Nurses are incredibly strong. They wake up every morning, throw on some scrubs, and head into work for their demanding shifts, all while striving to provide the best care for their patients especially during Covid-19. Then they go home, fall asleep, and start all over again the next morning.
As a nurse, you know that this barely touches the surface of the reality of the situation. The coronavirus has left most hospitals understaffed, leading many nurses to work longer shifts and manage far more patients than they can handle by themselves. Overworking yourself during the Covid-19 pandemic can cause fatigue, which can make you feel mentally and physically exhausted.
Here are some nursing tips and tricks to help you combat this fatigue:
Tip #1: Leave Work At The Door
Your home is supposed to be a relaxing environment. When you clock out of work, you need to clock out mentally, too. Your house should be a little getaway from the stress that comes with working in the healthcare industry.
Tip #2: Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, especially during this pandemic. Nurses go from patient to patient, checking vital signs, administering medicine, and assisting with daily activities. As a result, it’s easy to get so caught up in caring for patients that you forget to take care of yourself. Take time to relax and do things you enjoy. Skincare, creating something, reading, and learning new things are great ways to help your mental state.
Tip #3: Get Enough Sleep
To be on top of your game every day, make sure to get the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. Try going to sleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time in the mornings, even on the weekends. If you get a chance to take a nap, try to keep it before 3 pm and make sure it’s no longer than 20 minutes. Avoid caffeine late in the day and stay away from nicotine. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, comfortable, and not too cold or not too warm. Try to find a routine to help you relax before sleeping.
Tip #4: Exercise
It might sound counter-intuitive, but exercise can give you more energy and less fatigue in the long run. Try running: if you’ve ever experienced the “runner’s high,” you know the incredible energy-boosting benefits of this exercise. This feeling comes from your body’s release of a group of hormones called endorphins, which are known to cause a sense of euphoria. Running also helps increase energy by moving blood and oxygen throughout the body. Not a big runner? That’s okay, try walking. Just 10 to 15 minutes can work wonders for stress and energy levels. Swimming, yoga, aerobics, and boxing are all some funs ways to boost energy levels.
Tip #5: Eat Right
To boost energy, eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of unrefined carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, with an emphasis on vegetables, whole grains, and healthy oils. Different kinds of foods are converted to energy at different rates. Some, such as candy and other simple sugars, can give you a quick lift, while others, such as whole grains and healthy unsaturated fats, supply the reserves you’ll need to draw on throughout the day. Limit refined sugar and white starches to occasional treats. While you may get a quick boost from these foods, that feeling fades quickly and can leave you depleted and craving more sweets. Eat small, frequent meals, and make sure to drink enough water.
These tips and tricks should help you combat Covid fatigue. For more tips and tricks, check out CynaMed’s website!
