When you’re working with sick patients and have a stress-filled job as a healthcare professional, keeping healthy yourself becomes a priority. During National Safety Month, this week highlights tips for working comfortably and safely – wherever you are.

While there are precautions such as gloves and masks, health encompasses everything including staying physically, nutritionally and mentally healthy to do your best job and enjoy life at the same time.

Here are a few tips on how to stay strong, fit and happy in your career:

Flex Your Mental Health

It’s important to take time for yourself. Whether it’s exercising, yoga, or reading, take the time to relax and refresh your mind and mentally prepare for the next day ahead. Self care can help you monitor your thoughts and it’s crucial to realize when you’re feeling overwhelmed or overworked. Keep tabs on yourself and remember that recharging is so important to your success.

Sweat It Out

The last thing you probably want to do is hit the gym after a long shift on your feet. You may have a million other things you need to get done on your time off, but it’s important that you take the time to make exercise part of your routine.

Not only is sweating a great stress reliever, it releases all your toxins. If you have long hours – working 12 hour night shifts – it can be extremely challenging to be physically healthy. But when you do exercise, it makes you feel productive, healthy, and fit for the future. Add a sweat sesh to your morning, it will give you more energy throughout the day, making it easier to tackle those grueling shifts with a smile.

Get Good Sleep

Working weird hours and long shifts can take a toll on anyone. Getting some good shut eye is crucial. Lack of sleep can contribute to fatigue and medical errors. If you’re tired, you’ll make mistakes and even get sick yourself. Your body will shut down and even driving home after a 14 hour shift can become a safety issue if you are so drowsy.

Don’t know how to adjust to shift work and get enough zzz’s? Try a black out curtain, turning off the phone, exercising when you get up, not eating too much before you go to bed, or even watching caffeine intake during your shifts.

Eat Well

You’re busy from the moment you clock in for your shift until you update your last patient chart for the day. You might even find yourself eating out of convenience – grabbing a snack from the vending machine whenever you have a spare second. That being said, it’s likely you aren’t taking in the right balance of nutrients while on the job. The foods you eat are connected to how you feel throughout the day. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, even when on duty, and you’ll be able to power through your long shift.

Bring healthy snacks that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates and low in sodium, refined fats and sugars. Add some water to that routine and you’ll have natural fuel for your busy day!

Practice A Healthy Work-Life Balance

While nursing is a huge part of your life, and it may define things about yourself, it’s crucial to create a healthy balance of work and a personal life. Make time for family, friends, and yourself in order to reduce stress and promote overall satisfaction with your life.

Nurses have a skill in taking care of others, but it’s easy to lose sight of how to take care of themselves. Practice these tips to improve your overall wellness and get to a happier, healthier you!

KPG Healthcare is proud to be your go-to source for healthcare opportunities in the West, specializing in California. Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!