The week of Valentine’s Day can be more than writing love notes to your significant other, going on a special date, or baking heart-shaped cookies for your child’s classroom. It’s a perfect reminder to add kindness & compassion to each day.
Why not make time to do something special to show kindness to yourself, your coworkers, and your patients?!
Shower Yourself With Love!
Valentine’s Day should not be only about those who have a significant other. Whether you do or not, if you do not take care of yourself in a loving way, you will not be the best partner to anyone. Many of us, usually nurses, always put ourselves last because we are caring for everyone. We need to start putting ourselves first!
- Meditate – Have you ever tried to meditate? The benefits of meditation are remarkable to your stress levels, therefore lowering blood pressure and giving you overall, better health.
- Get an “AWESOME” list made – Ask your close family and friends what they like most about you and have them write it down. Affirming our awesome qualities is always rewarding.
- Bubble bath – A bubble bath after a long day is always relaxing. If you don’t have time to take a bubble bath, try a hot shower.
- Pamper yourself- Maybe you spend a few dollars on yourself, get your hair done or your nails done (I personally LOVE a pedicure with a foot massage). Getting pampered can make you feel beautiful and relaxed. Guys, you may want to go and get your own massage to take away some unnecessary stress.
Show your Co-Workers You Care
Who among us doesn’t want to feel happier at work? Many of us think of work as WORK, and work is one place we may forget to show kindness to others. It’s far too easy to get caught up in the ever-growing list of tasks that must be accomplished and we can forgo giving at work when we have so much work to do! Here are 3 simple gestures you might try to show your coworkers that you care.
- Feed the Soul – Who doesn’t love an early morning snack? Is everyone still on that New Year’s Diet? Try this egg muffin recipe and whip some up for your team. They reheat very nicely in the microwave.
- Say Thank You – Do you notice co-workers helping you all the time, whether it is with a difficult patient, or giving insightful information? Thank them in person…or with a card. Top nurse blogger & oncology nurse leader Joni Watson has great free printables on her website, Nursetopia: Love on Your Colleagues with 12 Free, Printable Healthcare Valentine’s Day Cards.
- Clean the Break Room – Even if it isn’t your mess!
- Tell a coworker that he/she made a difference in your life by giving them one of my “hero” cards.
The Healing Power of Kindness
Nurses have long believed in the value of a kind, compassionate bedside care. But now, this belief isn’t just a nice notion – it’s sound science. Research shows that when patients are treated with kindness — when there is an effort made to get to know them, empathize with them, communicate with them, listen to them and respond to their needs — it can lead to the following outcomes:
- faster healing of wounds,
- reduced pain,
- reduced anxiety,
- reduced blood pressure,
- and shorter hospital stays.
The research also shows that when doctors and nurses act compassionately, patients are more likely to be forthcoming in divulging medical information, which in turn leads to more accurate diagnoses. They are more likely to adhere to their prescribed treatments, which leads to fewer re-admissions.
This Valentine’s Day, start a revolution! Be the person that spreads joy and charity in your workplace. Random acts of kindness can be directed at your co-workers, patients and even yourself!
Do you have ideas that can be added to this list? Has your nursing team done anything unique for one another? How about for yourself? How do you shower yourself with love and kindness?
Be Kind. Take Care. Stay Connected.
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Dr. Renee Thompson works with healthcare organizations that want to overcome the leadership and clinical challenges their people face every day.
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