May 2, 2024

876 Views

Nurturing Your Well-Being: Essential Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on May 2, 2024April 22, 2024 by Miles Oliver

While working as a travel nurse is a gratifying and noble profession, it also presents its share of challenges. The constant movement and changing landscapes can be hard on your body and mind. Taking care of your physical and mental health is key, and these essential self-care tips can help you thrive in your exciting career.

Essential Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses:

Hydration Is Key

Hydration is essential when you’re constantly traveling. You’ll likely find yourself in many different environments and weather conditions, ranging from a dry climate to a humid one, so you need to be ready.

By staying hydrated, you can keep your joints lubricated, deliver nutrients to your cells, and keep your organs functioning properly. On top of all that, you’ll prevent dehydration, which could lead to fatigue, headaches, and more.

When you’re busy, it can be challenging to remember to drink water, but there are tips you can consider as a healthcare traveler. One of them is to start each day with a glass of water so you can wake up the body. Keep a water bottle with you, and you’ll be more inclined to drink. You can also eat hydrating snacks like watermelon and strawberries.

Dry weather and a lack of hydration can also lead to skin issues. Cold and dry air can cause your skin to get irritated, and without treatment, it can get scaly or flaky. In addition to drinking water, you should have a skincare routine. Many people use the Korean skincare routine because it can help your skin and provide a healthy glow. This routine involves using oil-based cleaners that can remove sweat and dirt. It also involves water-based cleansers that can help with essential hydration. Eye creams, moisturizers, and sunscreen can also produce healthier skin.

Maintaining Your Physical Health

Physical fitness is also vital during your efforts as a travel nurse. Even if you’re crunched for time, you can still find ways to fit fitness into your day. One way is to walk whenever you can. If you’re not walking on the job, research places nearby, like a local park, and walk there during your breaks. You can also pack light weights in your travel bag to take out between patients for a quick workout.

Exercise can also include yoga or meditation to work your body and mind. Work stress-reducing routines like these into your day by packing a yoga mat and taking it out when you have time.

The other part of the equation regarding physical health is good nutrition because it will keep you in good shape, make you more resilient, and improve your mood. It can be tempting to stop for fast food when you’re on the go, but overindulging in trans-fats can leave you feeling slow and sluggish. Instead, eat healthy salads and snacks throughout your day, like almonds, fruits and vegetables, and yogurt. You can also plan out your meals so you know what to eat in advance and avoid the need for a quick solution with fast food.

Take Time To Rest Your Body And Mind

As a travel nurse, you must practice good mental health so you can feel good and help the patients to the best of your ability. When you’re constantly on the move, it can be easy to start to feel lonely and isolated, so turn to your personal relationships. Call family and friends when you’re down, and form healthy relationships with your fellow nurses so you can lean on each other.

You could also practice mindfulness during your assignments, which means paying attention to how you feel and focusing on your present self. One way to do this is by journaling your thoughts so you don’t keep your worries cooped up in your head. You can also stay optimistic by adopting a growth mindset. When you get a new assignment, think about how beneficial it can be and the valuable experiences you’ll learn.

Finally, ensure that you’re getting seven to nine hours of sleep every night and take naps when you’re tired. If you don’t give your body a chance to recharge, you’ll lack physical and mental energy the next day. To improve your sleep, try to go to bed at the same time every night. Try to sleep when it’s dark because lights can disrupt your circadian rhythm by entering your eye and tricking your body into thinking it’s daytime. Light can also disrupt your sleep cycles, so you wake up feeling unrested, setting the tone for the rest of your day. Set a good bedtime routine, and you’ll be better off because of it.

Conclusion

Self-care is of utmost importance in travel nursing. The best way to help others is to take care of yourself, so heed these tips, and your efforts will show in your work. We hope you found theses essential self-care tips for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any essential self-care tips to share with your fellow travelers? Comment your essential self-care tips below.

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Are you on the hunt for your next travel nurse gig? Look no further than our job board! Click here to explore all our current opportunities.

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Need somewhere to stay on your next travel nurse assignment? We’ve got you covered. Check out our housing page to find your ideal home away from home. Click here to start your search.

By Rory Donnelly

March 23, 2022

2626 Views

Are Nurses at Risk for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome? 9 Tips to Avoid it.

Posted on March 23, 2022January 16, 2023 by Rory Donnelly

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is a condition that typically starts as a numbness or tingling sensation in the arms and hands that could be painful due to everyday strenuous activities. It occurs when the median nerve running from your forearm to the hand gets compressed or pinched. This nerve runs through a narrow space called the carpal tunnel that gives the condition its name. Many forms of manual labor, musical instruments, or vibrating hand tools could lead to CTS. It could be mild or severe depending on the level of pinching occurring in the median nerve.

Why do nurses get carpal tunnel?

Since CTS begins due to excessive strain on the median nerve while performing everyday tasks and activities, there has been a rise in the cases of CTS in nurses. The reason is that your occupation demands continuous repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist without any break, awkward hand movements for long hours when assisting in surgery, and constant vibration or mechanical stress on the palm because of various medical devices.

These activities are most likely to put severe pressure on your median nerve resulting in pain, swelling, weakness, numbness, and various other symptoms in your fingers and hands. Most of the occupations, including nurses, face higher risks of CTS because their job requires excessive tugging, pulling, pushing, or twisting movements in arms and wrists. So while you may be going through your routine work of pushing syringe plunger, pressing blood pressure bulbs, continuously tapping into keyboards, etc., your median nerve might be overexerting itself.

Now you know what might have caused your CTS. It is time we take a hopeful look at what you can do to ease your symptoms. Most mild symptoms of CTS tend to fade away with some lifestyle changes and medication.

Here are nine home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:

Take multiple breaks while performing repetitive tasks:

Using timers to give your aching arms and fingers a break after every 15-20 minutes would help your hands relax. Gentle shaking of the hands also helps relieve the median nerve pressure.

Wear splints on your wrists:

Wearing wrist splints, especially when sleeping, will allow your hand to remain in proper alignment without the risk of overextension or extreme flexing. Being a nurse, you might not have breaks at work, so you can ever prefer wearing the splints during your workday to help relieve some pressure from your median nerve.

Wear compression gloves:

We all know what the cold weather can do to an already aching body part. Seek relief with warming mittens like compression gloves which help relieve the numbness and pain. Compression gloves are available with copper ions embedded in them that improve blood flow and supply adequate oxygen to your hands and wrists.

Warm water treatment:

For some people, warming treatments help alleviate the pain, weakness, and other symptoms. You could try soaking your hands in warm water. Make sure that the temperatures range between 92-100 degrees Fahrenheit.

Ice bath:

Your tendons might swell up due to CTS. The best way to relieve them is by soaking your hands in an ice bath or using an ice pack once every few hours. The best time to use an ice bath is after performing your CTS relieving exercises to avoid inflammation by restricting the blood flow.

Reduce your force and relax your grip:

Lightening the strength you use to perform regular tasks can also diminish the discomforting symptoms of CTS. Try softening your grip and taking on your duties lightly.

Elevate your hands and wrists:

Some causes of CTS give rise to fluid retention. Elevation will help ease this thereby, reducing the pressure on the median nerve and helping your hands relax.

Do quick wrist exercises:

Since you don’t require special equipment for most CTS exercises, you can even perform these exercises when at work to improve blood circulation.

Ergonomic changes:

These include minor changes in the way your hands and wrists move when performing daily tasks at work.

Although CTS disrupts daily life to a large extent because it directly affects the hands and wrists, it is easy to manage it with these home remedies.

We hope you found these tips for avoiding carpal tunnel syndrome helpful. Do you suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome and have any tips to share? Comment 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:

START HERE

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

By Karl Murphy

December 11, 2021

8427 Views

5 Self-Care Ideas for Managing Mental Health and Increasing Wellbeing

Posted on December 11, 2021December 11, 2021 by Karl Murphy

Self-care and mental health are essential for anyone that wants to live a happy life. An extensive definition of self-care means taking an active role in safeguarding one’s well being and happiness. Below you will find 5 great self-care tips for travel nurses to manage their mental health.

It’s about putting yourself and your mental health first in times of stressful occurrences. As simple as it sounds, several people struggle with sufficiently taking care of themselves.

5 Self-Care Tips to Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

General self-care includes getting adequate sleep, eating well, and exercising. But when it involves the stability of your mental health, it goes beyond that. To this end, we’ve put together five useful ways to manage your mind and improve your wellbeing.

Stop Putting Yourself Down

Often, people who suffer verbal and mental abuse for so long find themselves believing the negatives about them. It creates an inner voice that criticizes their every move and decision.

You find that rather than talking yourself up, you put yourself down. This profoundly affects one’s self-esteem and sense of self and will continue that way if left unchecked. It’s time to take back the power!

Just because someone else puts you down with their words and action doesn’t mean you should do the same to yourself. For every no and negativity thrown your way, you should replace them with positive words of affirmation.

Worry Less About What People Think

It’s easy to get carried away with what’s on social media and unconsciously pressure yourself to measure up in today’s world. Do away with fears of missing out, and quit acting like others are the judge and jury of your life.

Focus on you, what you like, and what makes you happy. For people to see you the way you want, you must first see yourself the same way. Develop a strong sense of self-love that doesn’t need validation from anyone.

Do away with people who put you in a place where you have to seek their approval. Surround yourself with those who appreciate and lift you.

Learn New Skills

According to the National Health Service UK, research has shown learning a new skill improves mental health and wellbeing. It boosts self-confidence, helps build a sense of purpose, and connect with others.

There are several ways to achieve this without having to sign up for a skills acquisition workshop. You can:

Learn to cook something new, most preferably healthy meals.
Take on a new responsibility at work like mentoring a junior or intern.
Work on a DIY project around your home. Fixing something yourself is an excellent way to boost self-esteem and confidence.
Use a language learning app to study a new dialect.
Take on a new hobby like blogging, or join the podcast trend, talking about things that matter to you.

Note that the above are just suggestions, and you should do them only if they interest you. The key is knowing you can learn anything you set your mind to and finding what works for you.

Set Realistic Goals

Goal setting is where several people shoot themselves in the foot. They fail to make it realistic, and when they don’t achieve it, they beat themselves up about it. According to the Awareness Center, the gap between expectation and reality is often a factor in mental health issues.

Not achieving your goals may trigger bouts of depression. You feel like a failure, like someone who can’t achieve anything and become anxious. You can fix this by setting realistic goals and not looking for perfection like top foreign brides searching for a wedding dress. High expectations equal too much pressure, which is terrible for your mental health.

Cherish Every Moment

Most people fret so much about the future that they fail to appreciate the moment. Paying attention to the present improves your mental wellbeing and general wellness. Be thankful for each day, and cherish the moments you create.

Be in tune with what your body and the world around you need presently, and leave tomorrow’s problems till they happen. This form of mindfulness will help you enjoy your life and understand yourself better. It will also help you address challenges more positively.

It’s All About You!

Your mental health and wellbeing are all about you and no one else. It’s called self-care because no one else can do it for you. So, start with these tips, and live each day putting yourself first, keeping in mind that there’s no one like you in the world.

We hope you found these self-care tips helpful. Do you have any self-care tips to share with your fellow travel nurses? Comment them below.

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

START HERE

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

By CareerStaff Unlimited

September 28, 2021

5318 Views

Leaving the Day Behind: Relaxation Techniques for Nurses

Posted on September 28, 2021September 22, 2021 by CareerStaff Unlimited

This article was provided by CareerStaff Unlimited.

By Karen Stockdale, MBA, BSN, RN

For most nurses, dealing with high levels of stress on a daily basis becomes the norm. The nature of the job lends itself to stressful situations – from dealing with life and death situations to interacting with people at some of the worst moments of their lives – over long, demanding hours. The rates of nursing burnout are very high, with similarly high rates of mental health problems like anxiety and depression.

Many nurses find themselves re-living the day’s work – mentally rechecking everything to make sure nothing was missed or secretly chastising themselves for not doing more. This mental game is called “ruminating” and can be very damaging. Ruminating prolongs and intensifies stress, leading to depression and impairing your ability to process events. If you find yourself ruminating on the day, step back and find an activity that requires your mental ability in a non-exhaustive way. Puzzle and word games, crafts, visiting friends, sports, or other hobbies can help “reset” your brain and get it out of the loop.

Nurses are often giving people by nature – they entered the profession to help others. This selfless attitude, while admirable, can cause a challenge when it comes to a positive nurse work-life balance. These are the qualities that make great nurses! However, it is also these qualities that make it hard for travel nurses to unwind after work.

As a nurse, how do you unwind, reset, and protect your private time? Let’s take a look at some techniques to reclaim your mental space and coax the stress away.

Five Ways to Unwind

1. Exercise.

Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and takes the tension away. And it doesn’t have to be physically exhausting. A walk, some yoga, some dancing, playing with a child or your dog – all of these are ways to move your body and release some stress. It also helps you sleep better!

2. Keep a Journal.

Focusing your thoughts on exactly how you are feeling can help you express yourself – and leave it on the page. Many find that gratitude journaling is a good technique for emphasizing the greatest things in life. Instead of focusing on stressful parts of the day, it might be helpful to express gratitude for the coworker that brought you lunch or the family member that hugged you. Journaling can help bring the joy back.

3. Spend time with family and friends.

When you don’t feel at your best, it is tempting to be a hermit and skip social events. Don’t do it! Spending time with those you love is a natural stress reliever and gives you a feeling of belonging and connectedness. When nurses talk about work-life balance, this is one component that is crucial to well-being.

4. Laugh.

Sometimes it is hard to find the humor in a situation – but nurses are known for a wicked sense of humor! A twisted sense of humor is a tried-and-true coping mechanism for healthcare workers. Caution – use your humor around people that “get it,” or it could be mistaken as in poor taste. Then laugh until it hurts!

5. Learn to Say NO.

As givers, nurses are sometimes not good at boundaries. This equates to extra shifts, staying late, and helping out coworkers and friends. This often leads to a lack of personal time and self-care and breeds resentment. While it is difficult, learning to say “no” in kind ways such as “I just have too much on my plate right now” or “Thank you for thinking of me, but I need to step away for a while” become easier with practice. Saying “no” gives you control over your stressors and eliminates that overwhelmed feeling.

CareerStaff Unlimited knows how important self-care is to busy nurses, and we support the work-life balance of each individual. Travel nursing opportunities allow nurses to select the assignment and the hours that are right for him/her while seeing new areas of the country and experiencing new cultures. Explore your options through CareerStaff by searching current travel job openings. Then relax and let us handle it!

We hope you found these tips for travel nurses to unwind. Do you have ways that you unwind after a long shift? 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 view our housing page.

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

START HERE

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

By Christina Lee

September 1, 2021

3722 Views

7 Easy Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses

Posted on September 1, 2021October 4, 2021 by Christina Lee

Nurses spend so much time caring for their patients’ health that it is often easy to neglect their own health. A stressful job combined with long, unpredictable hours and being away from home can weigh heavily on a nurse’s health, so it is important that you look after your own mental and physical health so that you can be in top shape to help your patients.

Check out these seven easy self-care tips to ensure you look after yourself while out on assignment!

Easy self-care tips:

1 – Get Plenty of Sleep

Easier said than done, eh! Travel nurses work irregular hours and alternating shifts so getting the adequate amount of sleep is not always easy. However, to function at its optimum, your body needs sufficient rest, so it’s vital to prioritize sleep in your schedule. To ensure a good rest, avoid eating any big meals before sleep and try to put away all electronic devices at least one hour before bed. If you are finding it tough to get to sleep, you could try some apps like Pzizz or Calm, which have sleep meditations and music that can help you catch those well-needed Z’s.

2 – Maintain a Healthy Nutrition Plan

Long hours and a stressful working environment can mean nurses find it difficult to find the time to cook up healthy meals. This leads to binge eating and indulging in those unhealthy snacks from the hospital vending machines during break time. “An unhealthy and unbalanced nutrition plan can lead to serious problems in the long term as well as affecting your ability to tend to your patients. Some ways of maintaining a healthy diet while on the road include packing healthy nutritious snacks, prepping meals the day before, avoiding added sugars, and drinking plenty of water,” says Melissa Mullin, a psychology writer at Student writing services and Essay Roo.

3 – Try Meditation

Studies have shown that just a few minutes of meditation every day can significantly help in the management of stress and anxiety that we face in our daily lives. In a job that can be stressful and hectic at the best of times, travel nurses around the world have turned to meditation to help cope with the demands of the role. Beginners can start off with 5 – 10 minutes of meditation prior to work and can gradually build it up. Apps such as Headspace and Insight Timer have excellent guided meditations as well as soothing soundscapes to help you relax and ease your tensions.

4 – Don’t Forget to Exercise

Finding the time to exercise as a travel nurse can be tricky, to say the least. Shift work and long hours mean exercise can often be neglected, but its importance can not be understated. Exercise leads to the production of endorphins which helps with reducing stress. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends exercising for at least 20 – 60 minutes 3 – 5 times a week which will help keep a healthy cardiovascular system and boost your mental health. Walking, cycling, running and swimming are all excellent activities which you can do whilst on the road. Making them perfect for our list of easy self-care tips.

5 – Explore Your Surroundings

It’s important to find a nice balance between your work and social life as a travel nurse. While tending to your patients is obviously a major part of your life, you also need to be able to let your hair down and have your own fun. “Living away from home can be a lonely prospect, but it certainly doesn’t have to be that way. Try to connect with other nurses and socialize on your days off. Go out for dinner, have a few drinks or enjoy the surrounding nature with fellow nurses or even better meet some new friends away from the hospital,” says Alice Barber, an HR manager at Write my essay and Resumention.

6 – Work For a Reputable Recruiter

It is important that travel nurses work for a recruiter who prioritizes their employee’s health and wellbeing. Being overworked and not looked after properly can be seriously damaging to a travel nurse’s mental and physical health, so choosing a reputable recruiter going forward is vital. You should have a good relationship with your employer, who should be available anytime to support you in your journey.

7 – Consider Therapy

Having a trained mental health professional can be really important for a travel nurse. Having somebody there who can evaluate your mental health and map out a path for going forward will really help you cope with the pressure of the job. Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP’s) offer emotional support to nurses, and you should ensure you have access to this through your recruiter.

We hope you found these 7 easy self-care tips helpful. Have you found any easy self-care tips or routines on your journey as a travel nurse that you would like to share? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Already have your next assignment but need to secure housing? Click here to visit our housing page.

For more easy self-care tips click here to read more articles on self-care.

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

START HERE

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

By AMN Healthcare

May 4, 2021

4406 Views

7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

Posted on May 4, 2021December 27, 2023 by AMN Healthcare

7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Shift work is par for the nursing course, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you. A study originally published by the Department of Health and Human Services noted that long hours and odd shifts could lead to negative consequences, such as injuries, poor job performance, obesity, and chronic illnesses.

In short, if you’re not taking care of yourself as a nurse, you put yourself and your patients at risk for harm. One way to reduce those issues is to follow some proven self-care tips.

Check out these seven self-care ideas for nurses who are looking to reduce stress.

7 Self-Care Activities for Travel Nurses

1. Don’t sacrifice your own nutritional needs.

With a busy patient roster and an emergency always seemingly around the corner, it can be difficult for many nurses to take a break for a wholesome snack or meal. That leaves a lot of healthcare pros munching on less-than-healthy alternatives in the few minutes they can steal for lunch. And working shifts outside of the traditional 9 to 5 doesn’t just make it hard to eat lunch; it could impact your breakfast and dinner, too. Margaret Roth, a retired RN, says she used to work weekends, pulling long shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. She made extra food on Thursday and prepared it in to-go containers, so she didn’t have to think about eating healthy when she worked.

2. Use a sleep app for power napping.

Shift work or just the stress of a normal day in a physician’s office can play havoc with sleep cycles. The Joint Commission notes that insufficient or poor-quality sleep over a long time can cause various problems for healthcare workers and their patients, so sleep is one of the most important self-care tips. If you’re struggling with nightly Zs or want to foster a strong power-napping habit, consider investing in an app like Pzizz, which uses the power of binaural beats to soothe you into rest at night or during a quick daytime nap, even when you’re sleeping in a new place or hotel. “If I had to think about it or do too much during those days, I’d end up with fast food,” she says. That’s double trouble for a nurse who travels.

3. Enjoy time with friends both within and outside of your career.

Don’t make your entire life about your career. Enjoying spending time with people you really care about, including family, friends, and even colleagues, is an important self-care activity. Roth recommends striking a balance and not only hanging around with other nurses. “Nursing was a huge part of my life,” she says, “but I wasn’t just a nurse. I loved being around people who really understood … really knew what I did every day, but I also needed to be around my family, too.” Some ideas for spending time with people outside of work include creating a special family dinner night, getting together once a month with old friends, and taking staycations and mini-vacations with friends or family once a quarter. Take time to return to cities and connect with friends and make new friends in travel nursing locations.

4. Find a hobby you enjoy.

When considering self-care ideas, think about stuff that you enjoy doing. Yes, you might enjoy your job — nursing is often a passion or calling, after all. But it’s probably not all you like or want to do, and engaging in other activities can boost your morale, improve focus and creativity, and provide an outlet for frustrations. Potential hobbies might include hiking, horseback riding, needlework, cooking, painting, writing, carpentry, antiquing, or gardening. Choose something that sounds interesting to you, and don’t be afraid you have to commit to it. The great thing about a hobby is that you can change it when you get bored with it.

5. Care for your personality type appropriately.

When it comes to putting self-care tips into action, it helps to know your own personality type. Introverts engage in self-care activities differently than extroverts. While both do need time for rest and relaxation, extroverts tend to draw energy from being around others, while introverts gain energy from being alone. And while it might seem like most people choosing to enter the nursing field would be extroverts, American Nursing Today points out that many nurses — and nurse leaders — are introverts.

6. Get exercise off the nursing floor.

You might be ready for a hot shower and relaxation at the end of a long shift, but that doesn’t always mean you got cardio in. A busy trauma nurse might run the halls, and any nurse in a facility setting probably puts his or her muscles to work regularly. But you might also sit at a desk or nurse’s station for hours, and that isn’t ideal for your health. Give your cardiovascular system a boost by engaging in aerobic exercise regularly. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends engaging in walking, jogging, rowing, biking, or similar activities for 20 minutes to one hour between three and five times each week.

7. Set appropriate challenges for yourself to stay engaged in your career.

Implementing all these self-care tips may not help if you’re constantly placing undue stress on yourself at work. Take some time to consider your career and what you want from it and set appropriate goals that challenge you without being impossible. Expect the same of others, too. Roth said she saw a lot of nurses struggle with untenable positions over the years. “Sometimes you have to be brave enough to say no or make a change,” she says. While nursing is definitely a challenging career, it’s an in-demand one. If you aren’t satisfied with your current position, chances are you can find another if you start applying to different opportunities.

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

START HERE

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

By Gayatri Regester

April 8, 2021

4724 Views

Yoga, Meditation, Self-Care, and Why I Started This Journey

Posted on April 8, 2021January 17, 2023 by Gayatri Regester

What is our purpose in life?

This is a question I have found myself asking many times over the years, first arising during my senior year in nursing school. I was anxious, depressed, and numbing myself with various substances to avoid the pain I did not know how to handle.

Wake Up Call

My clinical rotation that fall semester had me in an inpatient psychiatric unit, where we would start the day off with an AA meeting. I listened to my patients as they shared their stories of serving in the military and how they were not equipped with the tools necessary to deal with the emotional and mental challenges they had endured. To cope with their symptoms of severe anxiety, depression, panic attacks, they too found their solution in drugs and alcohol. One morning, I looked at the people around me and felt an overwhelming feeling of compassion and empathy, but also a feeling that this experience was a wake-up call. Like a mirror, my patients were showing me the suffering I was too afraid to look it with-in myself. I needed a real solution to face my traumas and find healing.

The book called Lessons in Meditation

The solution came in the book called “Lessons in Meditation” written by Jyotish Novak. I began following the lessons and instantly felt as if this book was showing me the light out of the darkness around me. Each day in clinical, I would sit with several of my patients and walk them through the simple meditation tools shared in this book.

One day was a particularly profound moment I will never forget. One of my patients had previously opened up to me about the hatred he felt for himself and the things he had done in his life. His mental dialogue for the last twenty years was, “I am a monster.” We were meditating for about 15 minutes when he said very quietly, but with immense joy, “the voice in my head has silenced.” The joy in his smile and the feeling of inner forgiveness I felt from him were palpable. I knew these meditation techniques had shifted the inner narrative within him and had transformed him in some profound way. Seeing his transformation, I knew these techniques had the power to transform lives. I felt hope and joy for the first time in many years.

About a year after starting to meditate, this question again surfaced in my mind-

What is the purpose of my life?

Again the answer came in a book, this time “Autobiography of a Yogi” written by the Paramhansa Yogananda. I wanted what he had- freedom and infinite joy! (I later would find out, Jyotish Novak was a spiritual director of Ananda Worldwide, a church dedicated to sharing the teachings of Yogananda)

I began to orient my life around a search for that joy he talked about, which eventually led me to the Ananda Meditation Retreat in 2017. I lived and served here for several years, attuning myself with the vibration of stillness and diving deep into the teachings of Yogananda. Profound healing, discovery, growth, and joy were found during this time.

Spiritual Community

I continue to live in a spiritual community, and it gives me great inspiration to share with others these tools and techniques that have changed my life. Simple tools to uplift one’s consciousness, to let go of limiting thoughts and attitudes, and find a deeper connection with your highest Self.

As a nurse, I know the difficulties that come with the job and how little we were taught on how to deal with the emotional aspects of being a nurse. What’s even harder is the loss of hope and inspiration I have heard so many nurses express this past year. As nurses, we have chosen a life dedicated to serving others. We must learn how to care for ourselves, not only physically, but we must also learn how to mentally and emotionally support ourselves so that we can continue to give to others. Meditation, breathwork, and other yoga principles are incredibly helpful tools. By reconnecting to the compassion within our hearts, we can rediscover the inspiration and job satisfaction that inspired us to become nurses. And with tools of self-care and centering, we can remain heart-opened without burning out and depleting ourselves.

I look forward to sharing with you 🙂

By Laura Greco

March 2, 2021

4891 Views

Why Do We Provide Better Preventative Maintenance for our Cars Than We do For Ourselves?

Posted on March 2, 2021May 19, 2021 by Laura Greco

Self-care or preventative maintenance has a long list of benefits: optimizing your immune system, relieving stress, improving resilience, having a more positive mindset, greater well-being, improved sleep, better able to manage chronic pain, reducing your risk of heart disease, and enjoying a better quality of life. It is enjoyable, makes us feel better, and is easy to access.

So why don’t we do more of it?

People have misconceptions about self-care, thinking it takes too much time, is costly, or is selfish. People often question where the line falls between self-care and self-indulgence. Why do we provide better preventative maintenance for our cars or homes than for ourselves? Do we consider that preventative maintenance an indulgence?

Self-care is not an indulgence.

It is preventative maintenance for YOU, the whole you: body, mind, and spirit. It takes many forms but is basically any action that replenishes you and enhances your well-being. If it causes you to slow down, be present in the moment, contributes to better self-awareness, and leaves you feeling good about yourself, it is probably self-care.

If you are a car, you aren’t particularly useful with no oil, no gas, and deflated tires. To be of service, you need to have reserves, be tuned up, and ready to go.

When you are depleted you are no longer as effective or resilient. It is hard to give when you don’t have anything to give. The negative effects of stress, physical, mental, and emotional illness run higher in those who neglect their own care.

Methods of replenishment

Because self-care nourishes us physically, emotionally, mentally, intellectually, spiritually, it will be different for each of us. While some aspects of self-care are universal (caring for our bodies with sleep, nutrition, hygiene, and exercise), others are unique. We each need our own methods of replenishment. What restores your soul and lights you up?

Some behaviors have immediate benefits, and others are cumulative. Notice there are tiers of self-care: some things you do monthly, weekly, and others daily. Some of the suggestions below won’t appeal, and that is OK. But before you write off an idea as “I can’t do THAT!” pause and determine what you are reacting to, what it represents to you, and whether your reaction is how you really choose to respond.

Ideas for self-care (preventative maintenance):

getting a massage or facial
meditating
cooking from scratch
starting each day with an intention to find beauty in the world
getting sauna treatments
setting a bedtime and creating a bedtime ritual
practicing mindfulness several times a day (when you wash your hair, sip coffee/tea, brush your teeth)
practicing gratitude daily
devoting a weekend to reading a book
journaling
creating art
trying photography
having time with friends or family
enjoying your pet
having time to daydream
having time alone
spending time in nature
learning
getting enough non-work mental stimulation
exploring a city
practicing self-compassion
traveling
enjoying hobbies
soaking in a tub with Epsom salts
volunteering
taking stock of all, you have accomplished
watching a sunset
performing random acts of kindness
floating in a pool or ocean
maintaining work-life balance
creating healthy boundaries
dancing
having a source of meaning outside of work
playing sports on a team
taking breaks and vacations
breaking up work with play
making regular time for decompression and reflection
streamlining/simplifying life
shopping for something that isn’t a necessity
making a bucket list and tentative plans to accomplish it

What brings you joy or connects you to your purpose?

Self-care (preventative maintenance) is not about getting more done. Culturally we are encouraged to push through, do more, be more…do it all. After a while, this approach backfires, and we are less productive, less efficient, and less happy. Therefore, practicing self-care is an ongoing lifestyle, not occasional spurts of doing something nice for yourself. Like gas for your car, it is best to keep some fuel in your tank and not run down to empty.

As nurses, we excel at caring for others, and we must also care for ourselves…proactively and regularly.

By Allison Staley

November 9, 2020

5244 Views

Innovative Ways for Health Care Workers To Nurture Themselves

Posted on November 9, 2020January 16, 2023 by Allison Staley

Health care workers work tirelessly to care for others in the community. But did your role as a health care worker involve intense emotional feelings? That is why it’s good to keep your emotional health in check. Also, track your emotions/feelings and their impact on your efficiency and performance. In most cases, you’ll feel fatigued, and some time off, your job will always come in handy. But, there are several other ways to nurture yourself and boost your working morale.

Here are top care tips for yourself as a health worker.

Prioritize you needs

It’s easy to get immersed in caring for others and forget about yourself altogether. But, it’s advisable to think about your needs and care for yourself as well. Prioritizing your needs may seem selfish, but it’s necessary. Besides, you have to stay in perfect health to care for those who depend on you.

Have limits!

Caring for others is rewarding yet frustrating. It can significantly impact your physical and emotional health, making it imperative to set boundaries. Remember, you can’t handle everything. Know your limits and respect that. For instance, if you feel fatigued, pushing on with your task will leave you more tired and less effective. Why not take some days off?

Taking time off work will replenish your energy, allow you to spend time with family and loved ones.

Eat sensibly

Food supplies your body with the right nutrient necessary for the key bodily processes and tissue repair. It also strengthens your immune system, which helps in fighting infections. Do not forget, as a health care worker, you’re highly predisposed to pathogens. To achieve all these, eat a balanced diet comprising proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fats. Lastly, drink enough water and avoid junk and sugary foods; it’s the best way to keep your immune level high.

Spend time with loved ones

Making memories with family members is an excellent way to unwind. Some of the things to try out are; having dinner together, planning weekly family days, and attending family meetings. Moreover, do daily chores like cleaning, gardening, and cooking together.

Lastly, have candid discussions with your family members. For example, listen to their stories, take photos, and create an autobiography template to act as memories of your youthful days later in life.

Stay active

Exercises are associated with numerous health gains. It improves your mental functions, alleviates stress, helps in weight management and strengthens your heart, not to forget body immune. Exercise daily and engage in other activities that encourage you to stay active. Even if you lack time to go to the gym, simple activities like rope skipping and walking go a long way.

Get some rest

Sleep is an integral aspect of your health and wellbeing. When you sleep well, you wake you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Sleep helps combat stress and anxiety; when you have a good night’s sleep, you feel better about yourself, which intensifies your efficiency at work. Set a sleep routine, and avoid distractions as you sleep. If you have issues getting adequate sleep, try something relaxing like reading a book or listening to soft music.

Seek support

Most health care workers are reluctant to seek help. For some, asking for help makes them look weak, vulnerable, and incompetent. But this is far from the truth. We all need support, and this doesn’t have to come from people. It can be in the form of activities, resources, and experiences. Getting support from others is also vital, and it’s advisable to talk to a professional about your fears and concerns. Moreover, join a support group of other health workers.

The bottom line

Note, caring for yourself as a healthcare worker regenerates your health and wellbeing. It enables you to focus more on your work, and this boosts efficiency. If you feel overwhelmed by your role as a care provider, never hesitate to seek help. A support system will replenish your energy levels, enabling you to offer better services.

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

Essential Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses:

Hydration Is Key

Maintaining Your Physical Health

Take Time To Rest Your Body And Mind

Conclusion

Find Your Next Travel Nurse Assignment with Our Job Board!

Discover the Perfect Housing for Your Next Assignment

Related Posts

Supporting Family and Friends When Dealing With A Loved One’s Traumatic Brain Injury

Self-Care for Travel Nurses

#StayHome: Self-Care Tips

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Why do nurses get carpal tunnel?

Here are nine home remedies for carpal tunnel relief:

Take multiple breaks while performing repetitive tasks:

Wear splints on your wrists:

Wear compression gloves:

Warm water treatment:

Ice bath:

Reduce your force and relax your grip:

Elevate your hands and wrists:

Do quick wrist exercises:

Ergonomic changes:

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!)

Related Posts

Nurses Need Nutrition Too: 10 Snacks That Pack Power

5 Ways to Stay Healthy on Your Vacation

First Day Food for Gypsies

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

5 Self-Care Tips to Improve Your Mental Health and Wellbeing

Stop Putting Yourself Down

Worry Less About What People Think

Learn New Skills

Set Realistic Goals

Cherish Every Moment

It’s All About You!

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!)

Related Posts

Managing Shift Work: A Nurse’s Guide to Staying Healthy

Travel Nursing, the Coronavirus & What You Need to Know

How Social Media Affects Mental Health

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Five Ways to Unwind

1. Exercise.

2. Keep a Journal.

3. Spend time with family and friends.

4. Laugh.

5. Learn to Say NO.

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!)

Related Posts

How To Create a Sunday Reset Routine When You’re Always on the Go

The Perks and Possibilities with Pets on the Move

7 Best Tiktok Accounts to Follow if You are Looking for Nurse on TikTok

Categories

Hot Jobs

Recent Articles

Easy self-care tips:

1 – Get Plenty of Sleep

2 – Maintain a Healthy Nutrition Plan

3 – Try Meditation

4 – Don’t Forget to Exercise

5 – Explore Your Surroundings

6 – Work For a Reputable Recruiter

7 – Consider Therapy

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!)

Related Posts

4 Self-Care Tips for Travel Nurses While on Assignment

How To Look After Your Mental Health During The Coronavirus Pandemic

Prepping for Flu Season with COVID-19