Make the Most of Your Day Off

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”no” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=””][fusion_text]

You’ve just had a day off and return to work, but regret not making the most of your free time? If you take the time, ahead of your day off, to plan an adventure or create your “to do” list, you will begin to look forward to that time away from your daily work routine.

Many times when it’s your day off, everyone else may be working a “regular” schedule. Try planning ahead of time whether it’s an adventure, relaxing, or checking off tasks that have been nagging you.

To follow are some ideas to get you motivated and you will even come up with some of your own once you start making the most of your time off:

Exercise

You most likely tell your patients, when appropriate, to incorporate exercise into their daily routine, or at least a few times during the week. Don’t think of it as a chore, but more of a benefit that will help clear your head, improve your health, and give you time to think about all of the other exciting things you want to do. It can be one of the greatest gifts you give to yourself. It really doesn’t take that long and the advantages last a lifetime!

Meditate to Reset

The best nurses are used to putting other people’s needs over their own. This can be stressful as you absorb all that the job puts on you. When you meditate, you’re putting yourself first so that you can better take care of others. There are many apps out there that help guide you through the process and keep you on track.

Practice on your day off, but then incorporate into your daily schedule and you’ll soon see the benefits of taking this positive step to reset and refocus.

Lunch With a Friend

Do you have lunch with your work-friends and wish you had more time to chat and enjoy each other’s company? When you set a lunch date on your day off, the pressure is removed and you can spend the overdue time catching up and getting to know each other again. Then, you can go about your day as the time is all yours.

Take Care of Those Errands

The majority of us need to take care of our errands on the weekend. Not only is this inconvenient, but many times it must be done on a limited basis because not all businesses are open all weekend. Take advantage of the non-peak times to do grocery shopping and browse your favorite department stores. You are able to have less stress and take care of things at your own pace while avoiding the crowds.

Go On a New Journey

Do you live in a location that has a cool spot or attraction that you have always wanted to visit? Make a list of places you want to see and then check off over the course of time. You’ll love making fresh memories and even meeting new people. It can be as simple as bringing your favorite book to a restaurant you’ve always wanted to try, or, jumping on a train and taking a day trip. You’ll be surprised at how much of a mood booster these exciting adventures will be.

It’s Spa Day

You’ve earned it. Many nurses are so used to putting themselves second that they often feel guilty treating themselves to such a treat. There are many specials out there to take advantage of and nothing is more relaxing, both physically and mentally, then getting off your feet and being pampered. Once you try it, you will want to keep this as part of your regular routine, even if it’s just once a month. Have a friend join you if you’d like to catch up on some good ole’ girl chat.

De-stress By Getting Organized

It may sound like an oxymoron, but getting your home in order can really help you focus moving forward. Cleaning out your closet can be therapeutic and giving items you don’t need to a charity such as Goodwill, can truly be rewarding. Try planning your meals ahead of time or even organizing your food pantry so that you also toss items that are expired. This not only gives you a sense of having completed an important task but believe it or not, you will feel calm knowing things are organized.

Become a Travel Nurse

Seeking some adventure but cannot afford to travel to new places? Consider becoming a travel nurse to explore new places, while receiving competitive pay, reimbursement of travel expenses and the flexibility you may be craving.

Learn more about the benefits of travel nursing here.

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]