Active Living: 7 Self-Care Tips for Nurses to Power Your Day

Nurses Week is an exciting time when America comes together to celebrate nurses like you and your role in powering the rhythm of care, all across the country. But aside from all the Nurses Week goodies, gifts, and celebrations, it’s important to remember that this is a time to focus on a little self-care, too!

 

Of course, practicing self-care is a great way to do exactly that — and if you think you’ve already heard every nursing self-care tip there is, explore seven new ways you can practice self-care at work, at home, or wherever else you travel through active living.

 

Why Self-Care Matters for Nurses

 

It’s talked about a lot, but self-care is something too few nurses make the effort to do. And that’s understandable, given how busy you are. Especially while you’re on a travel nursing assignment, it can be tough to find the time to make the effort.

 

But make no mistake, self-care makes a difference. It can help you sustain the work/life balance you need to avoid burnout and stay healthy and happy. So, it’s worth taking the time and making the effort. And these fast and easy active living habits make it easy to do just that.

 

What is Active Living and Why is it Helpful for Self-Care?

 

In its simplest form, active living means including more physical activity in your day. Think of active living as a way to practice self-care by doing the things you do every day, but just a bit differently — or more actively. It’s an alternative way to get some exercise in if you’re too busy to go to the gym. (And as a travel nurse, you can probably relate to that.)

 

While regular exercise is always ideal, active living is another, extra way to help manage weight, stress, and muscle strength, while contributing to your overall wellness. And best of all, it’s fast, easy, and it can leave you feeling great, too. 

 

You can also practice active living with hobbies. For example, hiking is a perfect hobby for travelers, since there’s always somewhere new to explore with every new assignment, and hiking is a great way to do it. And it doesn’t have to be on a scenic mountain trail! You can also simply walk to the grocery store, or wherever else your chores take you.

 

7 Ways to Practice Self-Care with Everyday Active Living

 

Wondering where to start? Nurses Week is the perfect time to begin. It gives you a clear starting point you can look back on a year from now, while building simple, consistent habits along the way, whether you’re at home or on assignment.

 

Here are a few easy ways to practice self-care with active living each day:

 

1. Biking. If you don’t travel with a bike, many cities have places to rent them, especially in touristy spots, like parks or along seashores and lakeshores.

 

2. Dancing. Search online for dancing lessons where you’re traveling, or just hit up the clubs on the weekends if that’s more your scene.

 

3. Walking. The next time you catch up with a friend or co-worker, do it while walking somewhere fun instead of sitting indoors.

 

●      Pro Tip: Time yourself the next time you walk to the store, hit up the garden, or take a bike ride, and start keeping a tally. You might be surprised at how fast the minutes add up!

 

4. Childcare. Fifteen or 30 minutes with a young kid usually means plenty of activity! And one way to get it is volunteering for a group like Big Brothers Big Sisters.

 

5. Gardening. Keep a garden while you’re at home, or search for local community gardens while you’re traveling.

 

6. Cleaning. Track your steps while you’re vacuuming, or make a point of stretching when you dust those hard-to-reach spots.

 

7. Working. You can also walk, bike, or stretch during your breaks at work. Plus, it’s a great way to get an energy boost without caffeine or energy drinks.

 

Get into the Rhythm of Self-Care with Active Living Today!

Active living is one of the easiest ways to practice self-care, but consistency is key. That’s what makes Nurses Week and Nurses Month the perfect time to start. If you’re ready to take it further, travel nursing gives you the chance to stay active while exploring new destinations.

Ready to take your nursing career somewhere new? From flexible travel assignments to opportunities in top healthcare facilities across the country, the Scrub Society job board helps you find jobs that fit your lifestyle, goals, and sense of adventure. Explore your next opportunity today on our job board.