10 ways to improve well-being.

As nurses we must learn to manage our stressors and learn to be good to ourselves. We must "walk the talk" and be models of optimal health. Here are 10 ways to improve our own health.

We have collected 10 lifestyle modifications that can be made to improve our individual well-being and strategies to help you attain a positive change in your life.

Get Adequate Sleep

Long 12 hour shifts take a toll on our bodies. Not getting adequate sleep to recover can lead to burnout over a long period of time. It is important to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. This can be done by establishing a night time routine.

Maintain Healthy Weight

Nursing is a physically demanding job so it is important to keep ourselves in shape. As nurses we are also role models to our patients in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We should aim to maintain a BMI between 19 and 25m².  Some strategies that can be utilized to help maintain weight include: weigh yourself at least once a week, monitor your food intake and exercise patterns, use any opportunity available to engage in physical activity.

Consume a Healthful Diet

It is important to eat foods that nourish our bodies. This can be done by eating mainly fresh produce. Instead of frying our food, a healthier alternative is to bake or poach our foods. Avoiding fast food or eating on the run can also prevent unhealthy weight gain. It is also helpful to schedule meal times and to eat with another person.The foods that we eat should contain at least nine servings of fruits and vegetables.

To see healthy and easy recipes check out our blog. (add in link?)

Exercise

Find a form of exercise that you personally enjoy. There are so many options such as running, yoga, weight lifting, or even going for a hike. Try to find time to exercise daily even if its only for 20 minutes. The best way to motivate yourself to exercise to bring along a friend.

Schedule Quiet Time

Learn to say “no.” It is important to schedule quiet time to relax and de stress from our daily hectic work environment. Have quiet time for reflection, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or relaxation techniques.

Participate in Recreational Activties

Take time to do activities that you enjoy or even try something new and different.

Maintain an Optimistic Attitude

As nurses we are exposed to a lot sick and dying patients. Experiencing this daily can take a toll on our emotions. Try to always look at the bright side of life and take time to enjoy life’s pleasures.

Drink Water Our body is roughly 75% of water. Since we are constantly losing fluids it is important to replace those fluids. We should aim to drink 64 or more ounces of water daily. Some tips to help you consume more water daily are:

• Drink water instead of soda, fruit juice, dairy drinks, or caffeinated drinks

• Consume a glass of water between other beverages

Have a Strong Social Support Network

Having a strong social support network helps to better cope with stress. You don’t need to have a huge network of friends to benefit from social support, but instead having meaningful relationships with a close group of friends or family nourishes further emotional resilience and and positive feeling states.

Most importantly, invest in YOURSELF

Make time to do things that make you happy and make you feel good. Take vacations and personal days when needed. Get your hair done or nails done. Remember.. self care starts with YOU.