The importance of encouraging self-care for patients has been big on the health agenda for several years—it is thought to give people greater control over their health, prevent ill-health, improve outcomes in long-term conditions and save the NHS money. Self-care week is held annually in November and aims to raise awareness of the benefits of self-care among the public. We all know that it is key to encourage patients to manage their own health by eating well, staying active, finding time for relaxation, avoiding smoking, and drinking alcohol in moderation. But one thing has been missing: the need for nurses to take care of themselves by doing these things. As we enter another busy winter season for general practice, it is more important than ever for nurses on the frontline to practise what they preach.
Long days in the surgery, with hardly any time to grab a quick lunch, let alone have time to go for a walk to get some exercise, make it hard to take part in healthy behaviours at work. A very small and unscientific Twitter survey undertaken while writing this piece found that 58% of practice nurses don't get a lunch break at all, although some respondents stated that because their breaks are unpaid, they ensure they take them. GPs and practice managers should be encouraging staff to take a break during the working day to improve employee wellbeing. Self-care doesn't have to take long. Just a brisk 10-minute walk at lunchtime can have health benefits, count towards weekly exercise goals and help to reduce stress levels (Public Health England, 2019).
Self-care is not only about physical health; it is key for mental health too. Burnout is a huge problem in the nursing profession. Public Health England's new campaign Every Mind Matters (NHS, 2019) has lots of tips for looking after mental health. The campaign has attracted lots of publicity in the media, and it is a great resource to signpost patients to, but don't forget to take a look for yourself as well. It highlights that we shouldn't just pay attention to our mental health when we are struggling. It is something we should invest in at all times. As the website says: ‘Having good mental health helps us relax more, achieve more and enjoy our lives more’.
I understand the difficulties of making time for self-care. I have recently returned from maternity leave with my second child and life has never been so frenetic. But self-care needs to be a priority for everyone, however busy. We can't look after others—whether that's our own families or patients—without caring for ourselves first.
What do you think? Do you make enough time to self-care? We’d love to hear from you by email at pn@markallengroup.com
‘Practice Nursing provides nurses working in general practice with the tools to reach their full potential and deliver the best possible care to their patients. Our monthly journal informs and inspires by providing up-to-date, evidence-based clinical articles, highlighting key professional issues and promoting the latest research in general practice.’