By Morgan Elliott

September 5, 2021

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5 Relaxing Activities for Travel Nurses that Are Beneficial for Physical and Mental Health

Being a traveling nurse, although fun and fulfilling, can sometimes become a tad bit overwhelming. With everything that comes with this type of job, one can easily become stressed and forget about their own needs.

This, of course, will only be counter-productive in the long run. The more physically and emotionally fit you are, the better you will be at performing your job. Taking care of your well-being first will enable you to be better at taking care of others. That’s why we’ve created a list of 5 relaxing activities every traveling nurse should try out.

Running helps keep you in shape

Relaxing Activities

Running is an excellent form of exercise that will help you stay in good shape and improve your health. This type of exercise is suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. When going for a run, many people use the opportunity to clear their heads of any thoughts and focus solely on running itself. On the other hand, to some, going for a run presents the perfect opportunity to think about things that are currently happening in their lives and come up with ways to deal with them. Of course, if you’re just starting to run, make sure you take things slow. Get all the necessary running gear that will aid you to perform this workout correctly and minimize any chances of injury.

Hiking is an excellent way to relax and unwind

If running is not your thing, you should try hiking instead. As a beginner hiker, you won’t have to get any elaborate gear and have any significant expertise. You can simply go for a hike and enjoy some fresh air and beautiful sceneries. If you end up liking it and you feel like you want to learn more about it, check out a useful guide on hiking to find out more information about this fun activity. So, get your hiking shoes on, make sure you bring some water to stay hydrated, prepare your favorite playlist and go on a relaxing and mindful hike.

Yoga will heal your soul

Relaxing Activities

Yoga is another way you can take care of both your mind and body. The fact that you can practice yoga wherever you want is an added benefit to this exercise. No matter if you decide to go to a yoga studio, or you choose to do it in your home/out in the park, you’ll surely start noticing the benefits soon. Besides, since in order to practice yoga you won’t have to get any special gear, it makes a perfect exercise option for traveling nurses. Therefore, make sure you find a peaceful corner for yourself, get your comfortable exercising clothes on and get in tune with yourself.

Going to a concert will boost your happiness

It’s true what they say, music can – in fact – heal your soul. So, if you hear about any interesting concerts near you, don’t hesitate to check them out. Not only will listening to your favorite jams boost your endorphin levels but singing along will bring some additional benefits. When you sing, you use your lungs more. Therefore, it’s safe to say that singing is a great type of exercise for this very important organ. When you get the chance to combine something you enjoy with something that’s good for you, never miss on doing it.

A “me” day will re-energize you

relaxing activities

In the end, we should all try to be more kind to ourselves. Many people – and nurses in particular – tend to always put others before themselves. However, it is of the utmost importance that we pay attention to ourselves from time to time and put our own needs first. That’s why you shouldn’t shy away from taking a “me” day every once in a while, and treat yourself both physically and emotionally. Go for a relaxing massage or prepare yourself a nice warm bubble bath. Do things that bring you joy or even go to therapy if you start feeling overwhelmed. As a medical professional, you know best just how important it is not to ignore the signs our bodies are sending us.

A job of a traveling nurse is anything but easy – both physically and emotionally. That’s why you should make sure that you treat both your body and mind to some relaxing activities and things that bring you joy. The better you feel, the more productive and engaging you’ll be, which is certainly something both you and the people around you can greatly benefit from.

We hope that you found these relaxing activities for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any activities you use to help relax after a hard shift or on your day off? Comment them below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By AMN Healthcare

July 8, 2021

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How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Perhaps now more than ever, whether you’re a travel nurse or a perm nurse, you’ve been stressed during and after a nursing shift. Everyone has those days when you can’t seem to stop for a bite to eat or even a bathroom break. Nursing stress is common and can easily lead to nurse burnout, but with these easy stress management tips, you will be feeling recharged in no time.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

A quiet routine can quickly soothe your ruffled soul. Follow these tips to help you relax and unplug after a stressful nursing shift:

  • Pull out those homey touches you’ve brought with you, such as lavender-scented candles, eucalyptus bath salts, and your favorite robe and fuzzy socks.
  • Take a bubble bath, have a glass of wine, and binge on your favorite TV show.
  • Reward yourself with a delicious, light meal (chicken soup, salmon, salad, sushi), followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy antioxidant reward.
  • Wind down with some deep breathing, meditation or yoga stretches, then unplug your electrical devices and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

Instead of popping a pain pill for your aching feet and joints, why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or other treatment?

  • Professional massages often include aromatherapy, essential oils, a warm massage table, soft lighting, instrumental music, and gentle hands that can relax and restore your well-being. Get discounts and coupons via the local paper, Yelp, Groupon, or colleagues in the know.
  • Hot tubs, warm baths, or foot soaks with Epsom salts can be just the ticket for many nurses.
  • Stretching, swimming laps, yoga, and Pilates help, too. Turn to YouTube exercise videos for inspiration or a favorite low-impact exercise DVD.
  • Other pain relief can come from chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, and TENs stimulation.

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

Spend a half-day at a local spa for the ultimate stress relief after a stressful nursing shift. Just imagine yourself changing into a comfy robe, sipping cucumber lemon water, nibbling fresh fruit, and being queen or king for the day! Choose from various spa treatments, from mud baths and refreshing wraps to foot reflexology, massage, and revitalizing facials. Some spas offer exercise classes and healthy lunches. Day spas offer a great way to spend time with new friends, including other travel nurses and staff. Check the local hotels and medical spas for the best deals, and prepare to be pampered.

4. Think positive and laugh

Some reports say that kids laugh more than 300 times a day, shouldn’t they? The Mayo Clinic confirms that laughter boosts endorphins and relieves stress, among other physical benefits.

  • Go ahead and giggle over those funny cat and dog videos that everyone shares or other Animal Planet-type spots.
  • Browse through the funny greeting cards and read all the snarky Maxine jokes. It’s okay to chortle in the aisles.
  • When you or someone at work is grumpy, add a quarter to the “happy hour” jar for get-togethers.
  • Call, Skype, or Facetime your best friend and guffaw about your day, or reminisce about that last trip to Vegas.
  • Keep a gratitude journal and jot down what made you happy that day.

5. Find a relaxing escape

Travel nursing is essentially a working vacation, which means 1,001 places to discover during your time off. Ziplines, water parks, biking trails, zoofaris, and beaches perfect for strolling can reduce stress and replace nagging worries with memorable new adventures. Check out the local food and music festivals in your assignment city, visit a historical town nearby or take up a sport you always meant to learn. Or stretch your limits and try white water rafting, parasailing or skiing; the adrenaline will make you forget your woes!

When you’re on a nursing assignment, it’s easy to find ways to unwind and reduce your stress between nursing shifts. Don’t let nursing stress overwhelm you! Pamper yourself or explore new horizons. You’re worth it!

As a travel nurse your mental health can take a toll. Long and stressful nursing shifts, stressful patients and families, the list goes on. Click here for more articles on mental health and mental health tips.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Victoria Casto

June 16, 2021

5427 Views

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Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Traveling Nurse

As healthcare workers, we take care of others all day long.  We chose this career path because we enjoy making other people happy and are generally compassionate individuals. However, we often neglect our own mental health in the process, and we can’t take care of our patients if we don’t care for ourselves first. Nursing is already a very challenging job that demands long hours under high-stress levels.  Then throw a global pandemic into the mix, and you’ll find many people have been pushed to their breaking points.

This year has been especially trying in the healthcare field, but nurses, in particular, have gained even more responsibility and tend to run the circus. Below you will find mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers.

Burnout is Real

I’ve seen an overwhelming number of nurses on social media expressing burnout and even wishing to leave the field entirely after the coronavirus pandemic hit. For me, it felt like my whole life was uprooted at work, and I was under constant unknowns and ever-changing policies about how to deal with something we knew very little about. On top of all that, we had to live in mostly isolated conditions at home without the usual contact from friends and loved ones.

Nursing school could never have adequately prepared us for something like this or the extreme level of burnout that we felt.

Recognizing There is a Problem

The first step is awareness that something needs to change. Sometimes it takes hitting some real lows to learn how to pick yourself back up and grow from it.  Most people wouldn’t know it today, but when I was 16, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I’ve had to learn how to take care of my mental health over this last decade and a half, and I’ve truly been on a journey in life to find happiness and peace within myself. So in a way, I was a little ahead of the game with recognizing when I’m under stress and was already prepared with coping strategies during tough situations.

It Takes Work

You’ve got to find what makes you happy. For me, exercise, fun outdoor activities, yoga, and creative outlets like cooking, writing, and photography are things I do for myself.  These are things that bring me joy and excitement and help me find peace at the end of the day. I’ve also found that one of the most important things I need in life is balance.  I tend to stay very busy and am usually out exploring on my days off, but that can eventually leave me feeling stretched thin. During those weeks where work kicks my butt, I sometimes have to take a day to focus on self-care and relax so I can recharge and find that balance.  Hello, mental health days!

A daily gratitude practice is also a small activity that can make a big impact on your mindset.  It’s amazing how reflecting on all the positive things you have in your life can make the other problems seem so small.

Take Advantage of Being a Travel Nurse

When I first started travel nursing, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders, not having to be so involved in unit politics and feeling trapped in a job.  While on contract, if we find ourselves in a work environment we don’t love, we can leave in just three months, and it seems like there is always light at the end of the tunnel.  We also get to choose where we work, including an endless number of beautiful places to immerse ourselves in!  I love the outdoors, and some of my favorite ways to unwind are going out for a hike in the mountains or even just lying on a beach. 

Travel nursing has brought me to so many amazing places that seem unreal and have absolutely taken my breath away.  I’m so grateful every day for the life I get to live. And one of the simplest ways to deal with burnout is taking some time off in between your contracts to recharge!  I usually take off at least a month between jobs to catch up with family and take a trip somewhere fun.  Plus, you never have to feel like you’re alone in a new city!  I have always found that other travel nurses make the best friends because they perfectly understand your crazy lifestyle and are down to get out and explore with you.

Knowing Your Limits

But if you ever find yourself in a tough place that doesn’t seem to have light at the end, there is always help and know that you are not alone. Most employers offer at least a few free counseling sessions at no cost to you under an EAP (employee assistance program).  I’ve seen a counselor in the past and know several people who have counselors (including traveling nurses). Nami.org has some great resources as well, or feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to.

At the end of the day, we have to look out for ourselves and keep our minds and bodies healthy.  That way, we can take care of our patients to the fullest and provide them the care they need and deserve.

We hope you found these mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers helpful. Have you found any mental health tips that have worked for you? Comment them below. If you would like more information on mental health click here.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Krista Berge

May 29, 2021

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TGN Presents: Mental Health Awareness with Krista Berge

As a part of mental health awareness month, we want to help travel nurses, and healthcare workers learn to take their mental health seriously especially with the certain circumstances this past year has brought us. Depression and suicide rates have increased drastically this year alone.

To help bring awareness, Krista Berge recently went live on our Facebook group and website to share the story of her husband’s struggle with depression and ultimately taking his own life.

About Krista:

Krista graduated from Florida Southwestern State College with a degree in Nursing and is currently an RN. Helping others is her passion, and before taking some time off this past year, she taught in the community about health and wellness. Krista is also a mother to four beautiful children Boston, Lincoln, Brinklee, and Storie Belle. They seem to take up a lot of her time with their sports and loaded social calendars. Still, when she finds a moment, Krista enjoys reading, eating an obscene amount of Mexican food, and taking little adventures around the Southwest Florida area. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals at 1-800-273-8255.

You are not alone in this fight! And remember, If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts…please reach out to someone, anyone.

And make sure you STAY.

YOU, my dear, matter.

Krista has been a regular contributor for The Gypsy Nurse. If you would like to read more about her, her family’s story or watch her previous live event click here.

By Krista Berge

May 22, 2021

8081 Views

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It’s Time for You to See What Death by Suicide Leaves Behind. A Story of a Widow’s Fight to Survive.

I have to be honest with you…I am struggling to write this. I am scared to let you in on this secret. Worried about my kids eventually reading these words. I am sad about the insight you are about to get inside my head. I am fearing how you’ll start to look at me with pity in your eyes.

I am scared to not speak up

But more than that, I’m scared to not speak up. I am worried that you’ll continue to feel alone. I’m nervous you will think that you’re the only one. I am terrified you will think mental illness looks one way when in reality it looks another. Since I have been comforted in my afflictions, I have no choice but to try and comfort you in yours. Or at the very least, be honest.

It’s time for you to see what death by suicide leaves behind

The fear of you REALLY seeing me is worth every breath I have fought and am still fighting to take. It’s time for you to see what death by suicide leaves behind. A shell of grief. A body filled with wrenching and insurmountable pain. A therapy bill a mile long. A medical record with words like “PTSD” and “Complicated Grieving Process”. It is time for you to see that mental illness can look “put together” and “calm”.

Are you ready for the truth?

After living through my husband’s death, I struggle deeply with my own mental health. And mostly I mean not just ‘down days’ or ‘situational depression’. I have had suicidal thoughts and have struggled on and off for over a year now. Yes, even after watching my kids’ faces as their dad lay in an open casket. I have longed at times to be in that casket with him. I have prayed for death and even fantasized how peaceful it would be to finally rest.

The darkness creeps in at the most unexpected times too. Times when I think I am doing better, when the new medication is working or when I think I don’t need it. When therapy is going like clockwork. Times when the pipe dream of ever feeling better is at an all-time high. And it hits.

The darkness.

Like a heavy blanket enveloping my whole body. Once again, I cannot see the light through the encroaching fibers. Breathing becomes more difficult as my mouth is covered, and I can’t ask for help. My heart only feels guilt. The what-ifs drown me, and I no longer want to struggle to stay afloat.

My brain tells me this will not work.

Any of it. Living without Brian. Supporting four kids on my own. That the only way to make the pain stop is to make my heart stop. My dark thoughts tell me I am making things worse. That I wish I were never even born. My despair tells me that things are never going to get better. That this is not working. Not only is it not working, but it is unsustainable and will never work. So, what’s the point?

The darkness is so heavy that I do not want to scare you. So, I lie. It is not your fault though. It is my choice to hide what is going on. Something about keeping it from you makes me feel like I am keeping it from myself too. I am scared that if I tell you what is really happening inside my head, nothing can ever go back for either of us. Even the fear of admitting I am struggling to the brink of death will wind me up in an institution.

So, I sit in the dark.

That is the thing about darkness though, you think you can see. Have you ever sat in the darkness for so long that your eyes begin to adjust? You start to see shapes. Monsters that are not even there. The darkness can start to feel like that is all there is. You soon forget a world with light. The bright spots seem like a dream. I cannot remember life before the darkness in those times.

But in those moments of life and death, I look in my hands and see I have actually been handed a match. I have been holding it, rolling it between my worn fingers, debating about whether to even light it this entire time. You see, if I light the match, you will see me. My lying eyes, my faltering smile, my unassuming laughter, and airy personality are all just a costume I zip on.

So here I am. Lighting the match.

Letting the light show me…letting the light show you…what mental illness really looks like. What life after suicide leaves behind. How completely terrified I am that picked up where Brian left off.

But why does that have to be a bad thing?

Really, hear me out. To live on both sides of suicide is why I need to tell you the truth. It is neither selfish or weak. It literally feels like the ONLY answer. I know because I have felt it. I can understand why Brian is not here anymore but at the same time, I can’t. It is living in my own personal hell while thankful there is a heaven above me. I can tell you without a doubt that if Brian were still here, he would be shedding as much light as he could on this growing epidemic.

Lighting this match

Showing you my heart, my head, my face, is the only way. But not only are you seeing me, but I am also seeing you. I am seeing my family and friends too who have patiently been waiting for the darkness to subside the entire time. Seeing my doctors and therapists who never made me feel ashamed. I am seeing people that love me take down every brick I tried to put up as a wall. So now you see my broken and tattered mind while I see your heart for me that has been there the entire time. The light may show you my brokenness, but it shows me your goodness as well.

I need you to know that you are not alone. I need to show you that you can smile and still feel like dying on the inside. You are not “crazy” and two opposing feelings can exist. That you are NOT your negative thoughts. You are not weak by asking for help. You are not alone in the darkness. I promise you to have an entire army waiting for you. Just because you cannot see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there. That you too can light the match. Ask for help. Cry for help. Scream until someone comes running. But please, do not sit there in the abyss of darkness. It is lying to you.

I can no longer sit quietly in the dark anymore. Letting it engross me. Stealing my life as it stole Brian’s. I will light this match until it burns my fingers. Until the pain sears through my body and then I will light another one. And another one. And another one. You are not your suicidal thoughts and it is never the answer.

Please reach out for help

Please, if you are struggling with your mental health and/or suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HELLO to 741741

To read more about Krista’s story click here are a couple more articles from her.

By Janet Warton

May 15, 2021

5889 Views

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Why You Should Prioritize Your Mental Health During the Pandemic

The recent situation in the world has seen unprecedented levels of worry and fear spread amongst people, fearful for their health and for their future.

Exact Impact?

The exact impact of the situation is still unclear; will we recover economically? What will the so-called ‘new normal’ look like in real terms, in malls and workplaces across the US? How will we truly get back to normal if there is such a thing?

These are huge questions and, whilst many people remain either confined to their home or at limited capacity for living their lives, they are given far too much time to contemplate the answers. That, in turn, could lead to a new problem across the US, in the form of a mental health epidemic.

In recent years, awareness of mental health issues has risen considerably, with celebrities such as Chris Evans able to open up about their struggles and help those who fight demons on a daily basis. The importance of mental health is even being taught at the university level. Case in point, Maryville University notes how those with a psychology degree are taught the links between sound mental health and learning success, which showcases just how important it is to stay in shape mentally.

mental health
Credit – Pexels / Polina Zimmerman

In other words, an individual’s ability to learn and develop is severely impacted by any issue around their mental health. That is why, during these testing times, it is vitally important to keep on top of your own mental wellbeing and your ability to cope with the constantly changing outside world.

The current situation has seen a severe increase in the potential triggers for an individual’s stress and that can result in a vicious circle. In their article ‘Problems Cause Stress and Stress Causes Problems’, My Secure Advantage examined how psychological worries can eventually turn into physical problems such as stomach cramps; the same can be said for mental health. The problem produces stress, the stress produces a problem, and it the problem becomes cyclical. Placing yourself in harm’s way by worrying and being anxious not only affects how you think and act but can lead to pain and other physical symptoms.

Physical manifestations of mental health issues are one aspect to be concerned about, but another key issue is the potential for mental health sufferers to go beyond anxiety and worry and become a suicide risk. It is one of the biggest killers of young people around the world and although Ohio State University showed mental health visits can reduce the risk of suicides, the recent situation has made face to face communication much harder, further increasing the risk. This is another firm reason why it is important to look after your mental health as much as feasibly possible during the pandemic.

Steps to keep your self focused

There are some basic steps you can take to help keep yourself focused and able to cope mentally. The first is to ensure you have a routine, something that brings structure to your day. If you are not working, there is every temptation to languish in bed until lunchtime and maybe not dress properly for the day; avoid this. Make sure you get up at a set time and factor in some daily tasks to add an element of routine. Eat well because your diet is just as important as any other aspect of your lifestyle. It is fine to have the odd burger and chips here and there, but do not make it the norm; try to eat as you would if you were living your best life.

Exercise

Exercise is important, even if it is a run around the yard or a routine followed at home. Exercise produces positive endorphins that promote mental wellness, so you should feel better after a workout. Also, and this is crucial if you live alone, set up a buddy group. Make sure you have human interaction to discuss issues, or to distract yourself. Try to keep busy too; having a distraction from the constant flow of bad news is a good way to keep yourself well. Maybe binge on a box set, get into a new video game or try to redecorate a room or two. If you are kept busy and focused, you can avoid falling into your own anxiety and stress.

Finally, try to avoid the news as much as possible.

Keeping up with current affairs via the internet or friends is great, but watching frightening headlines all day long will only exasperate any worries you might have.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By TNAA- Travel Nurse Across America

March 16, 2021

6193 Views

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5 Ways to Focus on Mental Health While Traveling

This article was provided by Travel Nurse Across America.

Your mental health is important. As a healthcare professional working through a global pandemic, it can feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. Knowing how to take care of yourself and when or if it is time to ask for help is vital. Whether you de-stress with a bubble bath and music or a night out dancing with friends.

Here are five ways to focus on your mental health while traveling.

Set Regular Times to Connect with Friends & Family Back Home

As if traveling to a foreign place without your family and friends is not hard enough, the added stress of social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 concerns make being a traveling healthcare professional even more difficult. Feeling disconnected from home can create added stress to a new assignment. Zoom and FaceTime make it easier than ever to experience a face-to-face conversation with loved ones miles away. As soon as you know your schedule, schedule a call with loved ones. You can even create themes for the calls!

Use Your Benefits

Depending on the benefits that your agency offers, you may have access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Chaplain Program, or health insurance that covers wellness visits. Some health plans will also give the option for telehealth or teletherapy sessions.

An EAP offers a wide variety of services that can help reduce stress while you are on the road. Even if you just need help tracking down a pharmacy to refill your prescriptions in your new assignment location. Your EAP may also include resources such as telehealth sessions free of charge, with assistance finding follow-up care in-person. A Chaplain Program provides access to a non-denominational Chaplain who has a listening ear available 24/7. Typically, one Chaplain is available for the entire agency, so they are accustomed to healthcare-related conversations.

Another great option is reaching out to your agency’s Clinical department for those times when you need someone who truly relates to nursing. Your agency is here to support you, whether it is the Clinical Department, your recruiter, etc. Lean on your team!

Take Care of Your Physical Health

Exercising and eating healthy can seem nearly impossible when you are constantly on the go. Our physical wellbeing plays a big part in our mental wellbeing, though. Meal prepping is a great way to reduce the stress of searching for lunch while ensuring access to healthier options. If you are taking an assignment in Washington, Maine, or Florida, there may be plenty of outdoor activities for you to earn daily compliments from your Apple Watch or Fitbit activity levels. Another option is to join a local gym or yoga studio. Your agency may even offer a perks program with gym discounts available, depending on assignment location.

Set Obtainable Goals for Yourself (and Your Travel Nursing Career)

Do you write down your goals when you set them? This physical activity has been shown to benefit how your brain responds to intended objectives. Setting examples of what you want to accomplish gives you something to look forward to, so it is crucial to ensure set goals are obtainable. Reaching each milestone can create a positive response that improves mental health overall. Are you traveling to build your resume? Discuss your wish list of facilities to work at with your recruiter, so they can help you along the way to crushing your travel nursing goals.

Get to Know the Area & People

It might seem obvious, but getting to know a new area and new coworkers can be harder than you think. Start with getting to know the other travelers at your facility. Invite them out for drinks, or maybe to explore the area on a shared day off. Even without festivals and other regularly scheduled in-person events, state parks and historical landmarks are a great way to get to know a new area. If National Parks are your thing, consider taking an assignment in the Pacific Northwest. Plus, nothing tells you more about an area than its local cuisine!

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Josh Lees

January 6, 2021

4373 Views

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5 Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression

Depression is a very devastating mental disorder and takes a severe toll on a person’s life. Depression is a word that is thrown around inconsequently these days. People use it to describe every other episode of negative emotions, but in reality, depression is much worse than sadness. 

Depression is also accompanied by a severe lack of self-esteem, hopelessness, lack of motivation, and an overall loss of interest in everything. Depression is also quite a common disorder; according to a report from 2016, it is estimated that 16.2 million adults in the US have at least one depressive episode in any given year. 

Depression can demotivate you to the extent that you don’t even want to put any effort into your treatment; therefore, here are some ways which can increase your motivation and support your treatment. So, read on to learn more. 

Ways to Improve Lack of Motivation and Depression


Break the negative feedback loop:

motivation and depression

Depression is one of the worst mental disorders imaginable, and it can put you in a very negative state of mind. It causes you to develop a negative mindset, and everything seems gloomy and hopeless. 

You feel like nothing is going to go your way, and these feelings can actually turn into reality, and the negativity overwhelms your mind. You have a pessimistic perception that hinders your ability to be your best self. 

This leads to problems at work or in your personal life, which reinforces your negative mindset making it much worse. 

This vicious loop continues, making your mentality worse and worse every time; therefore, breaking this negative feedback loop is very important. The best way to do that is to bring small positive changes in your life. 

Start with small things; for instance, find one thing in your room that is bothering you and just fix it. It can be something as small as a messy desk or a stray sock on the floor. Small positive changes promote positivity and eventually motivate you to be more productive, breaking out of the loop of negativity. 

This is an excellent way to improve your motivation, as well. 

Make sure that you are getting a healthy amount of sleep:

motivation and depression

Your sleep has a very significant impact on your overall health. It is important that you maintain a healthy sleep cycle and get the right amount of sleep. Ideally, you should get at least 6-8 hours of sleep every day; any less or even more than that can have a negative impact on your mental health and exacerbate your depression. 

Sleep deprivation can cause mental fatigue, and it can make it challenging for you to get the motivation that you need both for your treatment and to deal with the difficulties of daily life. Sleep deprivation also decreases your tolerance against stress and leads to several physical disorders as well. 

Furthermore, sleeping too much can also be bad for your mental health, and it can make you lethargic and have a negative impact on your self-esteem as well. 

Therefore, if you want to regain your motivation, you should make sure that you sleep on time and wake up on time as well. Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is key to the effective treatment of depression. 

Adopt an emotional support animal:

Our pets have a very important place in our lives, and did you know that they can even be very beneficial for your mental and physical health. In fact, if you or anyone you know is dealing with depression, adopting an emotional support pet can be an excellent way to improve your treatment. 

Emotional support dogs are trained to know when you are feeling down. They can understand your moods and show you love and affection when you need it the most. Though it is easier to take care of these pets, it is still a responsibility, which can be very good for someone who is dealing with depression. 

Being responsible for your pet allows you to feel more reliable and productive. It can also give your self-esteem a boost allowing you to be more productive and find motivation. 

People with depression need emotional support, but sometimes it can be very hard to get. People with depression feel that they are a burden on their friends and family members, and they can’t seek the emotional support that they really want. 

Therefore, adopting an emotional support pet is very effective, and it has an incredible impact on your mental health. 

Organize your routine:

Another excellent way to improve your depression treatment and bring back some order to your life is to put an emphasis on organization. You should organize your routine and make a physical to-do list. 

Writing down your routine and sticking it on a wall where you can see it makes a huge difference. When you check-off different tasks from your to-do list, it leads to a boost in your self-esteem and gives you a sense of accomplishment. 

This motivates and inspires you to aim higher every day. Furthermore, organizing your schedule can help you combat day to day stress as well. It makes it easier to meet your deadlines and find time for rest and relaxation as well. 

You should also consider keeping a journal as a part of your everyday routine. It allows you to keep track of your positive thoughts, and dispose of the negative ones in a safe way, which can make room for positive thoughts and ideas. 

Disconnect and spend more time in nature:

motivation and depression

Nature has a soothing effect on your mind, and if you are feeling overwhelmed because of stress and anxiety, and you feel like you are about to have a depressive episode, spending some time in nature can have a positive impact on your mind. 

You should consider going for a walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Moreover, it is important to disconnect from your gadgets and spend some time focusing on yourself. 

This allows you to get out of the negative loops in your life and feel more motivated. 

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Lirika Hart

November 2, 2020

5224 Views

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Maintaining Good Mental Health During the Winter

There is something that sunshine does to the body and mind. This has something to do with boosting the formation of vitamin D3 that is responsible for lifting the moods in a person. It’s no wonder people tend to be energetic and cheerful in the summer months.

When the winter sets in, temperatures start falling, and days become shorter; the opposite happens. Moods and energy levels fall, leaving one feeling low, sad, fatigued, and lethargic. People also tend to eat and sleep more than be out and about bubbling and happiness. In addition, people with preexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses find it difficult to cope with them at this time of the year.

We call it winter blues, but it is a form of depression known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is when a change in seasons negatively affects one’s feelings and thoughts.

Thankfully, there is a lot that you can do to ensure that you maintain good mental health during winter. Here are some of them.

1. Get enough natural light exposure

Sunlight is rare during winter, but you can still get some hints of it during the brightest part of the day. Make the most of that time of the day by spending some time outdoors. You can go for a walk or just bask in the backyard. If you can’t go outside, sit near a window any chance that you get.

In addition, let in as much natural light as possible. Make sure you open the curtains/blinds during the day. You can also paint your walls in a bright color to reflect the light.

2. Consume vitamin D rich foods

As said earlier, vitamin D helps in boosting the mood and morale. Most of it comes about after the skin gets exposure to the sun. However, the little sun during winter isn’t strong enough to make enough vitamin D for the body. Thankfully, there are foods that can give the body some vitamin D. Make sure you are consuming vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, liver, red meat, and cereals. In addition, take a daily dose of vitamin D supplements.

3. Grow indoor plants

Being around greenery helps calm the mind and lift the spirits. With winter weather, however, going outdoors can sometimes prove impossible. Create your own greenery indoors by choosing a few of your favorite indoor plants or starting a vegetable and herbs garden indoors. Utilize grow tents to ensure that the plants are getting a good environment to grow.

Besides lifting the spirits, caring for plants keeps you up and moving. You have no time to sulk or harbor negative feelings as your mind is refocused.

4. Exercise the body

With the chilly winter weather, exercise and outdoor activities are the last things to think of for most people. However, physical activity is known to help in the production of feel-good hormones such as endorphins and serotonin.

Even if you feel like hiding yourself under the covers the whole day, push yourself to do a few exercises. You can register for an online workout class to get some guidelines or follow along with some workout videos. Instead of watching the TV curled up on the sofa, get on the treadmill, and enjoy your shows while getting your body moving.

5. Socialize

Winter blues tend to make people hibernate and isolate themselves. However, bottling up the negative feelings is a sure way to get you more stressed out. Socializing, on the other hand, is one way to raise endorphin levels and lighten your mood. That is why you should try to be around friends and family whenever possible during winter. Try doing something fun together, such as cooking or playing indoor games. If you live alone, use video calling to connect with the people that you love.

6. Get enough sleep

The weather is bad enough to get you dull and sad. You can imagine how worse it can get if you have to deal with sleep-related fatigue and irritability. To avoid this, ensure that you are getting enough sleep every night. Keep a regular sleep schedule by sleeping and waking up at the same every day of the week. In addition, try as much as possible to avoid napping during the day.

Conclusion

Winter blues are real, and if you do nothing about them, the negative feelings can get severe and spill over to your work and daily routine. Try the above tips to keep them away. If they persist, it is always wise to seek professional help.

Do you have any tips for fellow travel nurses on maintaining good mental health during the winter? Have you found ways to keep your mental health in check during the winter months? Comment them below.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)