9 Health and Wellness Tips for Nurses

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Working in the field of nursing can be rewarding as well as challenging. Watching your patients become healthy can be extremely gratifying. However, the long hours and stressful schedule can be taxing for nurses. Sometimes you might prioritize work over having a proper meal or getting enough sleep during your hectic schedule. But always remember that health is the greatest wealth. We have compiled a few ways nurses can maintain a healthy routine.  

  • Spend time doing things you love 

Always take some time to do the things you love, whether it is singing, painting, or learning new skills to excel in your career. Enhancing your knowledge and skills will not only help you in advancing your career, but you will also be able to manage your daily tasks efficiently. This will help relieve a lot of stress. Many online and offline opportunities for nurses aid in their career growth. For instance, if you are a registered nurse(RN), you can opt for a BSN program to gain further knowledge and skills. Although, as an RN, you might have all the qualifications required to earn a BSN, you can search for nursing perquisites online to cover your bases.

  • Eat healthy meals

Make your health a priority. Eating healthy meals is essential for nurses as it helps boost immunity, keeps you energized throughout your shift, and more. 

If you have to work the morning shift, have a healthy breakfast to keep your energy levels stable throughout the day. Pack homemade snacks so you can munch on them whenever you feel hungry. Look for healthier options. Instead of eating a chocolate bar to satisfy your sweet cravings, try to eat an apple. 

Vegetables are rich in nutrients, minerals, and vitamins, so try to incorporate more of those into your diet. Make a large bowl of salad at home and pack it for lunch. 

  • Exercise 

Being physically active is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It helps manage your weight and enhances your energy level. Exercising regularly is also vital for the mental health of an individual. Nurses have to deal with stressful situations daily, so following an exercise regimen will help reduce stress. Exercise boosts the production of endorphins responsible for producing positive feelings and emotions in individuals. Studies show that even simple exercises play a significant role in elevating your mood. So, nurses should spend at least 150 minutes every week doing any physical activity.

Below are a few things that will help you become consistent in your workout routine. 

  • Designate a time slot for working out. 
  • Choose a time when you are not busy, so you don’t have the stress of any pending tasks in your mind.
  • Fix a work out schedule. 
  • Set a sleeping schedule. It will help you complete all your tasks of the day, so you always have time to exercise. 
  • Get adequate sleep

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults should sleep for 7 to 8 hours at night. Getting sufficient rest is essential in maintaining a healthy immune system, reducing the risk of several diseases, lowering stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. A few things that will enhance your quality of sleep are listed below:

  • Avoid using your electronic devices, such as mobile phones or laptops, before bed. 
  • Don’t eat heavy meals at night. 
  • Set a sleep schedule. 
  • Engage in a relaxing activity before going to bed. You can read a book, listen to music or take a bath. 
  • Maintain a healthy Work-life balance

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is extremely important for nurses. They have to deal with stressful situations every day, which can harm their physical and mental well-being. Therefore, they need to find ways to maintain an equilibrium between their personal and professional lives. Nurses can maintain a healthy work-life balance by delegating tasks to colleagues, managing time effectively, etc.

  • Ask for help  

Don’t hesitate to ask for help. It is very common to get overwhelmed dealing with the day-to-day stress of this profession. Whether it is the long working hours, keeping up with patient care, or consoling a patient’s family, nurses have to deal with stressful situations every day. Try talking to a friend, relative, or professional whenever you are mentally exhausted. 

  • Take a step back 

You can meditate or do some breathing exercises to refresh your mind. Take short restorative breaks whenever possible to clear your mind of any stressful thoughts. Try going outside to get some fresh air. All these things will help you to relax and elevate your mood, allowing you to get back to work with more energy.  

  • Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body hydrated is crucial since losing even 2% of your body’s water content can considerably impair your physical performance.  Therefore, nurses should keep themselves hydrated since they are always moving around the hospital.

Health experts recommend that individuals drink at least eight glasses of water daily. It might not be easy to keep track of your water intake during your busy schedule, so it is beneficial to drink as much water as possible throughout the day.  

  • Build strong Relationships

Having healthy relations with your friends, colleagues, and family members impacts an individual’s overall health. Having a strong support system means you always have people you can rely on when you need help. They can lend you an ear whenever you need to talk about your problems or share the burden of your responsibilities. So try to spend quality time with your loved ones to strengthen your bond with them. 

You might not be able to spend time with your family and friends during weekdays, but you can utilize the weekend by spending time with your friends or relatives. Plan a dinner with your friends or arrange a picnic with your family whenever you are free so you can spend quality time with your loved ones.    

Conclusion 

The field of nursing is very demanding and challenging. Therefore, it requires an individual to be physically and mentally strong to deal with the stress, anxiety, and pressure that is part of the job. The above article highlights a few pointers that nurses can keep in mind to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

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