask for Help Completing Tasks: Don’t hesitate to delegate or ask for assistance when needed. Sharing responsibilities reduces stress and ensures tasks are completed efficiently. Collaboration is a strength, not a weakness.
PERSONAL EVOLUTION
Daily Check-In: Take a moment to pause and genuinely assess your emotions and state of mind — How are you really doing? Understanding yourself is the first step toward nurturing yourself.
Listen to Your Intuition & Define Your Triggers: What is causing you stress? What can you do about it? Once you have identified the sources, you can really begin thinking of ways to manage them effectively.
Write or Talk About Your Experiences: Put language to your emotions, your senses, and your thoughts to assist you in determining how you feel, why you’re feeling it, and how you can process it.
Seek Professional Guidance: Part of self-discovery is the realization that you don’t have to do everything on your own. It’s okay to seek out professional help.
Practice the Art of Letting Go: Allow yourself the opportunity to grieve and feel all the feelings to pay tribute to what you’ve gone through. Know that healing from whatever it is you’re experiencing won’t be linear — you’ll have ups and downs, and on some days letting go will feel more manageable than others. It’s all a part of the process.
Reevaluate Your Habits Regularly: It’s essential to continuously assess your behaviors and make necessary adjustments to ensure that you’re living in a way that promotes your overall well-being. Doing this regularly ensures that you always stay true to yourself and find balance in all areas of your life.
FINANCES
Plan a Financial Reset Day: Schedule a day to sit down and take a fresh look at your finances. Review your budget, track your spending, and identify areas where you can cut back or save more. Set clear goals, automate your bills and savings, and leave the day feeling in control of your money.
Invest In Yourself: Put some of your money into your growth by taking a course, hiring a mentor, or attending a conference. The skills and knowledge you gain can lead to more opportunities and increased income in the long run. Remember, you are your greatest asset!
Pay Off Some High-Interest Debt: Prioritize paying down credit cards or loans with high interest rates. This frees up your finances and saves you money over time, giving you more breathing room for other goals.
Set Financial Boundaries: Be mindful of how much you’re spending on social outings or gifts. Politely say no to expenses that don’t align with your financial priorities, and find budget-friendly ways to connect with others.
Celebrate Financial Wins: Reward yourself for reaching milestones like saving a certain amount or paying off a credit card. Celebrate in a way that doesn’t derail your progress, like treating yourself to a homemade spa night or a picnic.
ENVIRONMENT
Declutter Your Physical Space: Clean up both your workplace and home! A disorganized environment can lead to inner chaos without you even realizing its impact on you. Clear your space to help clear your mind — you really will feel so much relief.
Create Comfortable Spaces in Your Home: Transform your surroundings into a haven that feels uniquely yours. Add cozy blankets, favorite photos, calming scents, or plants to bring warmth and personality to your space.
Unplug: Log out of social media, don’t watch the news, turn off the TV entirely, and bliss out in total silence for the day.
RECREATION & FUN
Turn Up the Music and MOVE: Put on your favorite tunes and move your body, whichever feels good to you at the moment. Don’t worry about what it looks like; just let yourself be in the moment and enjoy the music.
Plan a “Favorite Things” Day: If you have a whole day to yourself (very rare, I know), plan a day filled with doing all your favorite things.
Read a Book: Whether you choose to read a brand new book or reread an old favorite, the simple act of getting lost in a good book for a few hours can be incredibly soothing for the soul. It can give your mind a much-needed break, allowing you to return to the real world with a refreshed perspective.
REST & REJUVENATION
Take a True Rest Day — Without Guilt: It’s not selfish to take a rest day. And just a reminder, being bored cultivates creativity. So allow yourself to be bored and then maybe paint a picture or build a bookshelf, because why not? It’s your day anyway; spend it however you want.
Practice Gratitude: Don’t just write down three things you are grateful for and forget about them. Find depth in your gratitude; feel it in your heart, in your soul, in your bones. You are extraordinary, be grateful for that.
Repeat Affirmations: Your affirmations can be anything meaningful to you. Examples include, ‘I can do hard things,’ ‘I can care for myself as well as others,’ and ‘All I need, I already have within me.’
Deep Breathe or Meditate: Maybe take 5 inhales and exhales or use a meditation app. This doesn’t have to be a big to-do. Simplify it and make it your own.
RELATIONSHIPS
Meet and Talk to Your Friends & Family Regularly: Make time to check in with the people who matter most. A quick coffee date or phone call can go a long way in building strong relationships.
Plan Regular Outings: Make plans to spend time together outside your usual routine. Some ideas might include a hike, a movie night, or brunch that can all create lasting memories. These shared experiences deepen bonds and bring a refreshing dose of joy into your week.
Express Gratitude: Don’t underestimate the power of a heartfelt “thank you.” Letting friends and family know you appreciate them can bring more positivity into both your lives.
Plan Weekly Date Nights: Set aside dedicated time for just you and your partner, whether it’s a fancy dinner or simply watching a favorite show together.
Show Appreciation: Celebrate the little things you enjoy about your partner — like how they always make you laugh or bring you your favorite snacks when you’re stressed.
Putting Yourself First Is the Key To Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Self-care for nurses helps you reconnect with who you are and what you need to thrive. It’s showing up for yourself in big and small ways, whether that’s a quiet moment of gratitude, a bold step toward a financial goal, or simply saying “no” to things that drain you. Each act of self-care is a reminder that you matter, and that investing in yourself creates ripples of positive change in every area of your life.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care, and that’s the beauty of it. You get to decide what nourishes your soul and fuels your purpose. Try things out, pivot when needed, and embrace the messy, imperfect process. Your well-being isn’t just important — it’s the foundation for everything you want to accomplish and everyone you want to impact.
So take a deep breath and ask yourself: What do I need today? Then honor the answer, because you deserve to live a life that feels as good as the one you’re working so hard to build. Your journey to thriving starts with you.
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