In the depths of winter, it is easy for people working in the travel nursing field to turn their attentions to a problem that nags millions of Americans: weight. Although weight worries are by no means exclusive to people in the healthcare profession, there are several reasons why these workers may be at an increased risk for unwanted gain.
According to NurseTogether, frequent travel and regular stress – two common elements for many people with travel nursing jobs – can contribute to extra pounds, particularly during winter. Recently, researchers from the Maryland School of Nursing studied 2100 healthcare workers and found that there appears to be a strong connection between the job demands of healthcare workers and weight gain.
“Long work hours and shift work adversely affect quantity and quality of sleep, which often interferes with adherence to healthy behavior and increases obesity,” said Kihye Han, the study’s lead researcher.
So, what is important for a travel nurse to understand about their jobs and how they can contribute to weight gain?
Stress relief
The fluctuating hours and great responsibility that go along with a career in travel nursing can often result in stress. This tension can, if unchecked, lead to some unhealthy behaviors like poor eating habits, a disturbed sleep schedule and inactivity. It is important to recognize this risk and work proactively to counteract it.
According to NurseTogether, stressed nurses are particularly susceptible to cravings for fatty, salty and sugary foods. Simply being aware of this – especially after a notably difficult shift – can help you keep these cravings under your thumb. Pack healthy snacks like fruits, nuts and veggies to bring to work and make an effort to cook more at home.
Regular sleep
Long workdays and overnight shifts can be routine parts of a travel nurse’s life, and they can also contribute to weight gain. Without the proper amount of sleep, it is harder to resist unhealthy urges, get to the gym and stay stress-free. Make it a priority to get the requisite eight hours of sleep a night and avoid the trap of sleep debt.
On the road again
A travel nurse’s frequent travel can also adversely affect his or her weight. The omnipresence and convenience of fast food can make it hard to eat healthfully, and the lack of a true home base can make it difficult to regularly incorporate exercise into your routine. However, with some planning and creative thinking – such as cooking multiple meals at once or developing a workout routine that doesn’t require a gym – you may find that it isn’t hard to adopt a healthier lifestyle while on assignment.
The most important component of staying in shape while on the road is recognizing the obstacles. Do your best to identify and address these problems and you will likely find that controlling your weight – even while away from home – is much easier.