Loving Yourself: Self-Care Tips for Nurses This Valentine’s Day

That stiff neck and aching shoulders? Not cute. Keep a small handheld massager (or use your own hands) to give your neck and shoulders a quick rub when you step into the breakroom. If your unit is lucky enough to have a massage chair—USE IT.

💡 Pro Tip: Warm your hands under running water or use those hand warming packs before rubbing your temples or neck—instant relaxation boost!

2. Hydrate Like You Mean It

Love yourself enough to drink actual water, not just coffee. Dehydration = headaches, fatigue, and feeling like a raisin by the end of your shift (you know that). Carry a giant, obnoxiously large water bottle to remind yourself to sip throughout the day.

💡 Track your hydration, mood, and energy levels with the Daily Reset Planner to keep yourself in check!

Instead of inhaling a granola bar at the nurse’s station, step away for a few minutes and actually enjoy your food. Bring something you love to eat—maybe a homemade meal, a fun snack, or a fancy protein shake that feels indulgent.

💡 Pro Tip: Play a relaxing song while you eat, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Instant mood shift.

Patients, doctors, and coworkers all want something from you, but what about what you need? Before your shift, write down one small thing you’ll do for yourself—stretching, deep breathing, or even a moment of silence. Protect that time like it’s a medication order.

💡 Use the Reflection Journal to set your intention for the day and check in with yourself before and after your shift.

Find that one coworker who gets your humor and laugh as much as possible. Humor helps lower stress, boost morale, and remind you that you’re more than just a human vitals machine.

💡 Pro Tip: If all else fails, Pinterest some nursing memes on your break. Laughter is free therapy.

A full spa day may not be in the budget, but many massage therapy schools offer discounts for student massages. Look for Groupons, membership deals, or even DIY it at home with essential oils and a heating pad.

💡 Schedule a “Me Time” session in your Daily Reset Planner to make self-care a habit, not a last resort!

Who says Valentine’s Day is only for couples? Treat yourself to a meal at your favorite restaurant, a new book, or a fun solo activity like a paint-and-sip class. Enjoying time alone is self-care at its finest.

💡 Pro Tip: If leaving the house sounds like work, order takeout, put on cozy PJs, and watch your favorite guilty-pleasure movie.

Money is great, but your mental health is better. If you’re running on fumes, practice the ultimate act of self-love: saying NO. Protect your peace, even if that means disappointing management.

💡 Use the Daily Reset Planner to set personal boundaries and avoid burnout before it starts.

A vacation isn’t always realistic, but a day just for you is. Plan a “Me Day” with zero responsibilities—no errands, no obligations, just pure relaxation.

💡 Pro Tip: Turn off work notifications and let your phone rest too. Your patients will survive for one day.

Money is great, but your mental health is better. If you’re running on fumes, practice the ultimate act of self-love: saying NO. Protect your peace, even if that means disappointing management.

💡 Use the Daily Reset Planner to set personal boundaries and avoid burnout before it starts.