Self-Care Ideas for Nurses: 50 Ways to Recharge and Reduce Burnout

Nursing is rewarding, meaningful work but it’s also physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. Long shifts, rotating schedules, high patient acuity, and constant emotional labor can make it a challenge for nurses to recharge, even on days off.

Self-care for nurses isn’t about luxury or perfection. It’s about finding realistic ways to recover, protect your well-being, and sustain yourself in a profession and avoid nurse burnout before it sets in. 

Below are 50 practical self-care ideas designed for working nurses, with a focus on realistic ways to recharge and reduce burnout.

Physical Self-Care Ideas for Nurses

Your body is your most essential tool at work. These ideas focus on restoring energy, reducing physical strain, and supporting recovery.

1. Prioritize sleep, even if it means saying no to extra commitments
   
2. Stretch before and after shifts to reduce muscle tension
   
3. Take short walks outside on days off to reset your nervous system
   
4. Stay hydrated during shifts, even when it’s busy
   
5. Meal prep simple, nourishing foods for workdays
   
6. Schedule regular massages or bodywork, if accessible
   
7. Practice gentle yoga or mobility exercises
   
8. Invest in supportive footwear designed for long shifts
   
9. Take power naps when your schedule allows
   
10. Try breathing exercises to calm your body after stressful moments

Emotional and Mental Self-Care for Nurses

Nursing often requires emotional strength without much space to process it. These ideas support emotional regulation and mental health.

11. Journal about difficult shifts to process emotions
    
12. Talk with peers who understand the realities of nursing and can offer mutual support
    
13. Set boundaries around work-related conversations on days off
    
14. Practice mindfulness or meditation, even for five minutes
    
15. Limit doom-scrolling after work to protect your mental energy
    
16. Seek professional counseling or therapy when needed
    
17. Listen to music that helps you decompress after shifts
    
18. Name compassion fatigue when you feel it; it’s not a personal failure
    
19. Practice self-compassion during high-stress periods
    
20. Allow yourself to feel pride in the work you do

Self-Care During and Between Shifts

Self-care doesn’t always happen on days off. These ideas fit into real workdays.

21. Take your breaks when possible and protect them
    
22. Step outside for fresh air during longer shifts
    
23. Pack snacks that support steady energy levels
    
24. Use grounding techniques during intense moments
    
25. Create a calming post-shift routine
    
26. Change out of scrubs as soon as you get home
    
27. Keep a comforting item in your work bag
    
28. Hydrate and refuel as needed during or after shifts to support recovery
    
29. Recognize when work conditions are contributing to stress and seek appropriate support
    
30. Ask for help when you need it

Social and Relationship Self-Care

Connection matters, especially in emotionally demanding professions.

31. Spend time with people who recharge you
    
32. Say no to social obligations when you need rest
    
33. Connect with other nurses and peers outside of work
    
34. Plan low-effort social activities on days off
    
35. Maintain relationships outside healthcare
    
36. Set clear work-life boundaries
    
37. Laugh often; humor is a powerful stress reliever
    
38. Share meals with people you care about
    
39. Stay connected even during busy seasons
    
40. Protect your emotional bandwidth

Long-Term Self-Care and Burnout Prevention

Sustainable nursing careers require proactive care, not just recovery.

41. Reflect on what drains you most at work
    
42. Identify what brings meaning to your role
    
43. Explore continuing education or new specialties
    
44. Consider schedule changes if possible
    
45. Take PTO before burnout forces it
    
46. Revisit your professional goals regularly
    
47. Advocate for yourself in the workplace
    
48. Practice saying no without guilt
    
49. Celebrate milestones in your nursing career
    
50. Remember that your well-being matters as much as your patients’

Why Self-Care Matters for Nurses

Nursing is built on showing up for others, often in high-pressure, emotionally charged situations. Over time, that constant demand can take a real toll, especially when rest and recovery are treated as optional instead of necessary.

Self-care helps nurses reduce burnout, protect patient safety, and stay connected to the purpose behind their work. When nurses are supported and well-resourced, they’re better able to focus, respond, and provide the level of care their patients deserve. Just as importantly, self-care helps preserve your own well-being, so the work you do remains sustainable over the long term.

Supporting nurses means recognizing that well-being and professional growth go hand in hand. At Joyce University, we’re committed to helping nurses build sustainable careers through flexible nursing programs designed to support both personal and professional goals. If you’re considering your next step in nursing, explore the pathways that align with where you are now, and where you want to go.

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