Tips
5 Ways for Nurses to Get Their Mind off COVID-19
As more and more Canadian nurses hit the road to take on temporary travel nursing contracts to support communities struggling to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to help in any way we can.
Mar 23, 2020
As more and more Canadian nurses hit the road to take on temporary travel nursing contracts to support communities struggling to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to help in any way we can.
Nothing compares to the work nurses are doing right now, but our small contribution is to compile a list of our top recommendations for good health and self-care while on the road. From nutrition to de-stressing, here are our suggestions.
Meditate with Headspace
Available for download on Android and iOS
There are plenty of meditation apps out there, but we really like this one! Headspace can help guide you through mindful meditation each day, whether you’d like an extended zen or just a few minutes to refresh your mind. There are hundreds of guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, productivity, exercise, and physical health — including short SOS meditations for when you’re on the go.
Other features of the app include ‘Wake Up’ which includes short real-life stories and advice from experts to start your day off with inspiration and smiles, whereas ‘Move Mode’ guides you through quick workouts, mindful cardio, and rest day meditations.
Eat Well with Yummly
Available for download on iOS and Android
Cooking a nutritious meal is a fantastic form of self-care and self-love. Yummly can help you create delicious dishes, and it’s easy-to-use navigation lets you filter recipes by cuisine type, taste, diet, allergy, and cook time.
Once you’ve used the app for the while, its algorithm, will remember your taste and recommend new recipes you may like (neat!). So whether you’re in need of new ideas for fast meals or you want to unwind while spending some time in the kitchen, Yummly is worth a try.
Occupy Your Mind with Podcasts
Available for download on iOS and Android
Although podcasts are common, we thought they were worth mentioning for nurses who haven’t gotten into them yet. If you find your mind racing, turning to negative thoughts or stuck on stressful work situations, tuning in to a podcast can be a great way to get your mind off of the world for an hour or so.
Whether you’re looking for an uplifting narrative while going for a walk, a mind-bending thriller for the drive to work, or a feel-good story while falling asleep, here are some options to check out:
Modern Love: Features the popular New York Times column, with readings by notable personalities and updates from the essayists themselves.
Reply All: Tells gorgeous, painfully human stories that happen to have bits of technology woven throughout.
Stuff You Missed in History Class: Join hosts Holly and Tracy as they bring you the greatest and strangest Stuff You Missed In History Class.
Serial: Season one investigates the controversial case of Adnan Syed, accused of murder, and strives to answer one question: did he do it?
Fake Heiress: Recounts the rise and fall of Anna Delvey, who conned New York high society into believing that she was a multi-millionaire heiress.
Missing Richard Simmons: Host Dan Taberski goes on a search for Richard – and the deeper he digs, the stranger it gets.
Boost Endorphins with 7 Minute Workout
You may not have the time (or desire) to work out, but during busy times your body can benefit from exercise. The 7 Minute Workout app helps you get the blood pumping without taking up too much of your time, which can be a great way to start or end your day without sacrificing too much of your sleep.
The workouts are no-equipment sweat sessions designed to deliver maximum benefit in the shortest time possible, helping you quickly and effectively break a sweat—and then get on with the rest of your day.
Learn Something New with Skillshare
If you ever feel like you’re losing control over life, it can be empowering to take charge of yourself by mastering a new skill. Skillshare is a learning community for creators. Anyone can take an online class, watch video lessons, create projects, and even teach a class themselves.
Learn digital illustration, creative writing, photo editing, crochet, water-colour painting, songwriting and more. Who knows, you may uncover a new passion that will stay with you for life!
Our list may not be anything groundbreaking or life-altering, but we hope that this list gives you a few quick ideas to may your day better as we all get through this together.
If you’re a nurse reading this and you’re interested in accepting a temporary travel nursing contract at a facility that badly needs you during this time, contact us now.
