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In this episode of My Self-Care Shit, Kathy Love sits down with Amy Morgan, a seasoned nurse with over 19 years of experience, to talk about the unique challenges nurses face when it comes to self-care. As caregivers, nurses often find themselves putting their own needs aside while caring for others, which can lead to burnout, exhaustion, and a lack of emotional balance. Amy shares her journey of learning to prioritize herself while navigating the demands of a high-pressure profession. Together, Kathy and Amy discuss the importance of setting boundaries, recognizing emotional codependency, and the vital role of self-care in maintaining mental and physical well-being. Whether you're a nurse or anyone who tends to put others first, this episode is a must-listen for those looking to reclaim their health and happiness.

Show Notes:

In this episode, Kathy and Amy discuss:

• The Realities of Nursing: Amy shares her diverse nursing experience, from emergency rooms to trauma care, and how nurses often suppress their own needs to focus on patient care.
• Emotional Codependency in Healthcare: They dive into the emotional toll caregiving can have on nurses and the risk of codependency, especially when it comes to seeking validation and neglecting personal needs.
• Self-Care Amidst Chaos: Amy talks about the importance of setting aside time for self-care after long shifts and how she decompresses, including through walks with her dog, journaling, and nature.
• Setting Boundaries: Amy and Kathy explore how nurses often struggle with saying "no" to extra shifts and how this contributes to burnout. They discuss how boundaries are key to maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Hobbies and Self-Care: Amy highlights the importance of maintaining hobbies and creative outlets, which can be a vital form of self-care, especially when caregiving becomes all-consuming.
• Practical Self-Care Tips: Amy offers practical advice on how nurses (and anyone else) can implement self-care into their daily routines to avoid burnout and stay connected with their own needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Nurses and caregivers must recognize the emotional toll of their work and make self-care a priority.
• Setting boundaries, saying "no," and taking time for personal needs is essential for long-term health and effectiveness as a caregiver.
• Emotional codependency often arises in caregiving professions, and it’s important to address it to maintain balance.
• Hobbies, nature, and self-reflection are all vital tools in combating burnout and sustaining emotional well-being.

Resources Mentioned:

• My Self-Care Shit: The Workbook
• Free Daily Self-Care Checklist on myselfcareshit.com

If you’re a nurse, caregive

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If you’ve been struggling with emotional codependency or want to learn how to establish a healthy balance of independence and vulnerability in relationships, join Kathy on this transformative journey. Be sure to subscribe to My Self-Care Sht* and leave a review!

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