Top Tips on How to Stay Healthy as a Nurse
Working the night shift can be tough, especially in the first year of being a nurse. In fact, many new nurses find a hard time when it comes to maintaining their health. It is even so fast to let your healthy diet habits and workout routine go out the window when you’re working odd hours. Some even miss the part where they still need to take care of their nursing scrubs and nurse uniforms. But luckily, you can get new ones from Simply Scrubs. Anyway, with a bit of planning and effort, you can stay healthy while working nights. That being said, keep reading. We’ve got some power tips we’d like to share with you. These will help you make the most of your time as a nurse and stay healthy.
Eat a Healthy Meal Before Your Shift
One of the best things you can do for your health is to eat a nutritious meal before your shift. This will help you maintain energy levels and resist temptation when unhealthy snacks are available. A healthy meal should include lean protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Some good examples include grilled chicken or fish, quinoa or brown rice, and avocado or olive oil.
It’s also a good idea to bring your own healthy snack during your break. This way, you won’t be tempted to eat the unhealthy food that’s available.
Strike a Work-Life Balance
Most of the time, nurses find it hard to maintain a work-life balance. This is because their job requires them to be on call 24/7. As a result, they can’t have a social life or pursue hobbies. But it’s a must to find time for yourself, even if it’s just 30 minutes a day. Hobbies and social activities can help you relieve stress and improve your mood. Pursuing them will also make you more well-rounded, which can benefit your career.
Get That Good Night’s Sleep You Deserve Every Day
Working the night shift doesn’t mean that you should sleep during the day. In fact, you need to get a good night’s sleep every day, even if it means sleeping during the day. This is because your body needs at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep daily to function properly. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to make mistakes and feel tired during your shift. This can lead to decreased productivity and an increased risk of accidents. So, ensure you get enough sleep every day, even if it means sleeping during the day.
Lay Off the Caffeine
Last but not least, let me talk about it. It’s tempting to rely on caffeine to get through your night shift. After all, it can help you stay awake and alert. However, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, irritability, and restlessness. It can also cause problems with sleep when you’re trying to sleep during the day. So, limiting your caffeine intake or even avoiding it altogether.
And that’s it, my fellow nurses. These are just some of the tips that can help you stay healthy as a nurse. So, keep them in mind and put them into practice. Working the night shift can be tough, but it doesn’t mean you can’t stay healthy. Just follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to success. Good luck with your first year.
