Nurses are on the frontlines caring for us, but how can they best care for their own mental and physical health? In today’s episode of The Big Silence, we pose the question to psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health nurse Dr. Donna Gaffney and wellness coach Nicole Foster.

Donna and Nicole are the authors of the new book, Courageous Well-Being For Nurses. This book – and today’s warm hug of a conversation – are for you if you are a nurse, know a nurse, or want to be inspired by a nurse. No matter what your career path, you’ll learn new ways to prioritize your wellness. 

We explore how to break the stigma of healthcare professionals asking for help, themselves. Donna and Nicole share advice on how to create boundaries between your work and home life, how to fit nourishing foods and movement into a busy schedule, and how to cultivate connection and combat loneliness. We also talk about the residual effects of the pandemic on healthcare workers and touch on how to support loved ones through grief and loss. 

Plus, what is a chocolate meditation? Listen to find out!

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge
• Bid on "Be a Guest of The Big Silence Podcast"
• Bid on "Be a Tone It Up Trainer"

Resources:

• Read: Courageous Well-Being For Nurses 
• Instagram: @courageouswellbeing
• Dr. Donna Gaffney, Instagram: @donna.a.gaffney
• Nicole Foster, Instagram: @nicolefoster
• Dr. Donna Gaffney, Website: donnagaffney.com
• Nicole Foster, Website: nicolecfoster.com
• Podcast Episode: 33. Learning How To Love Yourself with Gwen Dittmar 
• Debriefing The Frontlines: debriefingthefrontlinesinc.org
• Don’t Clock Out: dontclockout.org
• The Emotional PPE Project: emotionalppe.org
• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 
• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.