Working As A Nurse? This Is How You Can Maintain Your Overall Wellness
Nurses are the greatest heroes of the healthcare industry, tirelessly working to care for their patient’s needs. They are the first point of contact for patients and their families, providing comfort and support during life’s most challenging and traumatic moments. However, working as a nurse can take a toll on their overall physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
This blog post will dive into five practical ways nurses can prioritize self-care to maintain overall wellness. Whether getting enough restful sleep, staying active, or finding ways to manage stress, we’ll provide tips and tricks that nurses can implement in their daily routines to ensure they are at their best when caring for their patients.
We understand the demands and pressures of working as a nurse and want to ensure that our nursing community also takes care of itself.
So, let’s dive in.
Healthy Sleep Cycle
Do you ever struggle to stay alert and focused during your shifts as a nurse? This could be due to the lack of restful sleep. As a nurse, getting enough sleep is critical for your physical and emotional well-being, ultimately affecting your ability to provide high-quality patient care. But how can you ensure you’re getting enough sleep?
A consistent sleep routine can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality. This could include creating a relaxing bedtime routine, minimizing external stimuli in your bedroom, and aiming to go to bed and wake up simultaneously every day.
Moreover, as you progress in your career, chances are that you’ll have more say in your shift hours, and you can prioritize healthy sleep. However, you can fast-track to this flexibility after joining undergraduate nursing programs online. It provides several benefits, like cost-effectiveness and adaptability to personal and professional commitments. So you won’t have to move to another state or leave your job while studying. It’s a win-win.
If you still have trouble sleeping, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider for guidance. They may recommend behavioral changes or prescribe medication to aid sleep. Still, it’s essential to use medication only under their guidance.
Remember, prioritizing restful sleep is crucial for your wellness as a nurse. So, aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and seek guidance from your healthcare provider if needed.
Eat Healthily
Nurses have a demanding job that requires a lot of physical and mental energy. They need to be alert and quick on their feet; that isn’t possible if they aren’t energized. That’s why fueling their bodies with the proper nutrients is essential to maintain their overall wellness. A balanced diet can help nurses feel better and perform better in a healthcare facility.
If you start your shift feeling sluggish and tired because you didn’t eat a nutritious breakfast, you’ll probably make a blunder or two that day. It can impact your ability to focus and provide quality patient care. On the other hand, imagine starting your shift feeling energized and alert because you are fueling your body with nutritious food. This can positively impact your performance and improve patient outcomes.
Nurses can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases by incorporating various nutrient-dense foods into their diets. It’s important to prioritize healthy eating habits and limit processed foods, sugar, and saturated fat, which can negatively affect the body.
Stress Management
As a nurse, it’s no secret that the job can be stressful and overwhelming. The constant demands, long hours, and emotional toll can all add up and leave a nurse feeling drained and exhausted. However, managing stress is critical for maintaining wellness and providing high-quality patient care.
Nurses can develop strategies that work for them to manage stress, like taking deep breaths, practicing meditation or yoga, or simply taking breaks when they need them. Finding ways to relax and unwind outside of work, such as through hobbies or spending time with loved ones, can also be helpful.
Prioritizing stress management is vital, as chronic stress can lead to burnout and emotional and physical exhaustion. Burnout can negatively impact a nurse’s ability to provide quality patient care, leading to further stress and frustration.
By managing stress, nurses can improve their well-being and provide better patient care. Remember, stress is a natural part of life, but working it is crucial for maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
Stay Physically Active
As a nurse, staying active is essential not only for your physical health but also for your emotional and mental well-being. Understandably, you might be busy with work and other responsibilities, but finding time to exercise can significantly impact your overall well-being. Regular exercise can reduce your risk of chronic diseases and help you maintain a healthy weight. It can also boost your mood and reduce stress, positively impacting your work and personal life.
The good news is that you don’t have to spend hours at the gym. Just 30 minutes of moderate-intensity daily routine, such as a quick walk, can make a difference. You can also break up your activity throughout the day, such as taking a few laps around the building during your break or doing some stretching exercises at your desk.
Finding physical activities you enjoy is essential so it doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether dancing, hiking, or playing a sport, find something that gets you moving and makes you feel good. You can also find ways to include exercise into your daily routine, such as parking further away from your destination so you’ll have to walk a little.
Foster Relationships
Caring for others is a top priority as a nurse, but taking care of yourself is also essential. Building solid relationships with family, friends, and colleagues can provide a much-needed sense of support, belonging, and community. These relationships can be a source of comfort during difficult times. They can also help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
In addition to personal relationships, joining a professional organization or networking group can provide unique opportunities for growth and development. Building relationships takes effort, but it’s worth it for the benefits. Nurses should make time for social activities and connect with others, whether through a coffee date with a coworker or attending a local networking event.
Bottom Line
Nursing is challenging, and taking care of oneself is essential for quality patient care. Even small changes in daily routine can make an immense difference in overall wellness. Whether getting enough sleep, managing stress, staying physically active, or building strong relationships, prioritizing health can lead to a healthier life.
