Integrating Mindfulness and Self Care Into Your Nurse Coaching Practice

By integrating mindfulness and self care into your practice as a Nurse Coach, you can help your patients create positive, meaningful change. Today, we’ll discuss what these healing practices are and how you can put them to good use in not only your nursing career but your personal life, too. 

What Is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the act of being present in the here and now. When you’re being mindful, you’re not preoccupied with your to-do list or worries about family or finances. It’s a clarity of mind that centers you in the present, not the past or future. 

This can be as simple as a moment to focus on your breath. As you inhale and exhale, observe your surroundings and allow your thoughts to come and go Notice the sounds, colors, and scents. Perhaps you bring to mind something that you’re  grateful for in this moment. 

This is mindfulness.

Why Does Mindfulness Matter?

Developing mindfulness is vital to counterbalance the demands of our stressful, busy lives as Nurse Coaches. There are many health benefits to mindfulness, including:

• Reduced stress
• Improved brain function
• Decreased symptoms of anxiety or depression
• Better sleep
• Lower blood pressure
• Symptom relief for health conditions such as heart disease or chronic pain

Practicing mindfulness every day can ease our stress and worries, nd that makes us stronger and healthier physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

What Is Self Care?

Self care consists of all the daily choices you make to take care of your health. Did you wake up and work out, floss, or eat a nutritious breakfast? Those are all forms of self care. It’s an intentional decision to prioritize your wellness.

Anything that supports your health,makes you feel strong, or lifts your spirits could be considered self care. And when you take care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of the people around you, including your patients. 

Why Is Self Care Important?

Self care can have a positive effect on your well-being. It’s also great for preventing disease. You may experience:

• A more positive outlook
• Fewer mood swings
• Less stress
• Increased energy
• A deeper level of happiness while reducing feelings of anxiety or sadness
• Sharper focus and concentration
• More motivation
• Improved overall health and wellbeing

Ways to Practice Mindfulness and Self Care

There are many practical applications for self care and mindfulness:

Mindfulness Practices

• Meditation
• Yoga or tai chi
• Deep breathing exercises
• Mindfulness sensory walks
• Taking pauses throughout the day, where you stop, breathe, and take stock of how you’re feeling in the moment.
• Journaling
• Spending time in nature

Once you learn how to be in the moment, it becomes easy to practice at any time. Some like to have a moment of mindfulness when they first wake up, while others may practice it when they are eating or doing a household chore. 

With any mindfulness exercise, it’s important to be in a judgment-free zone. Are stray thoughts popping into your head when you’re trying to find stillness? That’s a natural part of the process – so a non-judgemental approach allows you to acknowledge the thought, and then let it go and return your focus to the present. You can start practicing mindfulness for a few minutes at a time, then increase the time as you continue your practice.

Self Care Practices

• Performing mindfulness exercises
• Working out regularly
• Eating nourishing foods
• Getting enough sleep
• Spending time building nurturing relationships
• Participating in a stimulating, enjoyable hobby
• Practicing good hygiene (and that includes faces masks, bubble baths, or a mani-pedi)
• Making time for yourself 

A self care practice is personal and will look different for everyone. The goal is to find what builds you up mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

How to Integrate Mindfulness and Self Care in Your Practice as a Nurse Coach

As Nurse Coaches, it’s important for us to take a personalized approach when helping patients develop mindfulness and self care routines.  We listen to their needs and suggest exercises adaptable to their lifestyle. That way, they’re more likely to become habits. 

But perhaps the best way to teach your patients the importance of mindfulness and self care is to lead by example. Choose the techniques that appeal to you and make them part of your daily life, and then share those practices with your patients. Not coincidentally, self care and mindfulness will make you a stronger Nurse Coach. As a Nurse Coach, you already know healing others takes dedication and energy, but mindfulness and self care can help restore balance and relieve stress, so you can devote yourself to a fulfilling Nurse Coach career.

Learn More About Mindfulness and Self Care Today

At the Nurse Coach Collective, we’re all about learning and applying what you know to help benefit not only your patients’ well-being but your OWN well-being, too. 

Our Transformative Nurse Coach Certificate Program provides you with the tools you need to become a well-rounded Nurse Coach who can encourage long-lasting change when it comes to your patients’ health. Our training emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and self care in Transformative Nurse Coaching. You’ll learn how fulfilling it is to help patients achieve their wellness goals through preventative care.

Find out more about The Nurse Coach Collective and join our free training program today.