Guest Post by: Christy Asah
Hi everyone, my name is Christy Asah, RB-BSN, and a travel nurse. Please allow me to thank the Gypsy Nurse for giving me this opportunity to share with everyone, especially nurses, some tips on balancing work, nutrition, and fitness. This is perfect timing because it is the beginning of the year; what better way to start achieving those goals?
I have been struggling with balancing work, fitness, and nutrition for about 6 years, sometimes doing what is called “the yo-yo diet.” Making unhealthy choices and be like, “oh, I will go to the gym tomorrow.” I was not seeing the results I wanted and kept asking myself why. So, I took it upon myself to find ways to make changes to my lifestyle. I went on Instagram and found beneficial tips and reasons why I did not see results, and I must confess I got the answers I needed. At that moment, I decided it was time to make modifications, and it has been life-changing since!
I have been able to achieve my body goals, which has helped to reach such a positive place in my life to a point where I am a part-time fitness and empowerment coach with my goal to help others get results, and I love it, especially when it comes to motivating, working with and helping my fellow nurses.
Working as a nurse can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to balancing our work with outdoor life. When we start on a fitness journey, it is very easy not to be able to keep up because of one reason or the other, which is very understandable, but at the same time, we must take care of ourselves. I have been there before.
Travel Nurse Fitness and Nutrition Tips
To start with:
I must say 100% is your mindset. You must be ready in every way you possibly can. Set attainable goals, take baby steps, and be determined. I call it investing in yourself. It is not an easy journey if I must be sincere. You must be able to get out of your comfort zone, push yourself and go the extra mile.
Healthy tips on taking an assignment:
I always search for fitness centers in any location before I take an assignment; on the other hand, you can get yourself a mat, two dumbbells, a resistant band, and a workout at home. Yes, you can work out at home, so there is no excuse for not going to the gym!
Are you driving or flying to start your next assignment?
Prep your lunch and snacks! Also, make it a habit to do your meal prep for the week, especially if you have been scheduled for 3 days in a row and will not have time to cook. Do not starve yourself but make sure you make healthy choices, and protein, protein, protein! This is what my nutrition plan focuses on – protein is the building block of your muscle tissue, and it also curbs your hunger and controls cravings! You need the right amount of complex carbs, healthy fats, and micro-nutrients also. 20% is fitness, 80% is nutrition, and 100% is your mindset.
Increase your water intake
I cannot over-emphasize the importance of water. Also, have healthy snacks between meals and fuel up every two hours. You will be surprised how this works.
I’ve got you covered; follow @datmodernafricanurse of Instagram for more tips, motivation, empowerment, and looking forward to starting 2019 with my fellow nurses.
