Nursing is considered one of the most stressful professions. In fact, 92% of nurses report moderate to very high-stress levels. Travel nurses face additional challenges – being away from home, working at an unpredictable schedule, and saying goodbye – all of these can add to the stress and lead to job burnout.
Whether you are a new travel nurse or have been in this profession for a long time, here are some self-care tips to deal with chronic stress and job burnout.
Self-Care Tips:
Physical Self-Care
Health is wealth, so they say. Physical self-care involves activities that help you stay fit and healthy.
Exercise regularly.
Staying physically active is one of the best self-care practices that you can do. As a nurse, you might find it challenging to squeeze in time for a workout. But even things like walking a few miles during your break, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or a few stretches during your idle time can help a lot.
Eat your greens.
When you’re traveling, it can be tempting to indulge in mouthwatering food and taste the best dish the place has to offer. Even so, make sure that you are eating your greens. A balanced diet will give you the energy you need to survive a tough day at work.
Go to bed early.
Getting enough sleep is an impossible dream for most nurses. But if you want to stay sane on your next shift, you need to. Some strategies to induce sleep include keeping your bedroom quiet and comfortable, taking a warm shower before bedtime, and listening to relaxing music.
Emotional Self-Care
Practicing self-care is more than taking care of your body. You should take care of your mind too. Here are some scientifically proven ways to take care of your mental health.
Unplug.
As a travel nurse, you have the opportunity to explore different places. With so many interesting sites to see and things to do, it’s a perfect time to unplug from your devices and get outside! Check out nearby parks and shops, go to a museum, grab a snack at a popular local restaurant, or take a selfie at popular destinations. Even a quick trip to the park can greatly ease your stress and make you feel better.
Change your mindset.
Sometimes, the best way to deal with stress is to change your perspective. If you keep seeing the glass half empty, negativity will continue to run your life. It is important to first acknowledge that stress is part of your job. Instead of focusing on what’s wrong, reframe your thoughts and focus. It’s a deliberate practice that takes time to master. But once you achieve it, being optimistic will change your mind.
Be organized.
When you are constantly traveling for work, being organized is your best weapon to success. Having great organizational skills will make your life so much easier, from making a packing checklist to dealing with your finances. Yes, even when it comes to your finances. Always keep track of your cash flow. When you are traveling for work, there’s always a temptation to spend more. Settle your bills on time, including cash advance. Create a budget and stick to it.
Keep in touch.
Feeling homesick is normal. So you won’t feel lonely, find time to connect with your family and friends. Whether it’s a quick video call before you go to sleep or a random text message – find ways to reach out to your friends and family back home.
Develop supportive friendships.
Indeed, you will just be saying goodbye to them soon, but making friends especially at work should help counter the loneliness you feel. One of the greatest joys of travel nursing is meeting new people. Don’t close your doors to new friendships. You can build strong relationships no matter what the distance.
Practice mindfulness.
As a nurse, you might be constantly juggling with a hectic routine. No matter how busy your life gets, aim to squeeze in time for quietness and relaxation. Engage in reflective practices like meditation. Do yoga. Go on bush walks. Engage in activities you enjoy. Reflect with a close friend or support. Pray. Practicing mindfulness can be your strongest weapon against stress and burnout.
Self-care is not something that you do just because you want to. Do it because you need to. By taking small steps, you can make these self-care practices part of your life.
If you would like more self-care tips read these articles!
- 4 Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses While on Assignment
- Travel Nursing Self-Care: Carve Out More “Me Time”
- Travel Nurses Treat Yo’ Self
Do you have self-care tips for travel nurses you would like to share? Share them in the comments below!
