So I thought this was a mythical thing people told you about. But i learnt the hard way, it’s oh so very real and sucks.

Last week I experienced it for the 1st time in my professional career. Being qualified just three years (completed my revalidation *fist pumps*) I promise it’s NOT as complex as it might seem to first timers and newbies like me. Anyway I’ve been picking up extra shifts and not properly resting on my days off. Then it struck with a plethora of things.

First shingles in any situation pretty darn shit, but when you work in early pregnancy totally shit. The last thing I want to ever do is put my patients in any form of danger or at risk.

Then comes the eczema flare up. I’ve had chronic eczema for the last 16 or so years and the biggest catalyst for this is stress. Knowing that I still ALWAYS TRY TO DO THE MOST!! Not a good tactical move love. But I manage it on a day to day and usually it’s fine. Having a flare up doesn’t just affect your aesthetic, the itch is insane, the sleep is non-existent.

To top it off nicely, throw in 2 asthma attacks on consecutive days for good measure and I’M DONE!!!

I actually started writing this post whilst I was on holiday in Croatia with the waves of Adriatic Sea lapping at my feet. But guess what life happened again. Work, a little stress and an interrailing trip, basically life. I was so very close to burn out yet again.  I had to take stock, like come on love, not every time you must push yourself to infinity.

Sometimes ENJOY life you’re young!! *Side eye to my sister who keeps telling me I’m almost 30* No babes NOT YET!!

I think what I’m getting at is it’s so easy as nurse but just as humans In general. Trying to stay ahead, stay afloat we just don’t stay in tune with us. It’s so important not just maintaining your physical health but your mental health, if not just as much maybe even a little more. As nurses, we are fantastic at looking after other people on a day to day. Making sure that when our team members aren’t quite themselves we are there to swoop in. Helping our family in whichever way they need.

HELLO GUYS, looking after you is just as important, TAKE your annual leave, enjoy your break (seemingly impossible but try never the less) and DO not feel guilty if you sit in your pyjamas all day and do jack shit because you need you time too.

Current situation pjs dressing gown, cosy socks and slipper, totally unbothered

I’M BACK!!

PS. A more tech savvy person has introduced me to scheduled posts, so here’s to more frequent content. CHEERS