Balancing Life and Work in the Nursing Profession
Tired after working a forty-hour week? Working full time plus the added stress of family and other commitments leaves most of us with little time to take care of ourselves, professionals say. Keeping yourself in peak shape is the best thing you can do to keep yourself happy at work and at home.
Here are 7 simple things YOU can do to keep yourself feeling great all week long
1. Eat right
The most important thing you can do for yourself is to keep your body in top condition by eating right and drinking plenty of fluids.
Make sure you’re stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables and try to make as many meals as possible for you and your family. Avoid foods high in fat. Pack yourself a sandwich or some healthy snacks for your workday instead of grabbing something on the go. If you don’t have time for breakfast, grab a cereal bar. But don’t skip breakfast all together. It’s gets your metabolism started and gives you energy so you can be on your feet for the next eight hours.
Bring a water bottle with you to work and drink throughout the day. This will help you keep your energy up as well as avoid dehydration. If possible, try to drink eight cups a day.
2. Get plenty of rest
Do you need to hit your snooze button five times before you get up? Try to get to bed around the same time everyday. Eight hours of sleep a night is best, although few adults achieve it. Avoid watching television or playing on the computer before bedtime. For those nurses working overnight shifts and sleeping during the day, try room darkening curtains to help you sleep for longer periods of time.
3. Exercise
Aside from its proven health benefits, exercising will help keep your energy levels high and keep you feeling better about yourself. Aim to get your body moving at least 3 times per week for 30 minutes or more. Go for a fast walk, a bike ride or gardening to get your heart rate up.
4. Plan ahead
Have a calendar and use it! Know what’s ahead of you for the upcoming week. Do you have appointments? Need to take your kids to soccer practice? Hire a babysitter? Planning ahead will help you keep your stress levels low and help avoid problems that can airse with last minute planning.
5. Unwind
No matter what kind of nurse you are, undoubtedly, it’s a stressful job. Don’t think you can just come home in a relaxed and upbeat mood. If you’ve had a hard day, especially if it was emotional, allow yourself some time to relax or grieve. Try writing in a journal or talking to a coworker, friend or partner. Maybe just close your eyes and take some deep breaths. Whatever works for you, allow yourself time to unwind from your hectic pace and readjust to your home life so you’re not taking your frustrations out on the wrong people.
6. Leave Work On Time
Being a nurse can be hectic and crazy. There are patients and charts. Though we understand it isn’t always possible, do your best to leave work on time. Don’t get sucked into staying late and leaving hours after you should have been home to make dinner. If you need to stay late to finish up work, set a deadline and tell your boss that you’ll be leaving at that time – and stick to it!
7. Do something nice for yourself
Take some time to do something nice for yourself. Get away from work and home and do something for you. Go to a coffee shop and read a book, get your nails painted, meet a friend for lunch. Sometimes all you need is a little break. Can’t find the time? Try scheduling in two to three hours per week. Treat it like you would any appointment and don’t cancel! Keeping yourself happy is a top priority!
-Andrea Weissman
