The Power of Small Shifts: How Nurses Can Recharge and Thrive
As nurses, you give everything to care for others—but you deserve care, too! In this blog, we’ll explore simple self-help habits to help you recharge and thrive during long shifts. Inspired by stories from my book HOT MESS IN SCRUBS, we’ll show you how small shifts can spark big changes in your mindset, happiness, and career longevity. Let’s find balance together!
Small, intentional shifts in your daily habits can help you recharge and thrive—no matter how chaotic the day may get.
As I wrote in my book, HOT MESS IN SCRUBS, How To Be Mentally Stable-ish in a Profession that isn't even the smallest acts of self-kindness can have a massive impact on your well-being. Let’s explore a few simple, effective strategies to help you feel more grounded and recharged—even during the most challenging shifts.
👉 1. Breathe and reset.
Before you walk into a patient’s room or tackle a new task, take three deep, calming breaths. This isn’t just a pause—it’s a moment of self-preservation. In HOT MESS IN SCRUBS: How To Be Mentally Stable-ish in a Profession that isn't, I share how I used this simple practice to ground myself when everything felt like it was spinning out of control. Trust me—it works.
👉 2. Start a mini gratitude practice.
At the end of your shift, take a moment to jot down three things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as a supportive coworker, a hot cup of coffee, or a patient’s smile. In my book, I talk about how these daily gratitude rituals became my anchor in a sea of chaos. Gratitude rewires your brain to focus on the good, helping you stay resilient and positive.
👉 3. Find your pockets of joy.
Long shifts can make self-care feel impossible, but tiny pockets of joy can make a world of difference. Maybe it’s your favorite playlist on the way to work, a 10-minute walk outside, or a funny meme that makes you laugh out loud. In HOT MESS IN SCRUBS, How To Be Mentally Stable-ish in a Profession that isn't . I share how these small bursts of joy were like a lifeline during my most overwhelming days.
👉 4. Practice the power of “no.”
Boundaries are your superpower. Saying no to extra shifts, tasks, or social obligations isn’t selfish—it’s survival. In my book, I talk about how learning to say “no” was one of the hardest and most important lessons I had to learn. Protecting your downtime is what allows you to keep showing up with compassion and strength.
👉 5. Reach out and connect.
Nursing can feel isolating, especially when you’re dealing with burnout or compassion fatigue. Remember, you’re never alone. Whether it’s venting to a trusted coworker, sharing your struggles with a therapist, or simply confiding in a friend, connection is everything. In HOT MESS IN SCRUBS, How To Be Mentally Stable-ish in a Profession that isn't I highlight how leaning on others was key to finding my own balance again.
Being a nurse is an act of constant giving—but you deserve to receive care too. These small, intentional shifts can help you recharge, find balance, and thrive even during the most stressful days. If you’re craving more real-talk, stories, and strategies for surviving—and thriving—in nursing, check out my book, HOT MESS IN SCRUBS, How To Be Mentally Stable-ish in a Profession that isn't 💙
👉 Grab your copy today on Amazon, and let’s navigate this journey together. You’ve got this!
