#nursingselfcare

Friends and family support is a basic need for every individual in both times of joy and distress. Speaking for myself, between being a single mother of two and a nursing student, I know that without my friends and family support I would be so lost. An article by Trinity Grammar School (2017 May 15) discusses the importance of family support. They state, “Constructive familial relationships have a positive influence on family members’ health, wellbeing and relationships with others, including classmates and teachers. Research has shown that a loving supportive family can reduce the effects of stress and increase emotional stability, allowing us to better cope with life’s ups and downs. With strong family bonds, children have been found to be more resilient.” Therefore, friends and family support improve your overall wellbeing.

By: Eliana Ilgiyayeva

Reference: Trinity Grammar School (2017 May 15) The Importance of Family Support retrieved from http://info.trinity.nsw.edu.au/blog/the-importance-of-family-support

As a nursing student and future nurse, I believe that managing stress is very important and even necessary. The nursing profession can be very stressful and knowing how to manage stress can be very helpful. The American Holistic Nursing Association (AHNA) states that “holistic stress management is based on self-reflection and self-care.” For example, the way you care for your body has a profound effect on your thoughts, your emotions and your relationships. Therefore, stress management and self-care comes hand in hand. AHNA also recommends to turn inward and reflect on your own thoughts, values, beliefs, experiences, behaviors and inner wisdom. In my experience, the way I manage stress is to take a step back and breathe, acknowledge that the stress is only temporary, and thinking about what is the best way to react to the stressful situation. Sometimes a long walk, or sitting by nature while reflecting on my thoughts can also be a refreshing way to manage my stress.

By: Eliana Ilgiyayeva

References: American Holistic Nursing Association “Holistic Stress Management Is Based on Self-Reflection and Self-Care” Retrieved from https://www.ahna.org/Home/Resources/Stress-Management

Maintaining a proper diet is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. According to cancer research UK, a balanced diet includes protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, water, and fiber. It is important for nursing students to be educated about what a healthy diet consists of in order to educate their patients. There are many benefits to eating a healthy diet. According to ChooseMyPlate, incorporating fruits and vegetables in your diet may reduce the risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It may also protect against cancer. Adding fiber in your meals may reduce the risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eating foods rich in potassium may reduce the risk of developing kidney stones and help to decrease bone loss. As a nursing student, I make the conscious effort every single day to maintain a healthy lifestyle by incorporating healthy foods in my diet and eliminating junk and processed foods. We need healthy nurses to care for patients and diet plays a big role in self care and health. 

By: Eliana Ilgiyayeva

References: Why is it important to eat vegetables? (ChooseMyPlate) https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/vegetables/vegetables-nutrients-health

Why diet is important (Cancer Research UK) https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/coping/physically/diet-problems/about/why-diet-is-important

We need healthy nurses to care for people in the healthcare field. Exercise plays a significant role in health. Exercise also plays a significant role in self care. The more we exercise, the more we improve our overall quality of life. According to Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity has many benefits such as preventing stroke, preventing hypertension, managing depression and anxiety. Maintaining a regular exercise routine makes you feel better overall, increases energy levels, and can even add years to your life. The general goal for exercise should be at least 30 minutes of moderate activity every single day, according to Mayo Clinic. As a nursing student, I believe in the importance of exercise and I think it is important for every nurse to incorporate exercise into their daily routine.

By: Eliana Ilgiyayeva

Reference: Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity. (2019, May 11) Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389