11 Ways to Stay Healthy As a Nurse

While nurses’ responsibility is to guide their patients on how to live a healthy lifestyle, they often follow their own instructions.

Nurses often encounter difficulties when switching schedules, especially after working the same shift for a long time. The stress they experience due to changes in their cycle, sleeping patterns, and routines lead to overwork or underperformance. Moreover, they are often susceptible to health problems due to these situations.

Nurses need to maintain their health for many reasons. Some of them are to set an example for your patients and to deliver better holistic care. Therefore, to maintain your health during and after your shift, make sure you follow these tips:

1. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise helps you sleep peacefully at night, strengthen your muscles and bones, maintain weight, and boost your mood. It also reduces the risk of the growth and progression of chronic diseases and disabling conditions.

Therefore, don’t let your busy schedule keep you away from exercising. Even if you have an extremely busy schedule, give yourself a little push every day. Regular work will help you maintain a healthy lifestyle and improve your mental and physical health.

2. Develop your skills

A nursing career isn’t limited to one position. They can increase career options, earn more money, and do better work by continuing their education.

By taking time out of their hectic routine, they can focus on self-growth and improve their quality of life.

As nurses follow a hectic routine, often on-campus classes can lead to burnout quickly. As a solution, they can enroll in an online degree that offers the least stress. Additionally, nurses can specialize in different types of nurse practitioners. It can help them discover many potential career paths and help them earn more.

3. Maintain a healthy diet

A nutritious and balanced diet is essential to good health. Most nurses work twelve-hour shifts and are too tired or busy to cook at home, so they turn to fast food. This isn’t a healthy option. One solution to this problem is packing healthy proteins and vegetables with your lunch if you work long shifts. These foods can serve as healthy snacks when you crave something to munch during free hours. 

Further, when you come after a late night shift, sleeping on an empty stomach or eating a full meal isn’t recommended when you come after a late night shift. Instead, try to grab a healthy late-night snack from leftovers. For example, you can make a turkey sandwich or drink a protein shake.

4. Get enough sleep

Extended working hours cause sleep deprivation among nurses. Try Sleeping at least seven to eight hours each night to help you prepare for another working day.

During your shift, if you feel fatigued, take a brief nap or consume an energy drink.

Nursing is known for pulling all-nighters, but being sleep deprived is extremely unhealthy. As a result, you will have a weaker immune system and be more prone to illnesses.

Avoid scheduling a shift on the night before an early morning shift. This will enable you to take rest and work efficiently.

5. Stay hydrated

The busy schedules of nurses often prevent them from drinking enough water. It also makes it very difficult to keep track of water intake. Carrying a large bottle of water everywhere you go can help you keep in mind your water usage throughout the day.

Drink one glass of water every hour if possible. By doing so, you will be able to fight fatigue.

6. Positive thinking

Maintaining a positive attitude towards your job and coworkers is important to stay healthy. When you treat your work negatively and disrespectfully, you are more likely to experience burnout and anxiety disorders.

Scientific studies have shown that smiling reduces stress levels and improves mood. You can also use this approach if you are experiencing anxiety.

7. Vaccinate yourself

Make sure you stay up-to-date on all your vaccinations and boosters frequently.  Like you should always get a flu shot before winter. Nurses’ jobs often expose them to infectious diseases, so they require adequate care.

Try to maintain a healthy balance between work and play. By doing so, you will be able to avoid burnout later in life.

8. Take intervals during the day.

It can be extremely stressful to work as a nurse. Nurses often skip breaks during a shift because they have so many tasks to accomplish. Taking activity-based work breaks will allow your brain to recharge, and you’re able to concentrate more clearly.

There are plenty of ways to stay active, such as taking a quick yoga class at lunchtime, stretching between intervals, or simply going outside to get some fresh air. You’ll notice that you’re more energized and refreshed when you take activity-based breaks.

9. Stay organized

The nursing profession is stressful and hectic, so it is important to stay organized. Using a planner is a great way to accomplish this task. A planner will not only help you schedule and organize your days, but it will also keep track of all your appointments and meetings, so you don’t forget anything.

By keeping yourself organized, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress and inconvenience.

10. Be realistic

Trying to finish what you start is good practice for nurses, but sometimes there isn’t enough time. This is especially true when unanticipated responsibilities arise during shift changes or a swap of shifts with colleagues. Do not feel obligated to get things done when something like this happens.

 In some cases, accepting help from coworkers can be even more beneficial than doing it alone.

11. Balance your work and personal lives

A nurse needs to take time away from work. It will be easier for them to recharge and re-energize if they can balance both. Although, It is difficult for nurses to find time for themselves each day, doing so can help them stay healthy and satisfied.

You can accomplish a balanced life by scheduling some ‘me’ time. It will prevent you from canceling or pushing back your routine. After coming home from a busy day at work, try to spend time with your family rather than involve yourself in any paperwork.

Try to make the most of your free time – spend it in a fun way by traveling, plan to go out with a friend, enroll yourself in yoga classes, read a book, etc. There are plenty of ways through which you can feel relaxed and prepare yourself for upcoming challenges and tasks.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that nurses are a valuable part of the healthcare system, and they need to stay healthy to provide quality care to their patients. Hence, with these tips, nurses can be encouraged and motivated to take good care of themselves to continue providing excellent nursing care.