By Brittany Greaves

May 15, 2020

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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 Amber Pickler

April 22, 2020

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5 Relaxation Tips for Travel Nurses

Being a travel nurse can be stressful. You are moving every 13 weeks and starting new jobs at the same time. Leaving people you have come to know and love at this pace as well.  Add in being away from family and friends, and it can be hard to find ways to relax or de-stress. We have put together some relaxation tips for travel nurses to help you on your journey.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR)

According to Oxford, ASMR “is a feeling of well-being combined with a tingling sensation in the scalp and down the back of the neck, as experienced by some people in response to a specific gentle stimulus, often a particular sound.”  ASMR can be triggered by things like paper tearing, scalp massages, or whispering voices. These are not the only things that can trigger ASMR. However, these are common ones. If you would like to find an ASMR for yourself, YouTube is a great place to search.

Breathing Exercises

Breathing exercises are great ways to help you relax. To really relax, you need to activate your body’s natural relaxation response, a state of deep rest that:

  • It puts the brakes on stress
  • It slows your breathing and heart rate
  • Lowers your blood pressure
  • It brings your body and mind back into balance

Breathing techniques can be done in many forms such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and tai chi just to name a few. 

Treat Yourself

If you have the means, you could pay to have a massage, a facial, a manicure and/or pedicure, your hair done, or even go to a spa for numerous treatments. However, you do not have to go out and spend a ton of money on treating yourself or pampering yourself. You can buy some refreshing candles and give yourself a manicure or pedicure at home. If you want a facial for less money, go to the store and buy either a spread-on face mask or a face sheet mask. Pampering yourself does not have to be expensive. There is always the option of buying a massage chair/insert to add to a chair for those traveling. These are just a few ways you can treat yourself to help relax your body and mind.

Take a Hot Bath

Taking a hot bath may not be everyone’s “cup of tea”, however, it is a great way to relax and reduce stress. Bathing stimulates blood circulation and helps calm the nervous system. Another perk is it can relieve common aches and pains. Which can be common working such a strenuous job like nursing. Also, if you have trouble sleeping at night try taking a bath right before bed. You may find that washing in the shower first and then taking a bath after is more relaxing. As many do not feel as clean after a bath as with a shower. 

Laugh

This may seem a little strange. However, laughter really does help to relieve stress, which in turn relaxes us. Laughter has many benefits.

Short-term benefits

A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it does not just lighten your load mentally. It actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

  • Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
  • Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase and then decrease your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
  • Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Long-term effects

Laughter is not just a quick pick-me-up, though. It is also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:

  • Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. By contrast, positive thoughts can release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
  • Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
  • Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
  • Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.

The way you choose to laugh is totally up to you and what you find funny. You can search for funny videos on YouTube, Facebook, or even Instagram, watch your favorite comedic movie or show. There are so many ways to find laughter.

We hope that these relaxation tips have helped you at least get started on your journey for relaxation. Do you have any relaxation tips to share? 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

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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

5029 Views

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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?

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