By Theresa Cofield

December 2, 2020

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5 Steps to Creating a Healthy Healing Environment at Home

Important Advices to Create a Perfect Environment at Home

The modern world lives very fast, and often we forget about many important things. You run to and from work, increasing stress and forgetting about relaxation and tranquility. But it is easy to cope with this if your home is comfortable and relaxing.

However, this “coin” has another side. For example, the premises we have been in for a long time can be “infected” with various elements that put our physical and emotional well-being at risk. The healthy atmosphere in the room is very important for this factor and for each of us.

For this reason, it is worth understanding this problem, especially when it comes to a berth and quality of rest. It’s important for us to renew energy and start our day with enough energy and motivation that does not leave us.

If you want a calm atmosphere in your room so that your home becomes a place of “good vibrations” where you feel as comfortable as possible, you need to change the atmosphere here a little. Our article will provide some important tips on how to achieve the perfect atmosphere.

Keep Electronic Devices Away If You Want to Relax

First of all, it is very useful for a quality vacation. Sleep disturbances are often associated with so-called electromagnetic pollution in a room. Televisions, tablets, computers, mobile phones and entertainments as csgo betting websites degrade sleep quality, weakening the body’s natural defenses. Therefore, try to avoid electromagnetic overload in the bedroom. You can transfer them to your office or hallway, and make the bedroom a place of rest and sleep. Moreover, this will help to “train” the body to fall asleep faster, as well as defeat sleep problems. High-quality rest is the key to a pleasant home atmosphere and atmosphere.

Fresh Air and Ventilation

The air you breathe in the room must be clean and fresh. So you must open the windows every day and remove pollution from the environment naturally.

  • Try to develop the habit of opening windows in your home for at least 10 minutes a day. It is advisable to do this immediately after waking up and one hour before bedtime.
  • Fresh air will not only have a refreshing effect but also help prevent the formation of mold and prevent the spread of bacterial microorganisms.

Change Bed Linen at least Once a Week

It is known that most harmful microorganisms live in bedspreads, tablecloths, and bedding. We recommend changing kits at least once a week. This will prevent the accumulation of bacteria, dust mites, and other microbes that threaten health. Moreover, a change of scenery and visual perception will be useful for your mood and inner well-being. Of course, the main thing is that you like this bedding in design.

Besides, wash bedding (blankets, duvet covers, pillowcases, and dirt) in hot water using an antibacterial soap (washing powder) so that there is no trace of bacteria.

Cleanliness – The Key to Health

This is obvious but true. The garbage in the room and house negatively affects our well-being and increases the risk of learning in practice what harmful microorganisms are and what harm they can do to you. If you are one of those who have breakfast, lunch, or dinner right in bed while watching TV, then immediately try to take dirty dishes, napkins, etc. to the kitchen.

Otherwise, your room will be filled with an unpleasant odor; it will look messy and may attract unwanted insects. Moreover, there is the so-called “broken window effect.” It is proved that a person in an unfavorable environment becomes more lazy and disorganized. So let the environment around you contribute to a working mood.

The Right Things at the Right Places

There are many ways to create and maintain a healthy atmosphere in your home. And one of them is the perfect order. Try to keep all things in place. Do not forget to make the bed, do not scatter shoes. Store dirty laundry in a basket specially designed for it (if there is none, it is better to purchase it).

Make sure that all the elements in the room fulfill the function of “broadcasting” calm and joy. You can arrange (hang) paintings and photographs. The way they remind you of happy moments, important people, or beautiful places you have visited.

Bonus: Our Green Friends

Plants are what makes our life on the planet possible. We exist thanks to the oxygen that they produce. Besides, scientists have proven that indoor plants can help our physical and mental health. There are several types of plants that not only decorate the room but also create a harmonious atmosphere in it, giving a feeling of complete relaxation.

Although plants are used in principle to purify the air (and to saturate it with oxygen), not all of them are suitable for enclosed spaces. Therefore, we recommend that you choose from the following:

  • Lavender: in addition to the exquisite aroma, this plant provides a full sleep and reduces stress.
  • Jasmine: This exotic plant also has a calming effect, helping to control anxiety and anxiety.
  • Hamedorea, or bamboo palm: another type of plant that is perfect not only for decorating the room and purifying the air, but also to create a relaxing atmosphere.
  • Sansevieria (pike tail): ideal for interior decoration, unpretentious, able to survive dramatic climate changes. It does not suffer from a lack of light and does not require frequent watering. This plant purifies the air, turning carbon dioxide into oxygen. And if you believe the philosophy of Feng Shui, it also attracts luck.
  • Chrysanthemum: it is also used indoors for air purification. And thanks to the wonderful gamut of colors, it brings a sense of harmony and happiness to the house.
  • Orchid: it is also called the “plant of youth.” Orchids can remove xylenes from the atmosphere, as well as other harmful substances that are found in small electrical appliances.
  • Aloe vera: another suitable home plant. It provides good oxygen production and provides a deep, restoring sleep. This is an ideal plant, if you are often not at home, it normally tolerates a lack of light and water. Of course, he needs care, but it is much less whimsical in comparison with other plants.

Conclusion

Of course, these are not all the tips that will help make your home environment more comfortable and enjoyable for mental and physical health. Much depends on pleasant design and planning. But each person has an individual sense of style, so this issue is decided personally and with the help of professional designers. But in any environment, the tips listed in the article will be useful for your well-being and inner comfort.

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By Brent Wells- D.C.

November 28, 2020

3716 Views

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How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

Travel nurses are just as susceptible to anxiety and depression as anyone else. Perhaps even more so. Being a nurse isn’t an easy job, especially during a global health crisis. If you add to that the normal stresses of traveling and the fact that you may be away from close friends and family for long periods, it can be difficult to overcome. Anxiety and depression are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored by anyone. They can affect your mind and body in ways that are only becoming clear to us now. You may be surprised to find that chiropractic care can positively impact your physical and mental state. But how can a chiropractor help travel nurses with anxiety and depression? Let Juneau’s most trusted chiropractor for 20 years guide you.

The answer is both simple and complicated. The more research we do, the more data we gather about the positive effects various chiropractic modalities have on mental and emotional states, including anxiety and depression. This in addition to many other positive effects from chiropractic care. Read on to discover what exactly goes on in the mind and body for this to happen.

What is Chiropractic Care?

You may be surprised to know that even those in the medical field are often unsure about what exactly chiropractors do. To be clear, here’s a quick rundown on the basics of chiropractic care.

  • Focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous system.
  • Takes a whole-body approach.
  • It is considered to be safe and low-risk.
  • Uses techniques such as spinal adjustment, joint mobilization, massage, traction, electronic stimulation, cold laser therapy, and others.
  • It can treat back, neck, joint, and muscle issues, headaches, immune system function, digestion problems, and others.

The Connection Between Pain, Depression, and Anxiety

Before we get into the nitty-gritty about chiropractic care, depression, and anxiety, we need to take a quick look inside the mind and body connection. The theory used to be that anxiety and depression were separate from physical pain, existing only in the mind. However, this is not the case. Pain, depression, and anxiety are closely related, with the existence of one often accompanying the existence of another.

To simplify, pain can (and often does) cause depression and/or anxiety. On the flip side, depression and/or anxiety can affect how the mind perceives and experiences pain.

What was once thought of as a purely psychological connection has now been proven to be a biological connection. This is important to understand in relation to chiropractic care.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Travel Nurses With Depression and Anxiety

Whether you experience depression and anxiety without the added burden of chronic or intermittent pain doesn’t necessarily matter. Chiropractic care can still help. Depression is often caused by different factors; environmental, emotional, and physical. Chiropractic care seeks to address all these issues for a healthier, happier body and mind. Here’s how.

Stress Relief and Increased Energy

Many of the common chiropractic modalities, like massage and spinal adjustment, promote stress relief, which can increase energy. Most patients find chiropractic offices relaxing environments, which helps them to relax mentally while the session helps their body relax physically. Studies have shown decreased muscle activity following chiropractic adjustment by up to 25%.

When stress is released from the body, it tends to free up energy and vitality, making many patients feel much better after chiropractic care sessions.

Better Sleep

For many people suffering from anxiety or depression, sleep is often hard to come by. And a lack of sleep can make everything worse. During one study, patients reported improved sleep after their chiropractic sessions, in addition to many other improvements.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

Lower Blood Pressure

A common symptom of anxiety is increased blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, in turn, can contribute to health problems like heart disease and stroke. But, chiropractic care and massage therapy have shown promising results in lowering blood pressure. One study showed that both blood pressure and anxiety were decreased following a chiropractic adjustment. 

A Whole-Body Approach

Chiropractic care isn’t just about the spine, joints, muscles, and bones. The philosophy underlying the chiropractic field is one that takes a wide view of the body and mind. This means addressing any and all issues possible, aiming for a healthier mind and body. It’s common to get lifestyle tips from your chiropractor or another person on the staff.

Certified nutritionists are often employed at a chiropractic clinic. Sometimes your chiropractor will even have studied nutrition in addition to chiropractic. This, combined with the focus on the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, allow chiropractors to consider many of the different factors that may be causing depression and anxiety.

Like physicians, a chiropractor will advise you on your best options if he or she thinks that you should seek other forms of help.

A Natural, Drug-Free Approach

One thing that draws people toward chiropractic care is the safe, natural, drug-free approach. Many depression and anxiety medications can cause unpleasant side-effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and insomnia. While you should always talk to your doctor before ceasing any medications, chiropractic care can offer a safe and natural way to treat your anxiety and depression.

All chiropractic modalities are non-invasive and low-risk. You get a hands-on approach to improving your life using safe and natural techniques that have been in practice for decades or even centuries in some cases. 

Releases Positive Hormones

Studies have shown that spinal adjustments can help to release positive hormones into your body. After all, the health of your spine can have a drastic effect on the rest of your body. Important nerves and pathways to the body run through the spine, and even a small misalignment can have a negative effect.

These spinal misalignments, or subluxations, often aren’t painful. Many patients don’t even realize that something is amiss until it’s fixed and they notice the difference. It’s one of those “wow” moments that chiropractors live for.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help Travel Nurses With Anxiety And Depression?

A few positive hormones release during spinal adjustments include:

  • Cortisol – Blocks inflammation-related pain.
  • Oxytocin – Is a chemical communicator in the brain and is a social-bonding hormone.
  • Neurotensin – Helps to reduce stress-related pain.

Conclusion

In summation, pain, depression, and anxiety are closely related and intertwined. Chiropractic care has been shown to improve all three in different ways through spinal adjustments, lifestyle advice, massage, joint mobilization, and other modalities. For travel nurses, chiropractic care is safe, readily available, and natural. It can improve the quality of life in many ways, countering stress and pain-related issues that are common to the profession. For more tips on dealing with anxiety as a travel nurse, check out this article!

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 Brittany Greaves

May 15, 2020

4594 Views

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#StayHome: Self-Care Tips

Self-care in a pandemic has me thinking about the saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’. Regardless if the hair salons or massage business is closed, we have to make ourselves a priority and find the time for our revamped self-care routines. Here are some ways I’ve been staying sane while ‘staying home.’

Self Care Starts with Self Love <3

#StayHome: Self-Care Tips

To love means to learn the art of nourishing our happiness. If we think of things as loving ourselves and pouring into our own cups no matter how small, it changes the thought process behind it to “I love myself so I _____” Knowing your deserving of self-love; self-care becomes a tool to replenish said love. Do some internal work: journal, meditate, read a new book, devotionals/prayer, or take a social media break. Your mental health is key in staying strong during a fearful time, another helpful resource for me, has been therapy. It’s a listening, judgment-free, let it all out the type of environment – why wouldn’t you sign up?

Healthy Eating/Exercise/Sleep

Don’t burn the candle at both ends! All of us are working tirelessly and our minds, bodies, and souls are exhausted. The quickest way for us to leave ourselves even more vulnerable is to live unhealthily. Recharging your battery with the right stuff gives you the energy, push, and stamina to outlast these times. We’re all nurses so we know what endorphins do for our brain. So go get some, they’re free! Put more color in your diet. Get those 8 hours. Whatever you do, take care of yourself before you take care of others.

Put On Real Clothes!

#StayHome: Self-Care Tips

“If you look good, you feel good” I know those sweats are comfy, but when was the last time you got dressed? I don’t mean roll out of bed my delivery guy is here dressed. I mean top and pants with no elastic waistband—Well its time to take yourself on a take-out date, meet your friends for a virtual happy hour, or try out a Tik Tok. You’ll feel more alive and like yourself, don’t you miss you?

Show Gratitude

I saw an affirmation that blew my mind: ‘the most powerful weapon against your daily battle is finding the courage to be grateful anyway’. We all are going through a lot right now but we are all also, very blessed. So remember that, put it out in the air, and breathe it in. The best advice I could give in this time is to be thankful for the laughs, the tears, and the life.

#StayHome: Self-Care Tips

Sending You All Light & Love -Britt

Do you have any tips for staying sane during this time or some self-care tips for travel nurses? If you would like to share them please 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!)

By Lidia Staron

March 1, 2020

7074 Views

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Care for Yourself First: Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

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 toBy 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!

Do you have self-care tips for travel nurses you would like to share? Share them in the comments 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!)

By ONESTAFF MEDICAL

February 4, 2020

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Be Your Own Advocate: 8 Self-Care Tips for Smart Travel Nurses

This article provided by: OneStaff Medical

As rewarding as the nursing profession can be, most nurses acknowledge that it can also be very stressful.

Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

In one study by the American Nurses Association, for example, 82% of nurses who responded agreed they were at significant risk of workplace stress. By the same token, 68% reported that they put their patients’ health, safety and wellness before their own. A significant 56-57% reported frequently working through breaks and/or arriving early or staying late to accomplish their work, and 51% reported having musculoskeletal pain at work.

“The results show there is room for improvement in nurses’ health, particularly with physical activity, nutrition, rest, safety and quality of life,” note the study authors. “Now is the time to educate nurses and employers on the importance of nurse self-care. Nurses give the best care to patients when they are operating at their own peak wellness.”

With that in mind, here are some suggestions for being your own best advocate when it comes to caring for your own physical, mental and spiritual health as a traveling nurse.

Remember the obvious. 

Exercise regularly, fuel your body with nutritious foods, get plenty of sleep and immediately address any health issues that could be dragging you down. And never underestimate the power of a great massage.

Develop coping strategies. 

Figure out what most triggers your workplace stress, and devise ways of dealing with it. You might take short breaks that involve walking outdoors, meditating, deep breathing, eating a protein-rich snack or venting to a (non-workplace) friend. You might take a restorative power nap during your lunch break. Or, you may start declining job categories or locales that seem to cause you undue stress.

Schedule in breaks.

 Instead of taking back-to-back assignments, you may want to stagger them so you have time to ground yourself and rest in between. Working away from home can take a greater level of planning and organization, and you may need time to regroup, revisit your goals, see family and friends and take care of personal business before moving on to your next job.

Be mindful about how you spend time and energy. 

That means sometimes saying no to experiences and adventures (in and out of work) that are bound to stress you out, bring you down and/or sap your personal resources.

Compartmentalize. 

Try not to worry about workplace concerns when you’re at home, and to disregard personal issues while you’re at work. Everyday rituals may help you emotionally disconnect: For example, you may wish to listen to empowering music or podcasts on your way to work and work our immediately afterward. “The minute you walk into your home, remind yourself and give yourself permission to stop thinking about work, and begin being present and mindful that you are home,” advises clinician Maria Baratta in Psychology Today.

Make your home a retreat. 

Create a haven of rest and comfort in your room or apartment with ultra-comfortable bedding, relaxing music, candles, cushy patio furniture, a TV or computer that offers entertainment options, a fridge full of your favorite food and drink, etc. Then stay in, pamper yourself and recoup when you have a particularly tough day at work. Note: Time spent in nature can have the same restorative effect.

Keep in close contact with friends. 

After a tough day at work, your buddies can remind you that you’re far more than your job description. A good friend will listen to you vent while helping you keep everything in perspective.

Seek professional help.

 If you think you’re in danger of professional burnout, see a therapist who can help you manage your stress and develop coping mechanisms.

We hope that you find these 8 great self-care tips helpful in your travel nurse journey. Here are a few more articles with great self-care tips:

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

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By LRS Healthcare

May 11, 2019

10324 Views

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Travel Nursing Self-Care: Carve Out More “Me Time”

This Article is Sponsored by LRS Healthcare ®

Nurse life, in general, can naturally wear a person down. You basically give all day in almost all ways—mentally, emotionally, and physically on top of socially and professionally.

On the rewarding flip side, you’re literally a lifesaver some days and a galvanized link between patients and the care they need to achieve the best outcomes.

Now add travel to the mix. New city, new people, new living space, new work environment—all of which come with a mixed bag of pros and cons, you know all too well.

The life of a travel nurse is a roller coaster, to say the least, and it’s important to acknowledge the real potential for burnout and to be intentional about self-care wherever you happen to be calling “home” for the moment.

Here are a few self-care action items travel nurses can prioritize and some ways to fit them into your exciting yet busy life.

Travel Nursing Self Care Tips

Do Nature Daily

The scientific health benefits of spending quality time in nature have become a big focus over the years, and it’s good to be aware of them.

When we say “daily” here, we’re not just talking about the outdoor adventures many of you love dearly, like ziplining, kayaking, hiking, or snowboarding. We’re talking about the health benefits micro-moments in nature provide the body and mind.

When considering the following, if you can keep your phone or laptop tucked away, give yourself bonus points. Disconnecting and being present will maximize these outdoor micro-moments.

  • Walk a few extra blocks on your way to the train or bus stop before or after your shift.
  • Bike to work or when meeting a friend for lunch.
  • Step outside during a break or have coffee at an outdoor café on your day off.
  • Open the windows of your living space to let natural light and fresh air in.

Get Some Zzz’s

Easier said than done, but it’s essential to physical and cognitive functioning—two things you need on the floor and your adventures. The National Sleep Foundation lists seven hours of sleep as the low-end range for adults aged 18–65 and over. Consistency is also key, so try to keep a regular bedtime routine.

For quick self-care, never underestimate the positive impact of a well-deserved nap. According to sleep expert Sara C. Mednick, Ph.D., a 15- to 20-minute power nap can reset the system and provide a burst of alertness and increased motor performance.

Stretch Yourself

There are tons of quick and simple yoga routines out there to incorporate into your week. Yoga can not only relax your body and mind; it can strengthen it too. Plus, you can double-down on the self-care here by doing a few poses in a park or on your rooftop deck.

If following a more guided practice is more your thing, check out these eight yoga workouts recommended by Men’s Journal. Session times vary, some are free, and others offer a free trial.

Feed Your Face

While every 12-hour shift doesn’t come with a quality meal break, you can make the most out of the time you do have to nourish yourself on the job.

  • Keep your fresh food cool and more enjoyable by investing in a decent insulated lunch bag.
  • Cook in bulk and freeze pre-portioned meals for when you need to grab-n-go.
  • Stash energy-boosting snacks in your purse or pocket for a quick nibble (mixed nuts, no-bake oatmeal bites, soy crisps, etc.)

For a few more tips on maintaining a healthy diet as a busy nurse, check out Tasting Table’s “What a Nurse Really Eats in a Week” article.

By spending a little extra time focusing on self-care, this roller coaster life and career you’ve come to know and love can be even more fulfilling, and you can be an even better you for yourself, your patients, your friends, and your family.

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