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Learn how nurse moms can practice intentional self-care using the five love languages, build sustainable habits, and prepare for the busy holiday season without sacrificing themselves.

Hey Sis, It’s Time to Get Intentional

Hey girl hey!

Can you believe we made it through back-to-school season?

HALLELUJAH.

The lunchboxes. The school supplies. The schedules. The activities. The “Mom, I forgot to tell you this was due tomorrow” conversations…. Ma’am!!!!

But now that we have somewhat survived the transition from summer to school, I want us to pause before we immediately jump into the next thing.

Because, sis…

The holidays are coming!!!!

And if you’ve been around long enough, you already know how this story goes.

Halloween decorations somehow turn into Thanksgiving overnight, Thanksgiving turns into Christmas, and suddenly you’re standing in the store wondering why there are 47 people in front of you with Christmas pajamas in their carts.

And you’re just trying to buy toothpaste.

So instead of waiting until December to realize we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, overscheduled, and running on caffeine and Jesus…

Let’s get intentional NOW!

We Are Building Habits Before We Need Them

One thing I’ve learned about being a nurse mom is that life gets real busy, real fast.

You have your nursing career.

You have motherhood.

You have your home.

You have relationships.

You have church, friendships, errands, appointments, personal goals, and somewhere in the middle of all that, you’re supposed to remember that you’re a human being who needs rest.

Girl.

That’s a lot of hats.

And this is exactly why I want us to start building our self-care habits before the holiday season gets chaotic.

Because if you start now, by the time January 1 rolls around, you won’t be trying to become a brand-new woman.

You’ll already be practicing the habits that support her.

We’re not doing “New Year, New Me.”

We’re doing:

“Same me, healthier systems.”

Before We Get Started: Do You Know Your Love Language?

Okay sis, homework time.

I recommend taking the Five Love Languages assessment created by Dr. Gary Chapman, author of The 5 Love Languages.

I am not affiliated with him or receiving anything for recommending it. I simply think it can be a helpful tool for learning more about yourself.

The five love languages are:

• Acts of Service
• Quality Time
• Physical Touch
• Words of Affirmation
• Receiving Gifts

Why does this matter?

Because understanding how you naturally receive love can help you think differently about how you show yourself love.

Self-care doesn’t have to look like what everybody else is doing on Instagram.

Maybe your friend loves getting a massage.

You might need two hours of uninterrupted quiet.

Your sister may love shopping.

You may want somebody to fold your laundry.

Your coworker might recharge by going out.

You might want to sit in your car with a coffee and absolutely nobody talking to you.

And listen…

ALL OF THAT COUNTS!!!!

Let’s break it down.

1. Acts of Service: Sis, Let Somebody Help You!

If Acts of Service is your love language, doing something helpful for yourself can feel incredibly loving.

And this is where I need my nurse moms to stop trying to be the CEO, COO, CFO, dishwasher, chauffeur, housekeeper, meal planner AND bedtime coordinator.

You don’t get a bonus for doing everything yourself.

Try:

• Grocery delivery or curbside pickup
• Meal prepping a few meals ahead
• Hiring help for cleaning if it’s in your budget
• Asking family to watch your child for a couple of hours
• Preparing your work bag the night before
• Laying out your clothes before bed
• Automating bill payments
• Preparing lunches ahead of time
• Ordering household essentials instead of making another store run

And please hear me:

Delegating is not failing.

Sometimes self-love looks like making your own life easier.

2. Quality Time: Take Yourself on a Date, Sis

Quality Time girls, this one is for you.

You may not necessarily need something expensive.

You may simply need intentional time where you aren’t serving somebody else.

Try:

• Taking yourself out for coffee
• Going for a peaceful walk
• Sitting outside with your Bible
• Journaling for 20 minutes
• Reading a book without multitasking
• Taking yourself to lunch
• Going to church and staying afterward for quiet reflection
• Taking a solo shopping stroll… because let’s be honest, sometimes that’s therapy

The key is presence.

Put the phone down.

Stop multitasking.

Let yourself actually experience the moment.

3. Physical Touch: Your Body Deserves Some Love Too

Now, physical touch doesn’t have to mean romantic affection.

Your body needs care too, sis.

Try:

• Getting a massage
• Taking a warm bath
• Stretching before bed
• Using lotion or body oil after your shower
• Booking a pedicure
• Curling up under your favorite blanket
• Doing a gentle yoga session
• Getting comfortable in your favorite pajamas
• Giving yourself time to physically rest after a long shift

After spending 8, 10, or 12 hours caring for patients, your body may be begging you for some attention.

Listen to her!!

4. Words of Affirmation: Speak Life Over Yourself

If you’re a Words of Affirmation girlie, your self-care may need to start with your mouth and your mind.

Because let’s be honest…

We can encourage everybody else all day long.

But when it’s our turn?

“Girl, I should’ve done better.”

Nope.

We’re working on that.

Try:

• Writing yourself an encouraging note
• Keeping a journal of your wins
• Speaking affirmations in the mirror
• Writing down compliments you receive
• Saving encouraging messages from loved ones
• Praying over yourself
• Ending your workday by naming one thing you did well

And please don’t wait until you accomplish something huge to celebrate yourself.

You survived a hard shift?

Write it down.

You handled a difficult conversation?

Write it down.

You studied after putting the kids to bed?

WRITE. IT. DOWN.

You showed up.

That matters.

5. Receiving Gifts: Yes Sis, Buy Yourself the Thing!

Listen.

If Receiving Gifts is your love language, I am NOT about to tell you to stop buying yourself things.

However…

Let’s make it intentional.

Self-love doesn’t mean financially irresponsible behavior followed by “but I deserve it.”

We can love ourselves AND check our bank accounts.

Try:

• Buying yourself flowers
• Getting a new journal
• Purchasing a book you’ve wanted
• Getting a new coffee mug
• Buying comfortable work shoes when you need them
• Creating a small self-care budget
• Treating yourself to your favorite meal
• Saving for something special instead of impulse spending

The goal isn’t the price tag.

The goal is the thoughtfulness behind it.

Sis, Start Small

Now here’s where I want to make this practical.

If you’re already practicing self-care but you’re inconsistent, don’t try to overhaul your entire life this week.

Choose ONE thing.

Do it once or twice consistently.

That’s it.

If you’re brand new to intentional self-care?

Welcome, girl!

We’re glad you’re here.

Pick one activity and schedule 15–30 minutes for yourself.

Put it on your calendar.

Treat it like an appointment.

Because it is.

Let’s Talk About Mom Guilt

This is where I have to get real with you.

I understand mom guilt.

I’ve felt it too.

There was a time when I struggled with the idea of doing something for myself while my child was still awake.

My brain would immediately start:

“Shouldn’t I be doing something for my child?”

“Shouldn’t I be cleaning?”

“Shouldn’t I be preparing for tomorrow?”

“Shouldn’t I be doing something productive?”

Girl…

ENOUGH.

I realized I needed a system that helped my brain understand that it was okay to take care of myself.

So I started doing my self-care after I put my child to bed.

My brain knew:

Child is in bed.

Dishes are done.

Kitchen is clean.

Tomorrow is prepared.

Now it’s my turn.

And that small shift made a huge difference.

Your Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Sometimes we make self-care sound like we need an entire weekend at a luxury resort.

Would I like that?

Absolutely.

Would somebody please hand me the robe?

But that’s not always realistic.

Sometimes self-care is:

A shower.

A cup of tea.

A walk around the neighborhood.

Ten minutes of prayer.

A journal entry.

Going to bed on time.

Saying no.

Asking for help.

Turning your phone off.

Sitting quietly.

Self-care is not always glamorous.

Sometimes it’s simply giving yourself permission to exist without producing.

What Does Scripture Say?

Sis, I want you to remember that caring for yourself isn’t about becoming self-centered.

It’s about stewardship.

Your body, your mind, your time, your energy, and your gifts matter.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NIV) reminds us:

“Your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit…”

That hits differently when you’re constantly pouring into everybody else.

Your body matters.

Your rest matters.

Your peace matters.

Your wellbeing matters.

Your Challenge This Week

Okay sis, here’s your assignment.

Step 1: Identify Your Love Language

Take the Five Love Languages assessment and learn how you naturally receive love.

Step 2: Choose ONE Self-Love Practice

Pick something that aligns with your love language.

Step 3: Schedule It

Don’t just say, “I’ll do it sometime this week.”

Put it on the calendar.

Step 4: Repeat It

Try it once or twice this week.

We’re building consistency, not perfection.

Step 5: Reflect

At the end of the week, ask yourself:

• How did I feel before my self-care activity?
• How did I feel afterward?
• Did I experience guilt?
• What made it easier to follow through?
• What would make this habit easier next week?

And most importantly…

Did I feel more like myself?

Reflection for this Week!

Grab your journal, sis.

Let’s sit with these:

What does self-love actually look like for me in this season?

Where have I been confusing self-care with selfishness?

What do I need more of right now: help, rest, connection, encouragement, or joy?

What is one habit I can begin now that will make the holiday season easier?

Don’t rush through these.

Sit with them.

Pray about them.

Be honest.

We’re Reclaiming Our Space

Sis, motherhood is beautiful.

Nursing is meaningful.

Serving others is a blessing.

But you are still a person underneath all those responsibilities.

You don’t have to disappear inside your roles.

You can be an incredible mother AND care for yourself.

You can be an amazing nurse AND protect your energy.

You can love your family AND have boundaries.

You can follow God AND take a nap.

Yes.

I said what I said.

Jesus is not mad because you took a nap.

Let’s stop waiting until we’re completely depleted to finally decide that we deserve care.

Let’s build these habits now.

So when Thanksgiving comes…

We’re ready.

When Christmas comes…

We’re ready.

When New Year’s Eve arrives…

We’re already practicing the woman we’re becoming.

And when 2027 rolls around?

Sis…

we’re not starting over.

We’re continuing.

Prayer for the Week

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for every woman reading this who has been pouring into everyone around her. Thank You for giving her the strength to mother, work, serve, love, and keep going even when she feels tired.

Lord, teach her how to care for herself without guilt. Help her recognize that rest is not weakness and asking for help is not failure. Give her wisdom to create routines that support her body, mind, spirit, motherhood, and career.

Help her slow down enough to hear You and recognize what she needs in this season.

As the holidays approach, give her peace instead of pressure, intention instead of overwhelm, and joy instead of obligation.

Remind her that she does not have to earn Your love.

She is already loved.

Cover her home, her children, her career, her relationships, and her health. Give her the courage to create boundaries, the discipline to honor her commitments to herself, and the grace to start again when life doesn’t go according to plan.

Let this season be one of restoration, connection, and intentional living.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen.

Until Time, Sis…

Your reminder this week is simple:

You don’t have to wait until you’re exhausted to take care of yourself.

Start small.

Start today.

And whatever you do…

Don’t forget the woman underneath the cape.

Because sis, she deserves some love too!!

With Love,

Sanjé