February 20, 2022

7289 Views

Brighten Your Day: Ways to Feel Better and Improve Your Mood

Posted on February 20, 2022December 19, 2023 by Daniel Wanderson

We might not understand it yet, but we live during times when people’s happiness is a priority. We have all the tools and tricks to make us feel better each day, even though life might be stressful at times. Moreover, we have access to science-based information to see the proof that these methods work.

This means that you can use scientifically based ways to make you feel happier, and they will work. The ways described below are focused on boosting hormones responsible for people’s happiness, satisfaction, and overall good mood. These hormones are endorphin, oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. Let’s check out some ways you may use to feel better.

Endorphin Boosters

Everyone knows that endorphins trigger pleasant feelings and reduce the feelings of pain. So here are some ways to boost your endorphins and become happier.

Exercise

Sport and physical activity shape your body, and you become healthier. After several weeks of exercising, you will notice that you look a lot better (in case you haven’t been exercising at all before). This alone will make you feel happier, but that’s not the point. Exercising boosts endorphins.

The hormone reduces your perception of pain and triggers the positive feeling in your body, almost like dulling the pain with morphine but in a pleasant way. If you exercise correctly, you get a beautifully shaped body; you will become overall healthier, boosting endorphins. To exercise correctly, you have to combine various exercises. Training only one type of muscle is counterproductive. Try to vary your exercises, so all muscles work.

Laughter

Not just randomly producing the “haha” sound, you have to enjoy something. It’s quite a pleasant way to become happier, but you need to find ways that make you laugh. Laughter stimulates endorphins since it convulses your innards. It’s believed that laughter helps release fear. Instead of fearing something, you may find something amusing and start laughing. You can watch your favorite episodes of TV-series, videos on YouTube, read funny stories, etc.

Stretching

First of all, it feels so good that it makes you instantly happier. Second, it’s easy to stretch so it won’t disrupt your everyday routine. You may stretch your back, arms, and legs while working or watching your favorite TV-series, you can stretch while waiting for someone, talking to someone over the phone, etc.

It’s not at all necessary to push yourself harder to feel the pain. The point is to stretch those muscles you have neglected before. That’s how you get your endorphins boosted. You can start by performing simple stretching exercises and then proceed with more advanced things.

Oxytocin Boosters

Oxytocin is a hormone that is often related to love, friendship, and social bonding. Boosting oxytocin will make you feel better, so here are some ways to improve your mood.

Massage

Getting a massage is a surprisingly effective way to trigger the production of oxytocin in your body. If you think it might become an expensive habit, you are not quite right. There are at least 2 ways to save your money and still get the best massage:

Find a massage buddy.
Watch videos to learn how to perform self-massage (very effective).

It’s good at triggering oxytocin production, and what is even better, it’s a pleasant habit, and you will fall for it after the first try.

Trust

Oxytocin is responsible not just for the feeling of love (including maternal love), friendship, but for social bonding as well. Being able to trust someone triggers oxytocin in your body. If you have several individuals you can completely trust, doesn’t that make you happy? Exactly, it does, that’s the point!

If you have someone you want to trust, but you can’t, this person should be your target. It doesn’t mean you have to trust this person for the sake of trusting. Try building trust by starting conversations. If all goes well, proceed with turning this person into someone you trust, maybe, even a friend. That will help you get rid of negative emotions and will trigger the production of oxytocin.

Be Trustworthy

In a similar vein, when you trust someone, the feeling that someone trusts you also triggers oxytocin production. It’s an amazing feeling when people trust you, even if those people are not your friends or family members.

To boost the production of oxytocin, you may think of situations when people trust you. One of the best ways to do so is to honor your commitments. If you have some tasks to do, and people rely on you, a job well done would be a great oxytocin booster. You don’t have to accomplish great deeds, just small things that help you build trust every day.

Dopamine Boosters

Here are some ways to boost the level of dopamine.

Cope With Unpleasant Tasks

Everyone has it, everyone dreads even to start dealing with such a task, but you will eventually have to deal with it. The best way to make you happier is to dedicate several minutes a day to deal with it. You won’t even notice it when it’s over, and you will become happier.

Reach a Goal

In a similar vein, you may reach success by dedicating several minutes a day to complete a task. It may be learning a new language, reading a book, getting into better physical shape, working with websites like dota2-bets, etc.”. It takes less time, but the results will be amazing and satisfying.

Celebrate Every Victory

We don’t get a Ph.D. every day, but we have to be happy when gaining smaller victories. We all tend to concentrate even on small losses; why not celebrate small victories instead? Just think of one small accomplishment you have reached today, and celebrate it!

Serotonin Boosters

This hormone is responsible for such feelings as happiness, the feeling of well-being, and even boosts your confidence. Below you may find some pleasant ways to trigger the production of serotonin.

Make Peace with Lack of Control

If everything is under control, we feel happy. Even if you are the least control-seeking person, you will still be happy that your everyday routine is not disrupted. Lack of control over something confuses us; we have no idea what to do, which makes us feel worse. But it’s important to understand that we can’t control everything. Instead of feeling confused or scared when something is out of your control, it’s best to cope with the fact that you can’t control everything.

That way, you feel happier since whenever something extraordinary happens, you won’t feel like it’s the end of the world. You will feel safe, not scared. The best way to train your brain to be ready is to do things you are not used to. For example, if you love when everything is neat and in order, create chaos around you. Or, if you love baking your cookies due to the recipe, throw out the recipe and bake cookies without it.

Always Enjoy Your Social Role

Your social position may keep changing over time, so get used to this thought and enjoy every moment. You may think that being a subordinate is a bad thing, but dominant positions also may be confusing. As a result, you are not satisfied in both situations. Whether you are in a subordinate or a dominant position, think about the advantages of your current position. It will help you be happy and satisfied that you have advantages while being in a current position. Just enjoy every day!

Enjoy Being Proud of Something

Being acknowledged is a good feeling, but it’s a bit tricky. Everyone loves getting praised for doing something, but if not, no disappointments. It’s a tricky way to boost your serotonin level, but you can try it anyway. If it works – good, if not – it doesn’t kill you, don’t get disappointed.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Vera Wilhelm

January 18, 2022

6564 Views

Managing Triggers: Do You React or Respond?

Posted on January 18, 2022December 22, 2021 by Vera Wilhelm

A client recently told me that she was standing at an intersection waiting for a car to stop. When the approaching car showed no intention of slowing down, she stepped into the street, barely avoiding a collision. ‘I have no idea what happened, that I would do something like that just to make a point, she told me. ‘I felt so provoked.’

Whether at home or work, most of us have been there. Someone who talks in a certain tone of voice acts aggressively or defiant, and we have a much stronger reaction than expected or justified. We feel triggered.

What’s a trigger?

Triggers come in the form of events or experiences that cause an excessive emotional reaction. They can be compared to a barely healed wound that gets irritated and causes a sudden, painful reaction. Triggers are often rooted in fears we hold based on previous experiences and activate our limbic or emotional center of the brain into a fight, flight, or freeze mode. So reasoning with them is usually not an option, as we are often unaware of what triggers us, and our reactions can happen so fast that they erase the distance between stimulus and reaction.

A number of emotions can cause a trigger reaction, including feeling:

discounted or ignored, excluded, controlled or told what to do or feel, taken advantage of, and/or be concerned that someone is crossing our boundaries or poses an imminent threat.

However, not each time we are told what to do, for instance, causes a trigger reaction. Only when those reactions seem excessive and disproportionate may we suspect that we got triggered by an emotional pain that may have its roots in the past more than in the present moment. Like the barely healed wound, these pains are concealed but flare up easily. The intensity of our reactions can negatively affect social and professional relationships and get in the way of connecting with others.

What to do about being triggered?

There are several ways we can resource ourselves to break the circuit of stimulus and reaction in favor of a more reflective response.

Taking a mental note of those moments and creating awareness of what sets off reactivity is the first step. Once we better understand what or who triggers us and when we can start to change the way we relate to the trigger and eventually reduce its influence. The ability to observe ourselves as we are being triggered and focus on thoughts and feelings at the moment makes us less activated in the amygdala. This immediately changes our reactivity as we don’t feel as compelled emotionally as when we are oblivious to what is happening.

Calming yourself by taking deep breaths, taking a short walk, or doing mental fitness exercises (paying attention to sensations such as touch, sound, or vision) helps the body to self-regulate from a rush of adrenalin and cortisol. It brings us back to the present moment.

Being curious by exploring what could be the root cause underlying the trigger shifts our mind from reacting to seeking knowledge. When we are curious, we strengthen the functional connectivity between our brain’s reward system that is anticipating receiving something desirable and the memory and learning systems that help us retain the memory more deeply and learning systems that help us retain the knowledge more deeply. Even if we discover that we don’t really know, we still get out of the reactive mode and take a wider, more panoramic perspective of the issue, shifting the response.

Meeting a trigger with self-compassion rather than engaging in an inner argument that puts us down.

If the trigger is an inner critique (I’m not smart enough, etc.), it’s useful to acknowledge the voice as a reminder to step back and take a break rather than run with the emotion. Reaffirming that you are doing your best and feeling compassion for the underlying wound that may cause the trigger gives a sense of agency with more options to respond.

Creating healthy boundaries can be especially helpful if we find we get triggered by people who are closest to us or with whom we share a lot of common history. Being as present as possible in such moments and expressing the emotions that you feel (faster heartbeat, feeling anxious, etc.) and your need to take a break as things heat up can be helpful to delay reactivity. Also, reminding ourselves that it’s normal to get annoyed with certain people or attitudes and that we just need to accept what we cannot change can reduce our need to react strongly and provide more perspective and agency. Again, practicing some mental fitness exercises is extremely helpful to access this perspective at the moment.

Once we develop tools to handle triggers, we break the immediacy of stimulus and reaction by resourcing ourselves. That step gives us more confidence that we can handle the situation and more options to respond rather than react. A powerful way to resource ourselves are mental fitness techniques. To find out more about my offer for mental fitness coaching, please click here.

We hope you found this article on managing triggers and if you should react or respond helpful. Are there any topics you would like to see The Gypsy Nurse cover in an article? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you need housing for your next assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Sources:

Triggers: How We Can Stop Reacting and Start Healing by David Richo ©2019. (book)
How to let go of anger through mindfulness by Tata Brach (article)
How to Work with a Client’s Emotional Triggers – NICABM (course)

By Krucial Staffing

December 7, 2021

7498 Views

Mental Health Resources: Combatting Stress Brought on by the Pandemic

Posted on December 7, 2021November 18, 2021 by Krucial Staffing

This article was provided by Krucial Staffing.

This article was written by: Courtney Holmes.

The strain and stress this pandemic has put on healthcare workers is indescribable. COVID-19 created challenges healthcare workers had never faced before. At the same time, simultaneously overwhelming hospitals with patients who needed isolation at a speed many were not ready for. According to a poll done by the Washington Post in April 2021, six in 10 healthcare workers say the stress from the pandemic has harmed their mental health. If you feel like your mental health has been affected over the past two years, you are not alone.

“Healthcare is, at its core, about improving the odds of life in its struggle against death. Of extending that game which we will all lose, each one of us unto eternity, extending it another year, month or second,” said Keith Olbermann, author, and commentator, during a special broadcast on MSNBC. 

Dealing with death has always been part of being a healthcare worker. All healthcare workers train on how to handle the post-modem process, but COVID-19 has redefined the death process. Healthcare workers have had to navigate the challenges that came with the pandemic, but the amount of death seen in such a short amount of time has greatly affected those who have been in the medical field for years, especially those who recently joined the field.

As this pandemic has continued, images of patients in distress, dreams of perpetual alarms, goodbyes through an iPad, and repeated trauma have come home with many in the healthcare community.

While the pandemic is not over, we wanted to build a list of resources to help with the stress many are facing and remind everyone; you are not alone.

If you need to talk to someone immediately:

Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Available 24/7 
Online Lifeline Crisis Chat
Chat 24/7

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

The Cleveland Clinic, known for its world-renowned research, has resources for working through the winter months: “Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is depression that gets triggered by a change in seasons, usually when fall starts. This seasonal depression gets worse in the winter before ending in the spring.

Some people may get a mild version of SAD known as the ‘winter blues.’ It’s normal to feel a little down during colder months. You may be stuck inside, and it gets dark early.”

An organization called Better Help also offers counseling at a low cost, no matter your location. Better Help was started in 2013 to offer counseling over the phone anywhere at any time in any part of the country. According to Better Help, it has more than 24,000 licensed therapists with over 20,000 reviews. We recommend checking them out, no matter what type of mental health issue you are facing.

If you are struggling with depression/burnout:

The American Medical Association offers many resources to help healthcare workers, specifically with burnout and recovery from injuries while practicing physical and psychological medicine. AMA is directed towards healthcare professionals and examples they may experience working on the floor with patients.  

The American Psychiatry Association also breaks down how to handle stress and anxiety. They have produced information on how to combat depression on a day-to-day basis. Additionally, there is a page with commonly asked questions about depression if you are unsure where to begin your healing journey.

If you are struggling with PTSD: 

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has excellent resources for working through PTSD. 

According to the NIMH, “Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary or dangerous event.

It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation. Fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to help defend against danger or to avoid it. This fight-or-flight response is a typical reaction meant to protect a person from harm. Nearly everyone will experience a range of reactions after trauma, yet most people recover from initial symptoms naturally. Those who continue to experience problems may be diagnosed with PTSD. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened, even when they are not in danger.” 

Additionally, Healthline has fantastic resources for working through PTSD, including resources such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. EMDR is an interactive psychotherapy technique used to relieve psychological stress. 

There is not just one way to begin processing the effects of this pandemic. It is recommended to find what works for you and your situation. We at Krucial feel it is essential to encourage everyone who has worked tirelessly in this pandemic to take a moment to evaluate their mental health and reach out if needed. 

We recognize all the sacrifices that everyone in healthcare has made to help patients during this pandemic. It has taken an unimaginable toll on mental health for many healthcare workers. People left their families and lives to serve others and came home with battle scars. Your pain is noticed, your heroism is honored, and we encourage you to reach out for support.

Interested in looking more about an emergency response or contract travel options? Check out emergency response and healthcare staffing company, Krucial Staffing.  Krucial Staffing specializes in high volume, rapid response staffing, driven by a mission to serve others at their greatest time of need. To learn more about what positions they currently have open, check out their Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or Twitter page.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Need housing for your assignment? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Fastaff Travel Nursing

November 29, 2021

6417 Views

Mental Health Help For Travel Nurses

Posted on November 29, 2021May 27, 2022 by Fastaff Travel Nursing

This article was provided by Fastaff.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major impact on mental health worldwide, but no one has been hit harder than front-line healthcare workers. As a result of the heightened stress healthcare professionals have endured for almost two years, they are at a higher risk for mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. While traveling as a healthcare professional may feel isolating and lonely at times, it’s important to understand that you are not alone, and help is available and accessible through multiple channels.

Here are several benefits you can take advantage of as a travel nurse to support your mental health:

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) offer professional assistance with personal, family, finance, and work struggles, often at no cost to the employee. Many programs offer free telehealth therapy sessions and in-person access to behavioral health professionals and substance abuse counselors, among a variety of other benefits.

The Fastaff Employee Assistance Program offers confidential telephone consultations and counseling sessions for issues including stress, depression, family and relationship concerns, and more.

Movement is Medicine

According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA.org), even just five minutes of aerobic exercise can help lower cortisol, one of the primary hormones responsible for elevated levels of stress in the body. Utilizing fitness programs offered by your agency will encourage you to get moving and may improve your mental health and emotional wellbeing.

Fastaff currently works with United Healthcare to offer travelers enrolled in a Fastaff Health Plan a discounted digital fitness membership for 24/7 access to Peloton fitness classes on the go. Fastaff nurses can also join a free virtual yoga class every Wednesday at 12pm MT.

Prefer to get out of your house or hotel room to exercise? Fastaff also offers its travelers discounted memberships to 24-Hour Fitness – the world’s largest privately-owned fitness center chain that has thousands of convenient locations, the latest equipment, and diverse fitness classes to keep your workout interesting.

Finally, If you are currently enrolled in a Fastaff Health Plan, you may be eligible to enroll in a 1-year subscription to Apple Fitness+ at no additional cost.

In addition to taking advantage of programs that your agency may offer, one of the most underestimated forms of exercise that boosts both your physical and mental health exists for free – a short walk outside can help center and calm your mind and body, leaving you refreshed and renewed, allowing you to show up as the best healthcare professional you can be. Check out mental wellness apps like Calm and Headspace for guided meditations, encouragement, and coaching while you’re out and about.

Talk it Through and Work it Out

Talk therapy is a proven safe and effective method to help individuals sort through what’s taking up space in their minds and body. Talkspace is an online application that provides ongoing support and resources from a wide network of licensed therapists. With a dedicated COVID-19 Instagram channel and therapist-led Facebook groups, Talkspace offers discounted subscriptions for all users and financial assistance for healthcare workers and first responders.

In addition to therapy, The National Alliance on Mental Illness (nami.org) offers resources dedicated to healthcare workers who have been impacted by the events of the last year and a half. NAMI offers multiple resources to connect health care professionals with licensed mental health professionals at no cost, in addition to resources for individual and group support.

Long before the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals experienced an unprecedented amount of burnout, depression, workplace stress, and anxiety. As the pandemic continues to exacerbate the rate of mental health issues in nurses, there must be a paradigm shift from mental health crisis reaction to prevention and awareness. Our goal is to empower our nurses to be proactive about their mental health by destigmatizing mental illness and providing ongoing support and resources as they navigate the COVID-19 landscape.

Our healthcare heroes are our lifeline, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Take care of yourself and be well.

Crisis Resources

Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 to reach a Crisis Counselor
National Suicide Prevention Hotline – 800-273-8255
NAMI HelpLine – 1-800-950-6264 or info@nami.org

We hope you found this article on mental health help for travel nurses helpful. Have you found ways to help with your mental health while on assignment? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Have the assignment but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Kevin Devoto

November 10, 2021

6013 Views

How to Stay Calm and Content as a Travel Nurse

Posted on November 10, 2021October 28, 2021 by Kevin Devoto

Nurses have a lot of stress on their plates daily. Adding frequent travel to an already anxiety-provoking job can make it that much more stressful. As a travel nurse, you’re not in one location for very long, and you’re in some longer than others. This means you probably feel like you’re constantly learning your way around new cities and learning the ropes at different facilities. There are many great perks to being a travel nurse. However, some of the reasons that may have initially led you to this type of nursing could be the very aspects stressing you now. Here are some ways to stay calm and content as a travel nurse

Staying Calm and Content:

Make Time For Self-Care

Everyone experiences stress at times, particularly those in the helping professions. It’s essential to take some time for yourself to relax. Routinely practice de-stressing. You may even have to schedule it into your daily and weekly activities so that you’re sure to make time for it. As a nurse, it’s vital to your own health to do something you enjoy every day, even if it’s just soaking in a hot bubble bath for an hour. Making time to de-stress, especially after a particularly challenging day, will improve your mental and physical health. You need to be healthy to do your best job helping others, so be kind to yourself; it’s not selfish.

Get enough good sleep and eat healthily. Considering features like mattress thickness, you may need to invest in a more comfortable bed to get a better night’s sleep. Make sure that you’re getting a solid eight hours of sleep each night. Technology these days allows much more access than ever to your friends and family. Wherever you are in the world, you can keep in touch with your loved ones, calling or video chatting. While it’s not perfect, knowing you have supportive people at your fingertips can keep homesickness at bay.

Invest In Yourself

Spend a little extra on the things you need for your job, such as clothing and especially your shoes, since you’re going to be on your feet for long hours. You need to be comfortable while you do your job. You also need to be sure that your gear will hold up through the wear and tear of your demanding work. Be sure to invest in equipment that’s more aesthetically appealing to you, also. After all, you perform at your best when you feel good and look good.

Look For New Adventures

Working in different cities can be stressful as you’re learning where everything is and how to navigate the area. The change of environment can also be exciting. Take time to explore the region. Your co-workers and neighbors can offer ideas of things you must do while you’re in the area. Additionally, exploring can allow you opportunities to meet new local friends.

Learn Organizational Skills

Life is much easier when you can stay organized, but this is challenging for many people. When you’re moving regularly and on the go with your daily duties, being organized is essential to save your life as free from stress as possible.

Keep Yourself In a Routine

Your assignments as a travel nurse could vary widely. It can be challenging to keep yourself in a routine when you feel like you’re constantly doing something different. If you can create a pattern and stick with it, stress will be kept at a minimum. You’ll know what to expect and will feel more in control over your life. It’ll also create a sense of normalcy.

Conclusion

As a travel nurse, you are particularly susceptible to stress. It’s crucial for your mental and physical wellbeing that you take care of yourself first and foremost. You won’t be helpful to anyone if you get burned out. Find ways to make yourself comfortable in your new surroundings and be kind to yourself daily. As a travel nurse, you have a lot of responsibilities, but you also have a lot of opportunities others don’t, so enjoy them.

We hope you found these tips for staying calm and content as a travel nurse helpful. Have you found any ways to keep yourself calm as a travel nurse? Comment them below.

Are you looking for your next travel nurse assignment? Click here to view our job board. Do you have an assignment lined up but need housing? Click here to search our housing page.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Morgan Elliott

September 5, 2021

6920 Views

5 Relaxing Activities for Travel Nurses that Are Beneficial for Physical and Mental Health

Posted on September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 by Morgan Elliott

Being a traveling nurse, although fun and fulfilling, can sometimes become a tad bit overwhelming. With everything that comes with this type of job, one can easily become stressed and forget about their own needs.

This, of course, will only be counter-productive in the long run. The more physically and emotionally fit you are, the better you will be at performing your job. Taking care of your well-being first will enable you to be better at taking care of others. That’s why we’ve created a list of 5 relaxing activities every traveling nurse should try out.

Running helps keep you in shape

Running is an excellent form of exercise that will help you stay in good shape and improve your health. This type of exercise is suited for people of all ages and fitness levels. When going for a run, many people use the opportunity to clear their heads of any thoughts and focus solely on running itself. On the other hand, to some, going for a run presents the perfect opportunity to think about things that are currently happening in their lives and come up with ways to deal with them. Of course, if you’re just starting to run, make sure you take things slow. Get all the necessary running gear that will aid you to perform this workout correctly and minimize any chances of injury.

Hiking is an excellent way to relax and unwind

If running is not your thing, you should try hiking instead. As a beginner hiker, you won’t have to get any elaborate gear and have any significant expertise. You can simply go for a hike and enjoy some fresh air and beautiful sceneries. If you end up liking it and you feel like you want to learn more about it, check out a useful guide on hiking to find out more information about this fun activity. So, get your hiking shoes on, make sure you bring some water to stay hydrated, prepare your favorite playlist and go on a relaxing and mindful hike.

Yoga will heal your soul

Yoga is another way you can take care of both your mind and body. The fact that you can practice yoga wherever you want is an added benefit to this exercise. No matter if you decide to go to a yoga studio, or you choose to do it in your home/out in the park, you’ll surely start noticing the benefits soon. Besides, since in order to practice yoga you won’t have to get any special gear, it makes a perfect exercise option for traveling nurses. Therefore, make sure you find a peaceful corner for yourself, get your comfortable exercising clothes on and get in tune with yourself.

Going to a concert will boost your happiness

It’s true what they say, music can – in fact – heal your soul. So, if you hear about any interesting concerts near you, don’t hesitate to check them out. Not only will listening to your favorite jams boost your endorphin levels but singing along will bring some additional benefits. When you sing, you use your lungs more. Therefore, it’s safe to say that singing is a great type of exercise for this very important organ. When you get the chance to combine something you enjoy with something that’s good for you, never miss on doing it.

A “me” day will re-energize you

In the end, we should all try to be more kind to ourselves. Many people – and nurses in particular – tend to always put others before themselves. However, it is of the utmost importance that we pay attention to ourselves from time to time and put our own needs first. That’s why you shouldn’t shy away from taking a “me” day every once in a while, and treat yourself both physically and emotionally. Go for a relaxing massage or prepare yourself a nice warm bubble bath. Do things that bring you joy or even go to therapy if you start feeling overwhelmed. As a medical professional, you know best just how important it is not to ignore the signs our bodies are sending us.

A job of a traveling nurse is anything but easy – both physically and emotionally. That’s why you should make sure that you treat both your body and mind to some relaxing activities and things that bring you joy. The better you feel, the more productive and engaging you’ll be, which is certainly something both you and the people around you can greatly benefit from.

We hope that you found these relaxing activities for travel nurses helpful. Do you have any activities you use to help relax after a hard shift or on your day off? Comment them below.

Finished the travel nursing guide and are ready to look for an assignment?

Check out our travel nurse jobs!

By AMN Healthcare

July 8, 2021

5107 Views

How To Leave A Stressful Nursing Shift Behind

Posted on July 8, 2021March 22, 2022 by AMN Healthcare

This article was provided by AMN Healthcare.

Perhaps now more than ever, whether you’re a travel nurse or a perm nurse, you’ve been stressed during and after a nursing shift. Everyone has those days when you can’t seem to stop for a bite to eat or even a bathroom break. Nursing stress is common and can easily lead to nurse burnout, but with these easy stress management tips, you will be feeling recharged in no time.

Tips for leaving a stressful nursing shift behind:

1. Unplug and relax

A quiet routine can quickly soothe your ruffled soul. Follow these tips to help you relax and unplug after a stressful nursing shift:

Pull out those homey touches you’ve brought with you, such as lavender-scented candles, eucalyptus bath salts, and your favorite robe and fuzzy socks.
Take a bubble bath, have a glass of wine, and binge on your favorite TV show.
Reward yourself with a delicious, light meal (chicken soup, salmon, salad, sushi), followed by a piece of dark chocolate as a healthy antioxidant reward.
Wind down with some deep breathing, meditation or yoga stretches, then unplug your electrical devices and get a good night’s sleep.

2. Soothe your aching hands, feet, neck, and back

Instead of popping a pain pill for your aching feet and joints, why not treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or other treatment?

Professional massages often include aromatherapy, essential oils, a warm massage table, soft lighting, instrumental music, and gentle hands that can relax and restore your well-being. Get discounts and coupons via the local paper, Yelp, Groupon, or colleagues in the know.
Hot tubs, warm baths, or foot soaks with Epsom salts can be just the ticket for many nurses.
Stretching, swimming laps, yoga, and Pilates help, too. Turn to YouTube exercise videos for inspiration or a favorite low-impact exercise DVD.
Other pain relief can come from chiropractic treatment, acupuncture, physical therapy, and TENs stimulation.

3. Spa treatments — just for you, or with friends

Spend a half-day at a local spa for the ultimate stress relief after a stressful nursing shift. Just imagine yourself changing into a comfy robe, sipping cucumber lemon water, nibbling fresh fruit, and being queen or king for the day! Choose from various spa treatments, from mud baths and refreshing wraps to foot reflexology, massage, and revitalizing facials. Some spas offer exercise classes and healthy lunches. Day spas offer a great way to spend time with new friends, including other travel nurses and staff. Check the local hotels and medical spas for the best deals, and prepare to be pampered.

4. Think positive and laugh

Some reports say that kids laugh more than 300 times a day, shouldn’t they? The Mayo Clinic confirms that laughter boosts endorphins and relieves stress, among other physical benefits.

Go ahead and giggle over those funny cat and dog videos that everyone shares or other Animal Planet-type spots.
Browse through the funny greeting cards and read all the snarky Maxine jokes. It’s okay to chortle in the aisles.
When you or someone at work is grumpy, add a quarter to the “happy hour” jar for get-togethers.
Call, Skype, or Facetime your best friend and guffaw about your day, or reminisce about that last trip to Vegas.
Keep a gratitude journal and jot down what made you happy that day.

5. Find a relaxing escape

Travel nursing is essentially a working vacation, which means 1,001 places to discover during your time off. Ziplines, water parks, biking trails, zoofaris, and beaches perfect for strolling can reduce stress and replace nagging worries with memorable new adventures. Check out the local food and music festivals in your assignment city, visit a historical town nearby or take up a sport you always meant to learn. Or stretch your limits and try white water rafting, parasailing or skiing; the adrenaline will make you forget your woes!

When you’re on a nursing assignment, it’s easy to find ways to unwind and reduce your stress between nursing shifts. Don’t let nursing stress overwhelm you! Pamper yourself or explore new horizons. You’re worth it!

As a travel nurse your mental health can take a toll. Long and stressful nursing shifts, stressful patients and families, the list goes on. Click here for more articles on mental health and mental health tips.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Victoria Casto

June 16, 2021

6880 Views

Taking Care of Your Mental Health as a Traveling Nurse

Posted on June 16, 2021March 22, 2022 by Victoria Casto

As healthcare workers, we take care of others all day long. We chose this career path because we enjoy making other people happy and are generally compassionate individuals. However, we often neglect our own mental health in the process, and we can’t take care of our patients if we don’t care for ourselves first. Nursing is already a very challenging job that demands long hours under high-stress levels. Then throw a global pandemic into the mix, and you’ll find many people have been pushed to their breaking points.

This year has been especially trying in the healthcare field, but nurses, in particular, have gained even more responsibility and tend to run the circus. Below you will find mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers.

Burnout is Real

I’ve seen an overwhelming number of nurses on social media expressing burnout and even wishing to leave the field entirely after the coronavirus pandemic hit. For me, it felt like my whole life was uprooted at work, and I was under constant unknowns and ever-changing policies about how to deal with something we knew very little about. On top of all that, we had to live in mostly isolated conditions at home without the usual contact from friends and loved ones.

Nursing school could never have adequately prepared us for something like this or the extreme level of burnout that we felt.

Recognizing There is a Problem

The first step is awareness that something needs to change. Sometimes it takes hitting some real lows to learn how to pick yourself back up and grow from it. Most people wouldn’t know it today, but when I was 16, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I’ve had to learn how to take care of my mental health over this last decade and a half, and I’ve truly been on a journey in life to find happiness and peace within myself. So in a way, I was a little ahead of the game with recognizing when I’m under stress and was already prepared with coping strategies during tough situations.

It Takes Work

You’ve got to find what makes you happy. For me, exercise, fun outdoor activities, yoga, and creative outlets like cooking, writing, and photography are things I do for myself. These are things that bring me joy and excitement and help me find peace at the end of the day. I’ve also found that one of the most important things I need in life is balance. I tend to stay very busy and am usually out exploring on my days off, but that can eventually leave me feeling stretched thin. During those weeks where work kicks my butt, I sometimes have to take a day to focus on self-care and relax so I can recharge and find that balance. Hello, mental health days!

A daily gratitude practice is also a small activity that can make a big impact on your mindset. It’s amazing how reflecting on all the positive things you have in your life can make the other problems seem so small.

Take Advantage of Being a Travel Nurse

When I first started travel nursing, I felt like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders, not having to be so involved in unit politics and feeling trapped in a job. While on contract, if we find ourselves in a work environment we don’t love, we can leave in just three months, and it seems like there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We also get to choose where we work, including an endless number of beautiful places to immerse ourselves in! I love the outdoors, and some of my favorite ways to unwind are going out for a hike in the mountains or even just lying on a beach.

Travel nursing has brought me to so many amazing places that seem unreal and have absolutely taken my breath away. I’m so grateful every day for the life I get to live. And one of the simplest ways to deal with burnout is taking some time off in between your contracts to recharge! I usually take off at least a month between jobs to catch up with family and take a trip somewhere fun. Plus, you never have to feel like you’re alone in a new city! I have always found that other travel nurses make the best friends because they perfectly understand your crazy lifestyle and are down to get out and explore with you.

Knowing Your Limits

But if you ever find yourself in a tough place that doesn’t seem to have light at the end, there is always help and know that you are not alone. Most employers offer at least a few free counseling sessions at no cost to you under an EAP (employee assistance program). I’ve seen a counselor in the past and know several people who have counselors (including traveling nurses). Nami.org has some great resources as well, or feel free to reach out if you need someone to talk to.

At the end of the day, we have to look out for ourselves and keep our minds and bodies healthy. That way, we can take care of our patients to the fullest and provide them the care they need and deserve.

We hope you found these mental health tips for travel nurses and healthcare workers helpful. Have you found any mental health tips that have worked for you? Comment them below. If you would like more information on mental health click here.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

START HERE

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

By Krista Berge

May 29, 2021

4861 Views

TGN Presents: Mental Health Awareness with Krista Berge

Posted on May 29, 2021May 25, 2021 by Krista Berge

As a part of mental health awareness month, we want to help travel nurses, and healthcare workers learn to take their mental health seriously especially with the certain circumstances this past year has brought us. Depression and suicide rates have increased drastically this year alone.

To help bring awareness, Krista Berge recently went live on our Facebook group and website to share the story of her husband’s struggle with depression and ultimately taking his own life.

About Krista:

Krista graduated from Florida Southwestern State College with a degree in Nursing and is currently an RN. Helping others is her passion, and before taking some time off this past year, she taught in the community about health and wellness. Krista is also a mother to four beautiful children Boston, Lincoln, Brinklee, and Storie Belle. They seem to take up a lot of her time with their sports and loaded social calendars. Still, when she finds a moment, Krista enjoys reading, eating an obscene amount of Mexican food, and taking little adventures around the Southwest Florida area. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals at 1-800-273-8255.

You are not alone in this fight! And remember, If you’re struggling with suicidal thoughts…please reach out to someone, anyone.

And make sure you STAY.

YOU, my dear, matter.

Krista has been a regular contributor for The Gypsy Nurse. If you would like to read more about her, her family’s story or watch her previous live event click here.

Endorphin Boosters

Exercise

Laughter

Stretching

Oxytocin Boosters

Massage

Trust

Be Trustworthy

Dopamine Boosters

Cope With Unpleasant Tasks

Reach a Goal

Celebrate Every Victory

Serotonin Boosters

Make Peace with Lack of Control

Always Enjoy Your Social Role

Enjoy Being Proud of Something

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

Healthy Meal Prepping Tips for Travel Nurses

Travel Nurses with Unsupportive Friends and Family: How to Deal with It

Summer Sun Tips for Travel Nurses

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

What’s a trigger?

A number of emotions can cause a trigger reaction, including feeling:

What to do about being triggered?

Meeting a trigger with self-compassion rather than engaging in an inner argument that puts us down.

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

The Top 5 Podcasts Nurses Should be Listening to

The A, B, Z’s of Travel Nursing – Why Sleep Matters

5 Ways to Focus on Mental Health While Traveling

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

If you need to talk to someone immediately:

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression:

If you are struggling with depression/burnout:

If you are struggling with PTSD:

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

Top 5 Summer Travel Destinations for Your Next Adventure

Celebrating Historic Moments in Nursing History

How to Become an International Travel Nurse

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Movement is Medicine

Talk it Through and Work it Out

Crisis Resources

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

5 Self-Care Ideas for Managing Mental Health and Increasing Wellbeing

Disasters, Outbreaks & What You Can do to Protect Yourself

Travel Nursing: TEN STEPS To Get You Started

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

Staying Calm and Content:

Make Time For Self-Care

Invest In Yourself

Look For New Adventures

Learn Organizational Skills

Keep Yourself In a Routine

Conclusion

If you are a new travel nurse or looking into becoming a travel nurse:

Travel Nurse Guide: Step-by-Step (now offered in a PDF Downloadable version!)

Related Posts

6 Quick and Easy Exercises To Help You Wake Up

Healthy Breakfasts for Travel Nurses In 5 Minutes or Less

Five Ways to Fight SAD this Winter

Categories

Travel Healthcare Jobs

Recent Articles

If you are struggling with Seasonal Affective Depression: 

If you are struggling with PTSD: 