As nurses, it can be challenging to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle while managing a hectic work schedule. You may be on your feet all day at work, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect the other essential components of health, such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.

Sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. It’s estimated that roughly 40% of nurses don’t get enough sleep, leading to an increased risk of burnout, which can lead to physical exhaustion and cognitive impairment. Good habits such as avoiding caffeine late in the day, having consistent bedtimes, and using blackout curtains can help improve your sleep quality. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night in a calm dark environment with no distractions such as screens or noise.

Nutrition

Nurses have notoriously demanding schedules with long, double, and overnight shifts. This means that meal prep often falls by the wayside, making it challenging to maintain proper nutrition. Proper nutrition requires adequate calorie intake from healthy carbs, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Pack foods with staying power, like nuts, seeds, or whole grain crackers, to fuel you throughout your shift. Additionally, try snacking on fruits and vegetables throughout the day for an easy energy boost without packing too many calories.

Exercise

It’s important to squeeze some physical activity into your busy schedule if possible, as this helps you stay fit and energized during long days at work. Try adding some light cardio like walking or jogging during your breaks or directly afterward when possible to keep your heart rate up without tiring yourself out too much. Additionally, try taking care of any soreness from being on your feet all day with stretches or yoga poses before you start another shift to help relieve stress and tension from nursing duties so that you are ready for more action the following day!

Mental Well-Being

Working in an environment surrounded by uncertainty and suffering can take its toll on nurses mentally, which is why it’s so important to prioritize self-care activities such as reading a book before bed, talking things out with friends or family members, taking a relaxing bath before or after a shift or keeping journals are great ways of destressing after a rough day of nursing duties without spending extra money on expensive spa days or retreats!

Take a Vacation

When the opportunity arises, it is essential to take time off work to relax and unwind with friends or family. Even if the break isn’t long, it can be a great way to decompress and refocus. Taking a vacation away from work can help reset your mind and body to feel refreshed when it’s time to return.

Find A Nursing Schedule That Works For You

Do you need to adjust your nursing schedule or take on part-time shifts? Contact Actriv Healthcare today for help finding the perfect balance between work and personal life so you can know everything’s taken care of! Sign up today and find short-term and long-term nursing opportunities that fit your lifestyle.

Actriv Healthcare wishes you the best of luck in your nursing journey and hopes that with our help, you can find the perfect balance between your job and personal life. With us, you can know that everything is taken care of!