The adage, "healthy body, healthy mind" is particularly apt for travel nursing professionals. If you find yourself bouncing from one assignment to the next, you might start to feel worn down after a while. Over time, this can take a serious toll not only on your physical well-being, but also your state of mind. It's vital that you take care of yourself to the same standard you would for a patient, and although it may seem challenging to find the time to work out with your busy schedule, there are lots of ways you can stay in shape on the road.
Stay limber by stretching
If you're a travel nurse, you can probably recall more than a few times when you've been stuck on a plane, or idling in traffic. Frequent travel can wreak havoc on even the most seasoned travel nursing professional, so it's important to stay limber and keep your joints and muscles in good shape. One way you can do this is by stretching. Neck and shoulder stretches can alleviate pain and stiffness in the head, neck and upper arms, and can be done pretty much anywhere. Similarly, balancing on one leg is a great way to keep your hamstrings, quads and glutes in good shape. The best thing about simple stretches is that you don't need any fancy equipment to do them, and they're great for either a workout warm-up or quick tension-buster.
Focus on inner calm
Nursing can be hectic, and if left unchecked, the mental pressure of balancing so many responsibilities can take a toll on your mood, emotions and psychological well-being. To reduce stress and stay focused, why not start your day with tai chi?
This ancient Asian martial art has evolved into a calming and peaceful way to balance body and mind. As you work through a series of poses and positions, focus on your breathing. For such a simple form of exercise, tai chi can be tremendously beneficial and can also help you strengthen your core. As tai chi is low-impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, virtually anyone can get started with this relaxing form of exercise, no matter how busy they are.
Whether you're looking for your next travel nursing job or are currently on assignment, it's important to take care of yourself, as well as your patients. Don't forget to take some time to focus on you, and you may notice you'll be able to provide an even greater quality of care.