Here at RTG medical, we know how difficult it can be to get out and exercise, especially after a long shift when you’d rather rest.
But as we talked about on Monday, exercising has a number of great benefits, from helping you de-stress, to giving you a personal goal/routine, to making you a better role model for your patients.
Getting into a routine is one of the most essential components of exercise for a traveling nurse. Here are a few of our tips on how to get into a routine:
Wake yourself up with exercise.
A great way to start off your day is by waking yourself up with a little exercise. Consider low-impact exercises like Yoga or Tai Chi. Starting off with some activity helps to shake off the slumber, stretch your body, and also helps you become more in tune with your body–a great thing for mental health.
Incorporate an exercise routine into your work schedule.
One way to really get an exercise routine going is by incorporating it into your work schedule. Rather than rolling out bed and driving, try walking, jogging or biking to work. This will give you some time to gather your thoughts and dust off the cobwebs before you get into work, making you mentally prepared for the day. Plus, you’re already planning on going to work, so why not add in a little pre-work activity?
Buddy up.
We mentioned that exercising is a great way to get in some me-time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your routine with a friend. Consider taking a walk with a friend in the park or to a café for your weekly get-together. Not only are you getting in a great workout, but you are also giving yourself more time to spend doing other things, which is great when time is already as precious as it is.
Every step counts.
Sometimes, we’re only able to afford half an hour a day for exercising, but that doesn’t mean we can’t sneak in a little activity here and there. Instead of taking the elevator or escalator, consider taking the stairs for a mini-workout.
When you’re on your break, maybe take a walk around the beautiful hospital grounds, or perhaps take a quick stroll to a nearby café. Taking a moment to step out can help clear your head before you head back and finish off your shift, and every little thing you do helps your exercise routine.
Finding a way to fit an exercise routine into your daily schedule can be hard. But following these simple tips will hopefully make things much easier, and in turn, make you much healthier!
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photo credit: James Nord via photopin cc
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