Category: Uncategorized

Thanksgiving is next week and with that the holiday season will be in full swing! I love seeing everyone post their Christmas decor already. I am 100% team do whatever makes you happy, because well, this life is hard! As much joy as the holiday’s bring, it can also bring a lot of stress and anxiety.

“I’m sorry, I can’t.”

Yep. That’s right. You can say NO. To the extra shift. To working an extra holiday. To switching shifts. To the holiday party, the cookie exchange. If your plate is full, you can say no. You don’t owe anyone time that is going to affect your mental health. There is so much going on this time of year. Choose to give the best of you to the things that will be most fulfilling to you.

Self Care and Self Soothe at the Event

Of course we can’t say no to everything, and we don’t want to say no to everything! As someone who has social anxiety, I can honestly say just because something is uncomfortable or makes you anxious doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go. And it doesn’t mean you won’t have fun! Here’s a few ideas for how to take care of yourself while you are at an event that may result in a little overstimulation or anxiety.

Take Breaks

Honestly, hiding in the bathroom or stepping outside is one of my favorite party tricks if I need a moment of silence and solitude. It’s okay to need a moment to yourself!

Practice Calming Techniques

I can’t express the power of a deep breath when you feel the stress coming on. Take a few slow, intentional, deep breaths to regulate your nervous system. Holding a cup can make you feel less awkward when standing around.

Set a Time to Leave and Stick to It

I’m going to be honest, I’m not great at this one. In fact, I kind of suck at it. And my husband is even worse. However, I know the added stress that comes with being at a party past your limit. If you’re going with a partner or friend, have this discussion before hand. If you don’t feel you can’t simply say “It’s time to go!” (which by the way, you TOTALLY can) have a reason you need to leave (check on dogs, wake up early, etc.)

Self care and schedule time for rest

It is so easy to get caught up with the hustle and bustle of the holidays that you end up completely exhausted and burnt out by the new year. Remember the importance of taking care of you! Eat food that makes you feel good (along side all those magical treats), move you body, and schedule time to recharge- whatever that looks like for you. And if that means you have to skip the fourth party of the month to have an evening to yourself- that’s okay too!

What are some of you holiday plans? I am looking forward to having both my husband’s family and my family in Florida in December for Christmas celebrations!

Some benefits of journaling include:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Find inspiration
• Track progress and growth
• Make connections between thoughts

The One Line a Day Reflection Journal is a journal I published to help those who are new to journaling or have struggled with consistency in the past. It is a simple one line reflection every day. Weekly, you have a guided reflection. And each week, you get a quote to help encourage and support you. One of my best friends, Katy Sewell, did the cover art. It’s really a beautiful reflection of both of our mental health journeys. The proceeds help to support Nurses Supporting Nurses, an organization I founded that provides free and low cost support groups to nurses and CNAs. If you are interested in joining a support group, visit https://nursessupportingnurses.com

To purchase the One Line a Day journal on Amazon, click here.

Since the 2016 presendential election, I now have major surrounding election days. With women rights, LGBTQ rights, and more on the line with this election, no surprise, I’m full of anxiety again. If you need information on how to vote- visit http://vote.gov. But please, please PLEASE- vote. This election is so important and will effect people for generations to come.

Turn off the News, Sign off Social Media

I know this is an obvious one, but it’s an easy one to not do. Watching the preliminary counts and doom scrolling IG or Tik Tok is a sure way to get your anxiety going. Sign off of social, turn off the news, and find another way to spend your Election Day evening. A light hearted show, even if you have seen it before, like Friends, New Girl, or Gilmore Girls- is a great way to put your mind on something other than election results.

If you want to tune in late at night to see the final results, go for it. But honestly, you can’t change anything at 2am anyways. Go to sleep and find out when you wake up in the morning.

Brain Dump

Do a journal entry/brain dump where you put all your anxieties out on paper. Then, realize you have done all you can do. Easier said than done I know, but putting your worries on paper can help with dealing with anxiety.

Go on a Mental Health Walk 

Fresh air, vitamin D (although that’s harder to get with the time change) and movement are all great for stress and anxiety. Turn on a favorite (non political) podcast, music, or just enjoy the silence. Notice the weather, fresh air, & nature as you walk. If you feel like company- bring a furry companion, family member, or friend!

Call a friend or family member

If you need to let out the anxiety, set a time for how long you can talk about it (say, 15 minute) then move on to a new subject. It’s good to talk about your feelings, but it’s also good to talk about something else. Discuss the upcoming holidays, the latest show you have watched, anything but world events and the election.

Cook a comfort meal & Bake a Fall Treat

Food can hold so much comfort. Put your favorite soup or chili in the crock pot or plan to make your favorite meal on election night! The act of cooking or baking is again a great distraction and provides you with a nice treat. If you don’t feel like cooking or baking- order in or stop by your favorite restaurant/store to pick up a treat before heading home.

Deep Breaths

I find guided and deep breathing to be very helpful in calming my heart rate, nausea, and other not so fun physical symptoms that come with anxiety. Close your eyes, try not to think about the current events, and take some slow, intentional deep breaths. YouTube has a ton of great videos to guide you through meditations and deep breathing if you want more guidance.

Please remember this is a very important election, and we will not go down without a fight. You have done everything you can do by voting and educating yourself. You deserve to take a deep breath and relax on Tuesday night.

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week! We are still enjoying the beauty of the Western NC mountains and dog/house sitting for my sister in law. And to my fellow Taylor lovers- Happy Release Day! I am so excited the Midnight Album is finally here and it will definitely be on repeat allll weekend! I hope my husband is ready, ha!

Today I’m chatting a little bit about the blog and where I hope to go. I started PLN in 2016 when I was in my LPN to RN nursing program as a way to document my journey. I shared study tips, clinical experience, and then moved on to sharing about the trials of a new grad nurse. When I got my job at the hospital- I was paralyzed by the fear of anyone finding my blog. So I stopped writing.. for over a year. I then decided to come back to the blog-because whenever I take a break- I miss it. This is a creative and stress outlet for me. I love getting the change to write, share pics, and create graphic designs for the blog.

The blog has always had a nursing focus, with a sprinkle of lifestyle post. About 7 months ago- I started Nurses Supporting Nurses, a space to help support the mental health of nurses, CNAs, and nursing students. I absolutely love hosting a support group and other work I do with NSN. It is obviously, very heavily nursing focused and can be a little bit more heavy- since a lot of the focus in on mental health.

I have always loved lifestyle blogs. I get a lot of recipes, outfits, RV tips, travel ideas- all kinds of stuff from bloggers! I have so much respect for people who take the time to share with the world through writing. It’s what inspired me to start my own blog! I never really shared anything like recipes or Amazon finds (other than nursing related Amazon finds) but I have always secretly wanted too! I have some recipes I have perfected over the years I would love to share for example- but imposter syndrome and fear of being judged always stopped me. However, I have done a lot of work through therapy, coaching, self care… and if Covid taught me anything, it’s that life is too short and too fragile to not do what brings you joy.

All of this is a very long winded (in true Megan fashion) way of saying I am hoping to expand the blog past the nursing realm. We still will have at least one nursing related post every Wednesday because that is a large part of who I am and my passion. But I want to begin to share things like recipes, RV life, travel, whatever my interest is at that time! I think sharing all parts of yourself on a blog (within reason, of course) is important to being authentic and growing a relationship with readers. I know I love things like “day in the life” or travel recaps from the bloggers I follow.

You probably had already noticed some changes with post like Our Jack & Jill Bachelor/Bachelorette Party and Fall Foliage & Weekend Happenings, but I wanted to write a post to talk about the change (partially for accountability!) I hope to blog every Monday, Wednesday & Friday- with Wednesday being a day dedicated to nursing related post. I hope you will stick around and if you ever see a post you like- I’d love if you would share it on social media or with a friend!

Thank you for the continued support on my blog! What is something you would like to see on the blog- please share below! 

Some benefits of journaling include:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Find inspiration
• Track progress and growth
• Make connections between thoughts

The One Line a Day Reflection Journal is a journal I published to help those who are new to journaling or have struggled with consistency in the past. It is a simple one line reflection every day. Weekly, you have a guided reflection. And each week, you get a quote to help encourage and support you. One of my best friends, Katy Sewell, did the cover art. It’s really a beautiful reflection of both of our mental health journeys. The proceeds help to support Nurses Supporting Nurses, an organization I founded that provides free and low cost support groups to nurses and CNAs. If you are interested in joining a support group, visit https://nursessupportingnurses.com

To purchase the One Line a Day journal on Amazon, click here.

I’m not sure how it happened, but somehow, I celebrated my 32nd birthday on Friday! It was a great day filled with celebrations, cards, and sweet messages from thoughtful people.

Birthday Celebrations

My husband, sister, and brother in law surprised me with a night a Top Golf. I have been wanting to go since it opened in Greenville a couple years ago so this was the perfect birthday surprise! We ate appetizers, drank a beer, and hit golf balls! If you haven’t gone to Top Golf, I highly recommend! Whether you are a golfer or not, I think it can be fun for everyone!

We then went to Double Dogs for a night cap before Bradley surprised me with a night at a hotel. We watched tv and got to enjoy sleeping in a king size bed, but not having to share with Declan or Annabelle, 😉 Love them, but they are bed hogs lol.

Sunday- my sweet friend Christi took me to dinner at one of my favorite Mexican places and then we went to her house to watch Hocus Pocus 2. It was fun getting to have some girl time and catching up with a very special friend.

Life at 32

Life at 32 may not look exactly how I would like it too, but it’s a beautiful life none the less. The past year has held a lot of challenges- with working through covid, PTSD, catching covid (twice, sigh) and developing long haul and severe episodes of depression. Not to sound like a downer, but it has brought a lot of pain and challenges.

However, I have a wonderfully supportive husband, family, and friends that have become family. And for them, I am so grateful. I have the best fur babies a mom could ask for. Bradley and I love living tiny in our RV and are enjoying splitting time between the beach of Florida and mountains of SC/NC.

I have a new job that is allowing me to use my nursing skills in a way that is better for my mental health. I’m enjoying meeting my clients and getting to spend some 1:1 time with them (more on the new job in a later post).Nurses Supporting Nurses celebrated 6 months of support groups and providing support to my fellow nurses, nursing students, and CNAs. I have made amazing connections through this organization and I am proud of all I have done so far.

Thoughts on the Year Ahead

In the next year, I hope to continue to grow NSN into provide 1:1 peer support and other support group options. I want to continue to find ways to use my nursing license and knowledge in a way that is healthy for me. Continue on my mental health journey- including emotional, spiritual, and physical wellness. I hope Bradley and I will be able to take some adventures and see at least one new place. I’m excited to see where 32 will take me and what adventures lies ahead with the people I love.

Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes and for your continued support on my blog. You are appreciated.