Healthy living tips for nurses

While having a nursing career means you spend your time trying to improve the health and lives of others, you can’t do your job well if you are tired, sick or stressed. Nurses sometimes have to work long hours and stay on their feet,¹ and if they don’t make their health a priority they could get burnt out. Use these tips to make sure you stay healthy, energized and prepared to do your job well:

Drink plenty of water

As an aspiring nurse, you likely know that approximately 60 percent of your body weight is water, which means drinking enough of it is a central component of staying healthy.² Water not only helps your body get energized and maintain electrolyte equilibrium, but it also flushes toxins from your bloodstream. Drinking plenty of water will improve your muscle function and help you feel better.³

Work your core

Being a nurse means sometimes having a busy schedule, and you may not be able to get to the gym every day. However, there are plenty of exercises that you can do while you’re on the clock that won’t interfere with your work performance. Try focusing on your core by tightening your abdominal muscles – you can do it whether you’re standing, sitting or walking.⁴

Eat healthy snacks

While fast food may feel like it saves you time, eating healthy snacks is a much better choice. Pack a bag full of mixed nuts, along with your favorite fruits and veggies, to munch on when you have a break. Eating foods that are high in protein and low in refined fats and sugars will help to power you through your day.⁵

Start napping

You can’t do your job well if you’re sleep deprived! Rest is an important means of combating stress and improving focus, so try to get in a 10- to 15- minute power nap on your break. You’ll wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.⁶

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, ‘Registered Nurses,’ March 29, 2012 – http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm
² Parks, Naomi, Livestrong, ‘Healthy Body Water Percentage,’ Dec. 22, 2010 – http://www.livestrong.com/article/340756-healthy-body-water-percentage/
³ Scrubs Magazine, ‘Realistic ways for nurses to keep their health,’ March 28, 2013 – http://scrubsmag.com/realistic-ways-for-nurses-to-keep-their-health/
⁴ NursingLink, ’10 Ways to Stay Healthy While on the Job,’ June 8, 2011 – http://nursinglink.monster.com/nurse-supervisor-jobs/articles/4666-10-ways-to-stay-healthy-while-on-the-job?page=1
⁵ NursingLink, ’10 Ways to Stay Healthy While on the Job,’ June 8, 2011 – http://nursinglink.monster.com/nurse-supervisor-jobs/articles/4666-10-ways-to-stay-healthy-while-on-the-job?page=1
⁶ NursingLink, ’10 Ways to Stay Healthy While on the Job,’ June 8, 2011 – http://nursinglink.monster.com/nurse-supervisor-jobs/articles/4666-10-ways-to-stay-healthy-while-on-the-job?page=1