If anyone knows the importance of staying healthy and exercising, it's a nurse. Nurses know the positive impact simple daily exercises can have on an individual's life. Unfortunately, being knowledgeable isn’t enough.Nurses need exercise too! But how are you supposed to exercise while being a busy nurse? Now, with the omicron variant sweeping the nation and crowding hospitals, recreational movement can feel even more difficult.

Your chaotic shift may leave you exhausted and dreading going to the gym. Your family has missed you all day and now wants your attention when you get home so exercising at home may be out of the question. Nurses are so passionate about their career and taking care of others- but some forget the need to take care of themselves too!

According to a Harvard Nurse study, over half of nurses exercise for less than 2 hours a week due to long shifts. Nurses struggle to find time to exercise. Although nurses have a very stressful job, it's important to find the time to exercise. Your mental and physical health depend on it! Follow these simple tricks and tips for busy nurses to stay healthy!

Follow these simple tricks and tips for busy nurses to stay healthy.

Make small adjustments during your shift

Some simple small adjustments can be made during a nurses shift that can add extra steps and improve health. This may not have the same impact as a full workout but making small adjustments will help!

• Park your car farther away from the entrance

• Take the stairs instead of the elevator

• Do calf raises while standing and charting

• Fit in some exercises during a lunch break (run the stairs, wall push ups, wall sits)

Build a routine

If you work 12 hours shifts or have the ability to exercise on work days, building a routine will help stay consistent. Going before or after work may be an option for some nurses. Create an exercise schedule that works best for you.

Find quick effective exercises that you enjoy

For those nurses that have the ability to exercise before or after work, finding the most effective workout on a time crunch will be most beneficial. Try these quick exercises next time you need to workout.

• Run 20-30 minutes

• HIIT workouts

• Walk for 30 minutes

• 5 minute planks/ab workout

Doing a quick Google or Youtube search for quick exercises might be the best way to find what works best with limited time!

Find a workout friend

Exercising with a partner may be easier for some nurses. Yes, finding time to workout is hard. But staying consistent may be even harder. Find a friend (maybe even another busy nurse) to exercise with. An accountability partner will avoid excuses and skipping out on workout sessions.

Nurses know the importance of exercising and staying healthy. Nurses work long shifts and have chaotic schedules. Exercising may be the last thing on their mind. Busy nurses need exercise too!

As busy as nurses get, it's vital to take the time to take care of themselves. Find that needed time to stay healthy..Your mental and physical health (and your patients) depend on it!