How can nurses achieve psychological self-care?

• A. By avoiding stress entirely
• B. By focusing on work
• C. Through relaxation techniques, reading, and engaging in happiness-facilitating groups
• D. By increasing workload

Answer: (C)

Psychological self-care for nurses means actively choosing practices that lower stress and nurture emotional well-being. Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation, help calm the body's stress response after demanding shifts and restore emotional balance. Reading provides a mental break that can reduce burnout and broaden perspective, while joining groups that promote happiness or social support creates connection, fosters positive coping, and reduces feelings of isolation. Together, these activities build resilience and sustain compassionate care over time.

Avoiding stress entirely isn’t realistic and regroups as poor coping; focusing only on work neglects recovery, which can accelerate burnout; increasing workload adds to stress rather than alleviating it. Hence, combining relaxation, personal enjoyment through reading, and supportive social engagement best supports a nurse’s psychological well-being.