4 Easy Ways for Nurses to Keep Their Health in Check
Nurses are a fundamental building block of the healthcare infrastructure. The endless and selfless care nurses provide to the patient population aids in improving the overall health of the country. Long, tiring shifts spent on their feet, burnout and stress can wreak havoc on the body and mind of these essential healthcare workers. To provide the best care for your patients, you must make the effort and spare the time to keep your health in check. Building healthy habits and remembering to care for yourself can make a world of difference in your physical, mental and emotional health. Try these tips for keeping your health a priority even when you are tired, overworked and lacking free time.
1. Nutrition
Preparing a healthy dinner may be the last thing on your mind after a stressful 12-hour shift. Fast food offers convenience, speed and minimal effort on your part, especially if you pass it on your way home without having to go out of your way. Focusing on eating a healthy diet can make a significant difference in your health. Implement lean proteins, fruits and vegetables into your diet to see the benefits of a nutrient-dense diet. Adding vitamins and supplements can also help your body get the nutrients it needs. The le-vel thrive reviews show that some can even aid in weight management or loss, focus, energy levels and more. Meal prepping your dinners to make workday meals healthier and less work can improve your diet. You can also meal prep lunches for the week to make packing your lunch easier. Don’t forget to pack healthy snacks to give you energy throughout the day and keep you from buying unhealthy food from the vending machines or hospital cafeteria. Avoid sugary drinks and foods, such as soda and candy. These can be easily obtained, but they can result in a crash that will make you feel worse, and they hurt your efforts in weight management or loss.
2. Stay Hydrated
Coffee may fuel you through your long shifts, especially if you work the night shift. Bring a reusable water bottle with you to work so that you can focus on your hydration status throughout your shift. Sip water even when you do not feel thirsty and work to drink more water throughout the day. Proper hydration can help with headaches, energy, weight management, blood pressure and so much more. Try to drink 64 ounces of water each day and eat water-rich foods, such as cucumbers and watermelon.
3. Preventative Care
Sometimes medical professionals can be the worst patients. However, seeing a provider for preventative care is an important way to take care of yourself. Preventive care includes physicals and cancer screenings which is vital to help detect issues early on so treatment or intervention can occur before the issue becomes a serious health problem. Screenings for diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, osteoporosis and multiple types of cancer such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer could save your life. Regular dental cleanings every six months improve your oral health. Eye exams help keep your vision strong. Preventative care can increase lifespan and quality of life.
4. Exercise
Daily exercise is a wonderful habit to form. Finding time to work out can be a challenge when you work very long shifts. Squeeze in a walk to stay moving or set your alarm earlier to get in a quick workout before work. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to burn many calories in a short period. Another way to fit extra movement into your workday is parking as far away as possible to get additional steps in as you walk into and out of the building.
As a nurse, you cannot provide optimal care for your patients if you are not taking care of yourself. Put your health as a top priority, and you can see benefits such as improved energy, enhanced mood and decreased risk of certain diseases. Diet and hydration status can be quick, easy changes to implement immediately. You want your patients to take care of their bodies, so make sure you are taking care of yours, too!
