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As a floor nurse in a neonatal ICU, I’m no stranger to feeling burned out. It’s difficult to find a balance between work and personal life. As nurses, we work long shifts that are mentally, emotionally and physically tiring. Not to mention, there’s usually little downtime in between each shift. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’ve noticed the exhaustion and fatigue from working three 12s in a row can hit super hard. I often need a full day to recover physically from sleep deprivation.
Admittedly, the burnout is sometimes my own doing because I choose to burn the candle at both ends. I’m definitely guilty of working three 12s Sunday–Tuesday, hopping on a plane or in the car to take a trip to my next bucket-list hotspot for a week, then returning to work Thursday–Saturday so I can save PTO. This kind of over-scheduling is exhausting for anyone. On top of everything, we’re dealing with other people’s lives on the job. It’s important to show up to work well-rested and in the right headspace.
Over the years, my ability to keep up a crazy schedule has dwindled, and I end up exhausted and overwhelmed. I’ve learned to utilize four techniques that make it easier to balance my time and create space for myself.
4 Ways to Stop Over-Scheduling Yourself
1. Schedule “Me-Time” and Self-Care
I can’t say enough positive things about making time to care for yourself. Self-care techniques can range from muting notifications on your phone to taking a bubble bath with a face mask on. When I have time, something that helps me start my day off on the right foot is sitting for a quiet meditation followed by a long Savasana yoga pose. Cozying up on the couch for a Netflix binge, reading a book or getting a professional massage or facial are other wonderful ways to treat yourself. After “me-time,” I feel rejuvenated and recharged. I’m also much more productive when I give time back to myself.
RELATED: Prioritizing Your Mental Health as a Nurse
2. Put Limits on Social Commitments
It’s really helpful to limit social gatherings to one or two times during the workweek. This includes having dinner out with friends, grabbing coffee or drinks with a coworker, any work-related events, meeting a friend for a spin class, etc. As a result, placing limits on the number of social outings I plan each week allows me to find a balance and be more aware when I overbook myself.
When I’m scheduled to work every other weekend, I try to give myself the freedom to do anything I’d like with the off weekend. In the past, I felt like social gatherings were another thing to check off my to-do list. Now, I find myself more present in the moment, and I no longer run from one calendar booking to the next because I only say “yes” to social events I really enjoy and look forward to.
3. Be Kind to Yourself
We weren’t made to be on the go constantly. Yet I feel an overwhelming sense that I need to “keep up.” Sometimes, I don’t even know what I’m keeping up with. I struggle with the idea that if I’m not doing something, even chores or errands, I’m not being productive.
I’ve noticed it’s beneficial for me to take a break from social media every once in a while. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is definitely real sometimes. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve woken up after a night shift and seen people on IG stories out having fun at dinner, traveling or engaging in other enjoyable things and felt bummed that I wasn’t indulging, too.
It’s okay to sleep in, it’s okay to pass up on social gatherings, it’s okay to say no sometimes, and it’s okay to do absolutely nothing. Do what’s best for you. Over time, we start to learn our limits and find balance. Listen to your mind and body.
RELATED: 5 Tips for How to Handle Nursing Burnout
4. Use Your PTO
I often feel like I need a vacation after my vacation. Don’t make the same mistakes I have. What are you really saving your PTO for anyway? It’s crucial to schedule time off every now and then to lighten your work schedule. Even using one day of PTO can make a huge difference. If you’re planning a big trip, don’t be afraid to take a full week of PTO. This way, you can fully recharge and come back as the great nurse you are!
Try implementing these tips in your routine and sign up for a Vivian account to discover new opportunities waiting for you.
Written by Claire Lang BSN, RN from Operation Happy Nurse
Editor’s Note: This blog post was originally published in October, 2021 and was updated October, 2024.
