By Kevin Devoto

May 17, 2022

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8 Ways To Boost Your Immune System as a Travel Nurse

Have you landed a job as a traveling nurse? If so, you’re fortunate; the pay and flexibility are big advantages. Also, you get the opportunity to explore unfamiliar areas and meet new people. It’s never dull. Plus, you’ll likely avoid some of the in-house issues that regular nurses experience. There’s a caveat, though. Traveling nurse jobs can be stressful, and your health and immunity might take a hit as a result. Fortunately, there are things you can do to boost your well-being and immunity. Read on for several. 

1. Nutrition

The level of your nutrition plays a major role in your overall vitality and immunity. Though it may be tempting to eat a bag of chips at the end of your shift, resist the urge! Instead, reach for healthy comfort foods like nut butter, low-glycemic carbs, and fruit. Remember to get plenty of protein, healthy fats, and greens. Is it a challenge to find greens on the road? Do a search using terms such as green superfood to find a high-quality product. 

2. Rest

Sufficient rest and sleep are essential to maintain your wellness and immunity. During sleep, important processes take place to maintain and repair all systems of your body, including your immune system. Don’t skimp in this area! Be sure to pack earplugs, a sleep mask, a favorite blanket or pillow, and anything else that helps you feel cozy and ready for sleep. 

3. Supplements

Whatever supplements you take at home, make sure to pack them for your trip. Organize them in a way that makes them easy to take when you’re on the go. Your body is used to a specific pattern of nutrient and supplement intake; keep your routine as consistent as you can. 

4. Exercise

Before, during, and after your traveling job, develop and maintain a well-rounded, sustainable exercise routine. Be sure it includes strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular training. Consider packing fitness bands or portable weights if your lodging doesn’t include a gym. Since you’ll be spending a great deal of time on the road or indoors, try to get outside once you arrive at your destination. Also, incorporate a relaxing practice such as yoga to counteract stress. 

5. Relationships

Yes, you’ll be in contact with a lot of people during your traveling nurse job. Solitude and downtime are important. It’s also critical that you maintain supportive relationships while you’re on the road. There’s nothing like a quick phone call or a funny text to give you perspective and joy. 

6. Mindfulness

While you’re away from home, it’s even more important to maintain a mindfulness practice that suits your preferences and spiritual orientation. Some people enjoy meditation or prayer; others prefer more embodied practices. Mindfulness is demonstrated to help the immune system. 

7. Maintenance

If it’s been a while since you’ve had a medical checkup or you have any kind of chronic condition, check in with your trusted health practitioner to give you peace of mind before you travel to your job. Do you go to a counselor regularly? Make an appointment shortly before you leave for an extra measure of nurturing and support. 

8. Fun

Joy, pleasure, and fun are good for your overall health, which in turn improves your immune system. Take a stroll through your temporary town and enjoy the sights. Bring a portable hobby along. If you get along well with your co-workers, plan some recreation. Have an old friend in the area? Carve out some companionship. 

Conclusion

Boosting your immune system as a traveling nurse involves caring for yourself holistically. Give these suggestions a try to improve your experience and bolster your defenses. 

We hope you found this article on 8 ways to boost your immune system helpful. Do you have any tips for boosting your immune system that we didn’t mention here? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

April 15, 2022

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8 Tips for Caring for Your Mental and Physical Health When You Travel

Are you about to spend a lot of time on the road or in a hotel? You’re in good company; many more people are traveling these days, and much of that travel is work-related. Remote options, contract jobs, and other innovative opportunities abound. If you want to make the most out of these experiences, your mental and physical health must stay strong. Here are several self-care tips to follow when you’re away from home. 

1. Stay Rested

Getting the proper amount of restorative rest and sleep is vital if you want to stay energetic, alert, and calm. It isn’t easy if you’re dealing with changing time zones, work shifts, and the general wear and tear of travel. Stick to basics: Bring items that will help you maintain a nurturing sleep routine. Some of those items might include a special pillow, essential oils, a sleep mask, or earplugs. Be aware of the thermostat, too; do a search using terms such as optimal sleeping temperature to find useful information. 

2. Get Cozy

A big part of mental and emotional health is feeling safe and grounded. Do you have a special blanket that feels like home? Then bring it — or one that’s similar to it. Are your fuzzy slippers perfect for lounging around? Pack them. The same goes for other items that make you feel relaxed and cared for. 

3. Get Nourished

Keeping your blood sugar and energy stable is always crucial, but it’s especially important when you travel. Do some research to find out about the food available at your destination, and stock up with healthy treats and meals when you arrive. When you work, make sure to eat at regular intervals and hydrate. 

4. See the Sights

As soon as possible, after you arrive at your destination, go for a walk or run around the neighborhood. It’s a potent stress reliever and will help your body acclimate to your new environment and sunlight patterns. Even though it might be tempting, avoid holing up in your room for your entire stay (outside of work). Getting out for a few minutes or hours will do wonders for your energy and perspective. 

5. Stay In Touch

Sometimes, it’s great to get away from it all and turn the volume down on your text and phone interactions. That said, it’s good for your mental and emotional health to check in with supportive loved ones occasionally to give and receive a fun text or photo. Even if you’re abroad, apps like WhatsApp will help you stay in touch. Do you have a counselor who you count on? Do a check-in if you’re feeling stressed out. 

6. Pack Layers

Keep it simple and pack wrinkle-resistant, coordinated clothing that you won’t have to think much about. Include a few fashionable layers to prepare for unexpected weather changes. Also, leave a bit of room in your suitcase for great finds at your destination! 

7. Get Pampered

It’s always fun to get a blowout, massage, or mani-pedi, but it’s especially nice when you travel. If you have the time and a bit of extra money, consider taking a few hours away to receive some quality pampering. 

8. Prepare for the Unexpected

With travel comes new sights, sounds, and experiences. Sometimes, these experiences are unexpected ones. To boost your safety and peace of mind, have a point person who always knows your location. Check out a few online resources that focus on travel safety, so you can plan ahead. 

Caring for your mental and physical health when you travel requires self-awareness, careful planning, and the willingness to be flexible. Try these tips to enhance your trip. 

We hope you found these eight tips for caring for your mental and physical health while traveling helpful. Do you have any tips to add? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

March 13, 2022

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Tips for a Traveling Nurse with Diabetes

Traveling nurses serve many healthcare needs. They travel to provide services at homes, businesses, schools, and other remote locations where people cannot travel for their medical care. When hospitals are short-staffed, traveling nurses can provide temporary services to meet the needs. Travel nurses are responsible for caring for other people and ensuring they, themselves, are in the best of health. Diabetic nurses face daily challenges, and here are three guidelines for nurses to follow to be proactive and successful in managing their diabetes and performing their jobs.

Traveling Nurses Need to Understand and Teach Diabetic Care

Diabetes affects many people of all ages. Type 1 diabetes affects a smaller percentage of overall diabetics but is unavoidable, more dangerous, and usually starts with younger children. Type 2 diabetes is a common form that develops later in life, is generally avoidable, and is based upon diet and lifestyle choices. As a person becomes obese or follows a poor diet, their blood sugars will start to fluctuate, leading to a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

When diabetes is diagnosed, it impacts many parts of the body, including the heart, eyesight, kidney function, and the overall nervous system. A continuous glucose monitor helps a person with diabetes to track their blood sugar highs and lows. A travel nurse tends to patients with diabetes and works to educate people on how they can prevent contracting Type 2 diabetes. A diabetic nurse or a patient must know what their blood sugar levels are to control and manage the health impacts of the disease.

Traveling Nurses Need to Perform Many Tasks

Nurses generally have acquired a Bachelor’s degree in nursing as part of their training, along with licensing or certifications. In addition to testing diabetic patients for glucose levels, traveling nurses perform many general patient tasks. These include bandaging wounds, performing blood pressure testing, managing medicine, coordinating reports, and handling patient communications. The nursing position demands organization, timeliness, strong written skills, empathy, politeness, and a person who enjoys working with people.

A travel nurse with diabetes can teach others how to care for their diabetes through diet and exercise based upon the nurse’s experience. The nurses understand what is needed to control the disease and make time to handle the demanding work responsibilities and balance life. The nurse’s diabetic expertise and personal experience can help them be more relatable to their patients. The sooner a person with diabetes takes the disease seriously, the better their overall health.

Traveling Nurses Need to Find a Daily Routine

Nursing is tough on the body and mind. When a nurse travels, there are extra demands with the impact of moving from one place to another and hauling the necessary equipment. Since travel nurses can work anywhere, it is hard for them to keep a regular daily routine. 

One area of diabetes that impacts nurses directly is foot care. Diabetes attacks the nerve endings, and the feet are most vulnerable. When a travel nurse is on their feet most of the day, it puts a strain on nerves in the foot that are already under pressure from diabetes. Nurses need to take planned breaks to alleviate the stress on their feet to prevent blood clots.

Diabetic nurses need to have healthy snacks and meals to keep blood sugars under control. The job demands will be draining for anyone, so this dietary approach is critical for nurses with diabetes. The lack of a daily routine can lead to poor eating habits since the nurses are always on the go. Many meals can be eaten in a car when driving between locations.

Traveling nurses will continue to perform a critical role as healthcare issues grow worldwide. Every day for a diabetic nurse or patient will bring new challenges, and traveling nurses need to continue to adapt to keep their daily routine intact. Educating people and themselves will be essential to help control the diabetes outbreak.

We hope you found this article with tips for travel nurses with diabetes helpful. Do you have any tips to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for an upcoming assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

January 29, 2022

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Staying Healthy As a Busy Nurse

As a nurse, it’s second nature for you to take care of everyone around you. No matter how busy you get with helping other people, you need to support your health. If your health isn’t at its best, it’ll be far harder for you to succeed at work. Before you go to work for the week, take some time to care for yourself. Supporting your health will help you succeed, both at work and home. 

Getting Proper Nutrition

One of the most important aspects of taking care of yourself is your nutrition. When you’re busy with work, it can be hard to focus on what you’re putting in your body. As a nurse, you know that everything you eat becomes your body’s fuel, so it’s important to have healthy, balanced nutrition. When your diet suffers, your body will slow, and your energy levels will drop, making nursing all the more difficult. Ensuring your nutrition is balanced and complete is the first step in keeping your body healthy. 

Of course, it can be hard to find time to sit down for full meals as a nurse. Depending on where you’re working, a meal break is a luxury that comes rarely. Even if you don’t get a full meal break every shift, it’s still important to take care of your nutrition; this is where things such as meal replacement shakes come in. While these shakes aren’t as nutrient-rich as a full meal, they provide the protein and fats your body needs to keep its energy up, allowing you to continue working without exhaustion. If you’re unsure of how to balance your nutrition and your busy schedule, look into these meal replacement solutions. No matter how you do it, keeping your nutrition right is vital to your overall health. 

Ensuring High-Quality Sleep

Another major component of your overall health is sleep. When you sleep, your body heals from the stress and damage it has encountered that day. If the quality of your sleep is poor, you’ll be exhausted and sluggish the next day. Making sure you get both enough sleep and good quality sleep is crucial to maintaining your health. When you get high-quality sleep, your immune system will get a boost, and your health will improve. The question is, how do you improve your sleep as a busy nurse? 

One of the best things you can do for your sleep is getting a good mattress. A supportive mattress will cradle your pressure points and reduce pain in your joints while you sleep. This reduction in pain and swelling will help you sleep deeper and wake up refreshed every morning. Another way you can improve your sleep is by having a routine. While this isn’t the easiest thing to do as a busy nurse, having a general set time that you go to bed and wake up every day will help you fall and stay asleep easier. This leads to less tossing and turning and deeper and more restorative sleep. The better sleep you get, the healthier your body will be. 

Staying Mentally Healthy

Finally, it’s important to keep your mental health up as well. It’s no secret that nursing is an incredibly taxing profession, and it can take a severe toll on your mental health at times. If you want to stay healthy as a nurse, it’s crucial to take care of your mind as well. Take time to decompress after work and rejuvenate your psyche. No matter how stressful your job gets, you should be able to come home and relax. Make the effort to keep your mind healthy, and you’ll be able to avoid work stress getting the better of you. 

When you’re feeling overwhelmed from work, take some time for self-care. How you do this depends on your tastes, but it’s the effort that will make the difference. Giving yourself a space to relax and unwind without any expectations will keep you mentally healthy as well as physically. 

Overall, you need to take care of yourself as a nurse. The healthier you are, the better you’ll be able to protect and nurture others. 

We hope you found these tips for staying healthy as a busy nu e helpful. Do you have any health tips for busy tr el nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Kevin Devoto

November 5, 2021

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5 Practical Tips to Help Traveling Nurses Sleep Better

Working as a traveling nurse can be an exciting career. Not only do you get to meet and interact with new people all the time, but you also get to experience new places and cultures. However, one of the aspects that can be tricky to adapt to is getting a good night’s rest. With the long hours, constant traveling, and changes in time zones, it can be difficult to get quality shut-eye at night. Instead of counting sheep, try these five recommendations to help you sleep better as a traveling nurse. 

1. Get a Sufficient Mineral Intake

Sufficient vitamin and internal intake are essential to fuel your body. It is also essential to get a good night’s rest. Magnesium, theanine, and calcium are all vitamins that cause your brain to produce chemicals that help you sleep. Take a daily multivitamin, and talk to your doctor to see if there are any deficiencies that you should take an extra capsule for. Adding a supplemental program to your routine, such as THRIVE by Le-Vel, can also help ensure your body is fueled properly to allow you to rest. Le-Vel Thrive reviews state the side effects include more energy, weight management, and overall health support. 

2. Take Advantage of Flights

When you are stuck in an airplane for a few hours, your available activities are limited. If you pulled some long nights recently or know there are some ahead, take advantage of this time by taking a nap. Bring a pair of noise-canceling headphones to use on the plane. If you like music, put on a calming playlist. Otherwise, simply use the headphones to cancel out the background noise. Put on a sleep mask to create a dark setting. Be sure to ask the flight attendant not to wake you during the flight.

3. Use a Sleep Aid

Perhaps you struggle to fall asleep naturally or the change in time zones confuses your body. Either way, sleep aids are a fantastic option for helping you get to sleep. They are typically a capsule, gummy or dissolvable pill taken before bed. Diphenhydramine, the popular ingredient in many sleep aids, is an antihistamine that also counters insomnia. 

If you want a more natural option, diffuse essential oils by your bed. There are a variety of diffusers available on the market, many in a convenient travel size. You can purchase basic oils at the store or get higher-quality brands directly from their websites. Cedarwood, lavender, and chamomile are all great oil options for helping you get shut-eye. Some companies even sell oil mixtures specifically tailored to help you sleep. 

If you have a limited amount of space in your suitcase, bring an essential oil spray instead. A few spritzes on your pillowcase can help you relax and get some quality rest.

4. Turn On a White Noise Machine

Maybe you often stay at hotels when you travel, where there can be loud guests or workers in the hallways. Perhaps some calming background noise simply helps you sleep better. Either way, a white noise machine is a wonderful option for helping you sleep better. They are inexpensive, easy to travel with, and usually come with a few different sound options, such as a heartbeat, rainforest, or thunderstorm. If a basic version will do or you are trying to save on space, look for a white noise app on your phone. There should be a few options for purchase or even for free. 

5. Bring Your Pillow and Blanket

Constantly traveling can leave you missing the comforts of home. Bringing some of those comforts with you can make the nights easier. If you have a favorite blanket from home, pack it and use it at night. Not all pillows are built equally, so you may find that constantly switching pillows makes it challenging to sleep. To avoid a hotel or apartment with a lousy pillow, bring yours along when you travel. 

Conclusion

While getting a good night’s rest may be more difficult as a traveling nurse, taking a few proactive steps can make the process much easier. Try these tips to help you get a better night’s rest, no matter where you are staying. 

We hope you found these tips for travel nurses to sleep better helpful. Do you have any tips you would like to share with fellow travel nurses to help them sleep better? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

By AMN Healthcare

October 20, 2021

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5 Tips to Stay Healthy as a Travel Nurse

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Experts share ways to set goals and stick to a routine

Whether you’re starting your first travel nursing assignment or are a seasoned travel nurse who has been on the road for a while, it can be tempting to blow off healthy habits due to a busy schedule and lack of familiar resources. But your health can’t afford to take a holiday.

So, check out these helpful tips from experts on how to improve or maintain your health while working as a travel nurse.

1. Set some attainable goals

What do you want to achieve during the 13-or-so weeks at each location? You’ll need to figure out how to stick to a routine that will help you stay healthy during your travel nursing career. “I always recommend that individuals take the time to log exercise and eating activities, along with mood and energy levels,” said Mindy Haar, Ph.D., RN, director of program development for interdisciplinary health sciences at New York Institute of Technology. “Many people will find what is optimal and doable and thus set realistic goals.”

2. Focus on yourself, first and foremost

According to the National Sleep Foundation, most adults require 7–9 hours of shut-eye each night, but they don’t always get it. Fatigue can make you apathetic and be detrimental to your physical health. If you’re finding it hard to sleep in an unfamiliar place, try using earplugs or a white noise machine to block out distractions.

To fight that lonely feeling while you’re away from loved ones, turn on your laptop or smartphone and Skype, FaceTime, call or email them, suggested Elena Capella, EdD, assistant professor and director of the online MSN program at the University of San Francisco. “Be connected with the people you love.”

3. Eat as healthy as you can

Preparing healthy meals in a strange kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. For example, whole-wheat couscous and frozen vegetables are easy to prepare and make healthy additions to your plate, said Haar. Healthy cooking apps and websites and YouTube and Pinterest can also be great sources of inspiration. If you opt for takeout, order small portions—or divide larger portions and save half for later.

Travel nurses really do need to make an effort and be sensible while they’re on the road, said Jennie Johnson, Ph.D., RN-BC, author of Wake Up Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce Your Risk for a Heart Attack and Stroke. “Enjoy your adventures, but make healthy choices and stay safe.”

4. Find a stress-reduction technique that works for you

Feeling anxious or out of sorts? Practicing some simple relaxation techniques, including yoga poses and deep breathing exercises, can help you lower your stress levels. Another way to combat stress on the road is to focus on a project.

“A good book or needlework project works great,” said Johnson. “It keeps me busy and prevents eating junk food.”

5. Incorporate some regular exercise into your routine

“I think the biggest struggle in trying to stay healthy on a travel assignment is getting yourself organized quickly into a routine,” said Rebecca Ronaldson, MSN, RN, a former travel nurse who now works as a wellness coordinator for a nonprofit organization. “While trying to adjust to new surroundings, new people, and a new job, sometimes our health and fitness can be pushed to the background while we adjust to a new home and work life.”

You may feel like you’re too tired to work out, but exercise can actually improve your energy levels. Travel nursing jobs are a great time to embrace portable fitness activities. Resistance bands and fitness DVDs easily fit in your suitcase, or you can search YouTube for a fun fitness routine to do in your living room.  You can also get to know your neighborhood by walking, jogging, or biking through nearby streets and parks and get to know your co-workers by inviting them to join you in outdoor sports and activities.

We hope you found these 5 tips to stay healthy as a travel nurse helpful. Do you have any advice to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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 AMN Healthcare

August 13, 2021

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How Mindfulness Can Improve Nurses’ Mental and Physical Health

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Mindfulness interventions are helping nurses relieve stress during trying times.

Every afternoon at 3 p.m., three chimes ring out in the hallways of Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in Oceanside, New York.

The chimes are repeated at 10 p.m. each evening. They’re a gentle reminder to all who hear them to stop what they’re doing and breathe, to notice how they’re feeling in that moment. Then they can be ready to refocus.

“It has been really well received,” said Eileen Hinrichs, BSN, RN, NC-BC, chair of the holistic council at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

Perhaps that’s because everyone is feeling extra stressed these days—whether from COVID cases or just general patient care—and can benefit from a few moments to focus on the present and recenter themselves. This is the hallmark of mindfulness, and a growing number of people, including many healthcare professionals, find that embracing mindfulness can help improve their health. 

In fact, mindfulness is a key technique to aid in self-care for nurses, which is the emphasis for the first week of Nurses Month 2021.

What the research says

Mindfulness is staying present in the moment, paying attention to how you feel and what’s going on around you. It’s not letting your mind race ahead of you into the future or agonizing over something that happened in the past.

“If you want to boil it down to one thing, it’s noticing where your attention is at any given moment,” says John Shepard, RN, a critical care nurse at Indiana University Health.

If that sounds like it might help you, that’s for good reason. A growing body of research confirms the benefits of mindfulness meditation and mindfulness-based interventions.

For example, a 2018 systematic review of more than 140 randomized clinical trials published in Clinical Psychology Review found that mindfulness interventions effectively addressed clinical symptoms of psychiatric disorders like depression and addiction. In fact, the researchers found that they were more effective than evidence-based treatments in some situations.

When you are able to reduce your stress levels, it has a positive impact on your body, too. For example, a 2013 study published in Psychosomatic Medicine suggested that incorporating some mindfulness techniques into your life may help you lower your blood pressure. And a 2017 study in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that mindfulness meditation could be useful in conjunction with other strategies to reduce a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.

How healthcare organizations embrace mindfulness

In recognition of the benefits, a growing number of healthcare organizations are finding ways to embrace mindfulness and make it part of their organizational culture.

Shepard began his own mindfulness practice about seven years ago. He used a guided meditation app with a smartphone in a small open area just off the ICU before beginning his shifts.

“Slowly, people started joining me. That was kind of cool,” he remembers. Eventually, leadership took notice and asked him to coordinate a mindfulness program for the organization. Today, a big part of his job is encouraging fellow nurses and others to learn how to use mindfulness in their daily lives.

Shepard can tell others how mindfulness has personally helped him. The ICU is a very stressful place, where people can and often do get pushed to their limits, and he remembers getting anxious and tense.

“These practices helped me notice that a little bit earlier, so I could actually practice bringing some awareness to it,” he said.

Mount Sinai South Nassau also deliberately incorporates opportunities for staff to learn stress reduction techniques, including mindfulness, and practice self-care. One recent example is a 15-minute reflective spring meditation workshop to help participants learn how to use simple stress-management tools to feel calmer and more balanced.

These techniques can be especially useful today, in a time when people are so connected via technology that it can be hard to really remove yourself enough to decompress. “There’s never downtime,” noted Hinrichs. ‘We are connected continuously and bombarded by technology.”

Over this past year of the pandemic, making space to be silent and reset has become even more crucial. And that’s what learning and using a few simple mindfulness strategies can help people accomplish.

Try these mindfulness apps and techniques.

If your organization offers mindfulness practice sessions or other stress reduction opportunities, be sure to check them out. Or on your own time, you can try a few of these simple activities:

Listen to guided meditation. Try a free mindfulness app like Smiling Mind or UCLA Mindful or a subscription app like Headspace or Calm.

Breathe deeply. Taking a few long, slow, deep breaths from your belly can do wonders when it comes to helping you calm down and feel a little less frenzied. While you inhale and exhale, concentrate on how it feels.

Observe mindfully. Choose a nearby object, perhaps something visible through a window, to look at. Look at it carefully and try to notice as much as you can about it: its size, color, shape, whether or not it’s moving, etc. Don’t label or judge what you see. Just observe.

Whenever you’re engaging in a mindfulness activity, if you feel your mind starting to wander, notice that, too. Then deliberately bring your attention back to the moment, to the present. Don’t feel guilty about it or fret about it. It often takes some time and practice to stay focused.

Experts note that when you consistently practice mindfulness, it will shift your perception. You may be more likely to default to a positive attitude rather than a negative outlook.

“When you practice mindfulness, it’s a lot easier to do that,” said Hinrichs.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse job? Click here to search our job board. Do you have your next job secured but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

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 Favorite Healthcare Staffing

August 11, 2021

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Healthy Tips to Support a Travel Nurse Lifestyle!

This article was provided by Favorite Healthcare.

Travel Nurses are always on the go during their assignments, making it sometimes difficult to stay on top of mental and physical health. Whether you are hitting the road for the first time or are looking to adopt new healthy habits, here are some helpful tips to keep you healthy while on your travel nursing assignment!

Travel Nurse Lifestyle

Maintain Your Physical Health 

Living the travel nurse lifestyle, it can be difficult to make your physical health a priority. You come home from a long and exhausting shift, and the last thing you want to do is fit in a workout. Here are some simple ways to stay healthy:

  • Join a local gym that you can attend on your days off or when you just need to relieve the stresses of work. Make sure to do your research to find the best fit for you. 
  • Don’t want to join a gym? No problem! Order a few resistance bands to do body workouts wherever you are! 
  • Go on walks or hikes. There is nothing better than a long walk while enjoying the beauty of nature wherever you are.
  • Even the simplest forms of physical activity can be good for you! Whether that is walking to the local coffee shop you discovered or taking a morning stroll on the beach, keep your body moving.
  • Always stay hydrated! Water is vital for the human body to function properly throughout the day so make sure you have a good water bottle on hand. You can even find a 64-ounce water bottle to make sure you get your full water intake throughout the day.
Travel Nurse Lifestyle

Sleep Makes Everything Better 

Working long shifts every day can be extremely stressful and draining. Sleep is important to help you maintain your physical and mental wellbeing, but catching some Z’s isn’t always as easy as it sounds for a nurse. Here are some ways to keep a regular sleep schedule:

  • Make your space your own. Bringing cozy items with you while you’re on assignment like your pillow, favorite blanket or slippers can help you stay relaxed.
  • When it’s time to sleep, keep your room cool, dark, and even find a comfortable sleep mask to block out any extra light. 
  • Sound machines are great to bring with you on a travel assignment. If you don’t have one you can even play white noise straight from your phone. A variety of music apps have different playlists that can help you fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Ensure that you have a regular bedtime routine in place. Whether you enjoy reading a book or prefer to limit screen time before bed, having a consistent routine every day will help your body prepare itself for a good night’s sleep.

Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

The travel nurse lifestyle can sometimes mean that you will have time alone or that you might be far away from your friends, family, and loved ones. This could put a strain on your mental health. Here are some tips for supporting good mental health:

  • Make sure to research the location you are heading to. If you are traveling alone, you can fill up your schedule with activities and adventures to keep your mind and body active.
  • Have nothing to do in a new city? Working extra shifts is always a good option and a terrific way to make extra money! 
  • Add yoga, breathing exercises, or a form of meditation to your workouts for a particularly good stress reliever. It’s also the perfect way to stretch and heal your body after working a long shift.
  • Remember that it’s always okay to ask for help. There are many online resources you can use if you are feeling down or just need someone to talk to, and here’s a great place to start. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. It takes tremendous strength and shows that you care about your body and wellbeing.

Happy Healthy Wallet

Travel Nurse Lifestyle

While traveling from place to place, the cost of food and travel can add up quickly, and expenses may be higher than you expect. As a travel nurse, healthy eating habits are important to improve and maintain your energy throughout shifts. Going out to eat may be quick and convenient, but overspending on eating out is not the healthiest way to live. There are many easy ways to save money while also keeping your body healthy! Here are some tips on how to keep a happy, healthy wallet: 

  • If you are staying in an Air BnB or a location where you can cook, it could help save you money. Meal prepping is such an easy way to have food ready to go throughout the week, making life easier when you work 12 hours a day.
  • Eat your fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eating these higher-quality foods will help keep your energy up. It is also cheaper than buying snacks from a vending machine.
  • Limit your eating out to one or two times a week. The costs of eating out can add up quickly and often a restaurant’s portions are much bigger than what you would eat at home.

The travel nurse lifestyle can be tiring at times but is overall so rewarding! Not only do you help and heal others, but you also get to visit some breathtaking places and experience amazing adventures across the country. Just don’t forget to also take care of yourself during your travels. Practice each of these tips, and you’ll be on your way to creating a healthy lifestyle as a travel nurse!

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have your assignment lined up but need housing? Click here to view our housing page.

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 Anna Johnson

June 7, 2021

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5 Superfoods to Boost a Healthy Diet

superfoods

The name ‘superfood’ does not mean that you get all the nutrients in one bite. Rather, it is an indication that the bite packs so many nutrients that you might not need other foods. The foods also offer nutrients for the long-term health of your body and enough energy to run your daily activities.

Superfoods help you to make better nutritional and dietary choices because a single item on your plate covers a lot of your nutritional requirements. It is a shortcut to reducing dietary- and nutritional-related health conditions. The foods remain beneficial when taken whole or prepared with other foods. When processed, you are likely to lose some of the nutrients. As such, they remain superfoods only as long as they are not processed or over-cooked.

Here are some of the top superfoods to consider for your diet.

Berries

Berries may appear tiny but they pack a lot of nutrients for the body. The berries come with a lot of fiber, a healthy component for digestion purposes. Berries are also naturally sweet. As such, they will boost your appetite and allow you to eat more. That helps you to enjoy more nutrients and food varieties.

Berries are also very colorful. Even the drinks made of berries are also appetizingly colorful. The color is an indication of the presence of a lot of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals. Further, berries come with a lot of antioxidants that help the body to fight diseases.

Blue berries are especially helpful. They will boost your brain power and capacity. They also keep you from aging and protect your memory. In the process, you keep away from such conditions as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, among such other neurological conditions.

How do you include berries into your diet?

Add the berries to your juices, smoothies, cereals, and yogurt. You may also take berries as snacks in between meals. In case they are out of season, the frozen berries will still serve the purpose.

Fish

Fish is delicious for people of all ages. It makes it to the list of superfoods because of its rich serving of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. These nutrients help in brain development and functioning.

Fish is always available, although the variety may change from one season to the other. Luckily, nutritional experts recommend such variety so that you can take advantage of the benefits offered by each variety.

Because of the amount of nutrients offered by fish, it is recommended that you take the food in small portions. Children at a young age will require a lot of fish to boost their brain development. You should also consider a lot of fish if your work involves tiring brain work.

You will find fresh fish in the market. It may also be frozen or canned for future consumption. All these varieties are healthy for your body. Some of the best fish varieties are trout, sardines, herring, mackerel, and tuna steak.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens are known as a rich source of vitamins. True to the word, they offer an excellent serving of vitamins A, B, C, and E. The vegetables also provide the best source of calcium. If you want a rich source of phytochemicals, you should add more greens to your plate.

Leafy greens are also a rich source of fiber for the body. They help with digestion as well as the absorption of other nutrients into the body. Luckily, there are a lot of varieties of leafy greens such that you can afford a serving each day without the monotony of consuming a single type of food.

The many varieties of leafy greens mean that you have numerous options when serving. Most of the leafy greens form a part of your daily meal. You can consume them alongside cereals, carbohydrates, and starch sources. They are also an incredible addition to salads and smoothies. The greens still maintain their nutritional potency when you add them to stews and soups.

Nuts

Plant proteins are as important as the animal proteins you get from meat. Among all other food groups, nuts are the richest source of plant proteins. Some of the rich food-source nuts include walnuts, groundnuts, pecans, and almonds. These nuts also provide monounsaturated fats that help to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Nuts are easy to consume as snacks in between meals. You may also add nuts in your smoothie or yogurt. They also accompany cooked vegetables and salads.

Superfoods keep the body healthy by providing a large serving of the nutrients you need for a healthy body. The foods come in their varieties and are easy to prepare. It is your chance to provide the body with all the nutrients it requires for long-term good health.

About the author:

Ann is an experienced writer with mypaperwriter.com, helping students with their assignments. She has written numerous works on student life. She now shares insightful tips to make college life more interesting.