For doctors and nurses, adding these subtle tips to your lunch routine can go a long way towards living a healthy lifestyle.
“I want to, but I just don’t have the time”
It’s the classic excuse. A lot of people claim they want to live a healthy lifestyle, but are just too busy that they can’t find the time. For most people, this simply isn’t true. For doctors and nurses, however, it’s pretty darn close. Few professions are as time-consuming and hectic as those that fall under the blanket of healthcare. The little free time they have is usually spent rejuvenating after a draining day of work and preparing to get back at it in a few hours.
So, for those of you who truly don’t have the time to hit the gym every day, it’s crucial to make the most out of the little time you do have. In a hospital environment, breaks don’t come around all that often. However, they are paramount in regards to your ability to maintain your sanity.
In the fast and furious nature of healthcare, your lunch break is one of the most important parts of your day. Many people, especially those new on the job, want to prove they are team players and show their dedication by skipping their breaks, and instead working through them. However, while it may earn you some brownie points with a few colleagues here and there, it can be devastating to your physical and mental health in the long run. The first step to a healthy lunch break is taking a lunch break. It may sound overly simple, but it’s entirely true.
That having been said, if you really want to get the most out of your lunch breaks, it’s important to know how to use them. You may only have 15 minutes, 30 if you're lucky. That’s not a lot of time to waste, so knowing a few tips and tricks here and there to help maintain your health can go a long way.
Here are a few:
Pack your lunch the night before
Naturally, the most important aspect of a healthy lunch break revolves around what it is you're actually eating. An easy way to make certain you are eating a healthy lunch is to pack it the night before. This eliminates temptation and saves you a lot of time to spend on something productive.
Skip the sugary drinks
It’s no secret. Everyone, especially those directly invested in the nature of personal health, knows by now just how detrimental sugary energy drinks are to your health. Yet for some reason, people continue to consume them at alarming rates. There are much better ways to supplement your body and give yourself the energy to get through your shift.
Go for a walk (preferably outside)
While going to the gym for an intense workout during your lunch break isn’t always in the cards, going for a quick walk is. Aside from the physical benefits, you can get from exercising, a short stroll with nature is oftentimes the perfect remedy for a stressful shift.
Meditate
Sure, meditating isn’t for everyone, but it can be a tremendous tool to help clear your mind. Spending a lot of time in a hospital can be chaotic and traumatic. Sometimes, the best thing for you to do is simply sit down, relax, and relieve your stress in order to restore your focus and serenity.
Read a book
Much like the benefits of meditating or taking a walk outside, reading a book can be a great way to unwind a tad. Your lunch break is usually the halfway point of your day, so it’s important to use that time to restore your mind and prepare yourself for the rest of your shift – reading a book is a great way to do that.
Stretch
If you’re into it and want to go above and beyond, get a quick yoga session in. However, if you’re not, just simply do a few stretches to help loosen your body and relieve some pressure.
Spend it with a friend
Sometimes, the best way for you to clear your mind is to just spend some time talking with a friend – preferably about something non-work related. Whether you’re planning a lunch date, or just catching up over the phone, staying in touch with those you care about can have a positive impact on your overall health.