The Importance of Self-Care in an Accelerated Training Program

You enjoy nurturing people, and that perhaps is the primary reason you enrolled in one of Concorde's accelerated health care programs.

If you want to make a difference, we advise that you to begin solidifying self-care habits while still a student.

What is Self-Care?

Self-care is the act of taking steps to keep yourself mentally, emotionally and physically fit. Eating a balanced meal, sleeping at least 7-8 hours per night, and setting aside time to do things you enjoy are examples of self-care.

Any act that you take to reduce stress and anxiety will help you throughout your time as a health care training student. It will also help you once you graduated and have begun full-time work caring for your patients and co-workers.

Some battle with feeling as though taking time to invest in themselves is selfish or will have to wait until all others in their lives are at a certain point.

It's especially common in those who are well-suited for a career in health care because of their empathetic, genuine regard for those around them.

However, think about it as refilling a pool after the off-season. Wouldn't you rather swim in clear, crisp, balanced water rather than diving into a half-filled, murky puddle?

Signs you Need Self-Care

Sometimes people might not realize they need to take care of their bodies, emotions, and minds until they have already had a breakdown.

This could happen to students in an accelerated health care program, or it could occur while already employed.

It's important to recognize the signs that you might need to address some areas of your life.

Signs that you need self-care include as follows:

• You start to dread going to work or do not want to get out of bed.
• Back pains, migraines or other physical ailments have become commonplace.
• You experience increased anxiety and difficulty concentrating on small tasks.
• Burnout and fatigue now plague you.
• You have become easily annoyed or irritated.

How to Practice Self-Care

Aside from exercise, a nutritious diet, and meditation or sleep; you might want to use additional self-care tips. Although some aspects of self-care are necessary, the practice of taking care of yourself usually works best when you attempt activities you enjoy.

For instance, you maybe prefer journal writing over making crafts. Also, maybe strenuous aerobics does not sound like much fun, but you perhaps like taking walks in nature trails.

Find something meaningful and life-giving!

Saying "No" is also a self-care tip!

As a student, you might also have to learn how to say "no" a bit more often. Whether it's knowing your limits or allowing time to schedule self-care into your day, you can feel good about achieving a better sense of balance than being overdrawn.

This is a great topic to chat with the folks in your Department of Student Affairs. They can help you process if you're in need of some self-care, what activities may work for you and can offer accountability during your journey through your accelerated health care training program.

Be well!