Nursing is a very stressful profession yet rewarding at the same time. Nurses work between shifts. However, it is also common for nurse to work overtime or in extended hours. They often stay late and come back to the workplace with lack of proper rest. As the result, it is easier for them to feel drained and fatigue most of the time. Nurses find it easy to take care of their patients. However, they find it harder to take care of their own health due to high demand to fulfill their responsibilities.
There are ways for nurses to stay energized and motivated during the shifts. Here are several of them:
Drink of plenty of water but limit caffeine intake. Caffeine is often considered as mood lifter or energy booster. However, it will only last for few hours before your energy is drained drastically. You feel even more exhausted than before playing judi bola. Making coffee consumption as daily habits can develop body tolerance. The longer you consume caffeine, the less effective it will be to boost energy. Replace caffeinated drink with healthier drinks such as fresh fruit juice, infused water, or just water.
Take a break and go outside even with little amount of time you have. Taking break is such a challenge for nurse. They are even often interrupted during their lunch break. However, it is highly recommended to steal a break when you can. Go outside even for 5 or 10 minutes. It helps recharge body mentally. Sunlight can help lift up the mood and energy after long hours work.
Eating right is also highly suggested for nurses. It is not easy to maintain well-balanced diet and watch what to eat. It is understandable for nurses to have difficulty in eating well. Sleep-deprived causes body to lose appetite. often, it causes body to crave sweets and carbs. This can ruin the balance of body which makes you feel so sleepy during the day. Eat more protein rich foods such as fatty fish. Choose healthy snacks for when you are hungry before meal time such as nuts or healthy energy bars.
Having ‘me time’ is hard for nurses. They often don’t have enough time to do their hobbies anymore once they work in professional medical setting. They even forget to take care of themselves. If are experiencing this currently, it is time to pay more attention to yourself. Aside from your health, you happiness does matter as well. When you have work-life balance, you won’t be too prone to stress or exhaustion. Find something fun you can do to relieve stress and fatigue.
Nurses are prone to stress and burnout because of the workload and duties. It can affect not only physically but also mentally. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to gain more support from others. Asking more support from families, friends, or colleagues is fine. It can help reduce the level of stress and elevate the moods. Talking the problems you experience with someone can also help reduce your anxiety.