Self-Care Isn’t Selfish | Jenny Lytle, RN | A Wise and Happy Life

In this heartfelt episode of A Wise and Happy Life, host Bob Martin sits down with Jenny Lytle, RN—hospice nurse, author of Self-Care Isn’t Selfish, and creator of The Nurse’s Breakroom podcast. Jenny opens up about her 31-year nursing career, her journey through burnout, the sudden loss of her mother, and how those experiences shaped her lifelong mission to help caregivers protect their energy, their identity, and their well-being.

From the oxygen-mask metaphor to the “salt-water pool” approach to daily care, Jenny and Bob explore why so many helpers forget to help themselves—and what simple, doable steps can rebuild balance, clarity, and compassion.

Whether you’re a parent, professional caregiver, or someone who simply gives more than you get, this conversation is a grounding reminder: your needs matter, and taking care of yourself makes you better for everyone else.

🔍 Highlights:

• 🌿 Burnout, Loss & Rediscovery: Jenny shares how years of caregiving—and the unexpected passing of her mother—forced her to confront her own depletion and rethink what healthy service really looks like.

• 🧘‍♀️ Self-Care in Small Doses: Forget the spa days—Jenny explains why self-care must begin with tiny, consistent moments: breathing breaks, unplugging, sleep, nature, and understanding your own recharging blueprint.

• 🛑 Permission to Pause: Why saying “no,” setting boundaries, and even scheduling “blocked time” on your own calendar matters—especially for caregivers who never stop giving.

"If I'm taking care of myself, that doesn't automatically mean I'm neglecting everybody else… it helps me show up better for other people." — Jenny Lytle

 

If you’ve ever felt drained, overwhelmed, or guilty for wanting a moment to yourself, this episode is for you. Listen in, share it with someone who gives endlessly, and remember: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Explore Jenny’s free resources, download her book, and start creating the small shifts that lead to a wise and happy life.

Guest Contact Information:

Guest Contact Information:

Podmatch: https://podmatch.com/guestdetail/jennylytle Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becomingyourbestwithjennylytleRN/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/jennylytlern/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-lytle-bsn-rn-682398b/ 🌐 Website: https://jennylytle.com 🎧 Podcast: The Nurse’s Breakroom with Jenny Lytle 📚 Free Digital Book: Available on her website

 

 

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This episode is brought to you by A Wise and Happy Life, a show where Bob Martin shares thoughtful, heartfelt conversations about what really makes life worth living.

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