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10 Ways to Stay Healthy While on the Job

You know the nursing drill-long hours, high demands, and stressful situations leave you feeling accomplished, fulfilled, and…exhausted! You may feel like there’s just no time in the work day to take care of your number one patient: yourself. Although the work you do for others is amazing, it is important to give yourself the same attention!

Here are 10 ways to stay healthy while working your shift:

1. …Eat!

You’ve heard it before, but you may have neglected this fact. Your body functions according to the food you feed it. While at work, it can be hard to make sure you eat well. Try to bring some healthy snacks such as nuts, seeds, fruit, and veggies with you to work.

When it’s time for a meal, remember that the food you choose to eat can empower you to keep going strong throughout long hours. Choose foods high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and low in refined fats and sugars. Some great options are lean meats, fish, rice, pasta, and vegetables.

2. Stealthy Exercises

Who needs exercise when you are running around for 14+ hours per shift? You’d be surprised at how important it is to exercise specific parts of your body individually. Some easy exercises that don’t interfere with your work include:

• • Flexing Your Core: Tighten your ab muscles while standing, sitting, or walking around-your abs will thank you!
• • Quickie Push Ups: Have a 5 minute break? Find some floor space and do 5-10 of these. Even a few will make a difference.
• • Super Fast Squats: Use a chair or even an empty hospital bed to work your thighs. Stand with your back to the chair/bed, put your hands face down on the surface behind you, and bend your knees downward. Do 10-20 of these and feel the burn!