Savvy Tips for Saving Money and Staying Healthy

Savvy Tips for Saving Money and Staying Healthy

Savvy Tips for Saving Money and Staying Healthy

We often hear people as tips for saving money and staying healthy only to be met with excuses.

“It costs too much to eat healthily.”

“I don’t have the time or money for regular exercise.”

“Even if I change how I eat and move, it probably won’t make that big of a difference in my life.”

These are common statements we tell ourselves when facing the prospect of changing our lifestyle. After all, fast food is the cheapest option, and working out would mean less time for your work and personal life, right? And when you’re a nurse or medical professional, free time is very precious — why complicate matters when all you want to do is recharge?

Here’s the thing: When you make a plan, you can actually save money and eat nutritious foods. You can also figure out a fitness routine that accommodates your specific schedule. And when you do, your physical, mental, and emotional health will benefit. In other words, it’s entirely practical to live healthier and happier while improving your financial standing. 

Plan your meals    

Many people perceive meal planning to be incompatible with their lifestyles because of the time it takes to strategize for the week. But the truth is it can save you significant time (and money) once you get in a rhythm.

Research nutritious foods that interest you, and list the ingredients you need to prepare them. Then, go to the grocery store and buy only the items on the list. Once you have your ingredients, use a meal planning template to prepare your foods for the week. The entire process should only take a few hours, and you’ll have healthy meals and snacks to grab from the fridge during busy workdays.

Eat greener

Some experts believe that eating less meat can improve heart health. And it’s no secret that buying less meat can help anyone save money. Fortunately, there are plant-based proteins like legumes, nuts, grains, and seeds to provide you with energy throughout the day. When you do choose meat, opt to have it once a day on a salad or chopped in a hot dish. 

Edit your living environment

If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time at home. Even if you’re only there for a few hours out of the day, it’s essential that it’s a restful time. You can make simple changes to your home environment that support a healthy lifestyle.

For example, creating a cleaning routine, adding plants, and replacing your lighting can significantly reduce stress and boost energy. Also, keeping healthy foods in your fridge and using everyday items for exercise can help you stay fit and healthy.

Seek sunshine 

Exposure to sunshine comes with well-documented benefits. Look for more opportunities to do things outdoors, whether it’s going for a leisurely walk, doing a HIIT workout in the backyard, or even sitting on the patio while reading a book. The sun is an excellent source of vitamin D, and you can quickly yield a plethora of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits by spending a little more time outside.

Take extra steps to live healthier

It’s hard to exercise consistently when you’re always busy. But you can still find ways to fit in a bit of exercise no matter how much you’re working. Take the stairs, go for a walk on your lunch break, or park a bit further from the building. You might be surprised by how much these practical acts can positively impact your overall health and well-being.

Stop bad habits

Sometimes, we allow bad habits to harm our health and finances. For example, smoking cigarettes is the leading culprit of lung cancer, which is the most deadly cancer in the U.S. When you consider that the average pack of cigarettes costs nearly $7, it’s easy to see how much money they can waste. Consider any harmful habits you can kick for a better, more fulfilling life.

Meanwhile, if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, one of the first places to start is by stopping or reducing your intake of sugary drinks. You might be surprised how much sugar is hiding in your morning coffee or afternoon soda. Switching to unsweetened iced tea, water, or seltzer water can help you slash your sugar intake and improve your overall health.

Another unhealthy habit that’s easy to break is mindless snacking. When we eat mindlessly, we tend to eat more than we need and make poor food choices. If you find yourself snacking out of boredom, try occupying yourself with another activity. Taking a walk, reading a book, or calling a friend are all great ways to fight off temptation and make better choices for your health.

Finally, if you’re trying to improve your sleep habits, one of the best things you can do is turn off electronics an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our natural sleep patterns, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. So instead of scrolling through social media before bed, try reading a book or taking a relaxing bath. You’ll sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Check-in with the doc

As a nurse, you probably know that too many people cancel doctor’s visits or neglect to fill a prescription because they think it can save them money. But in reality, ignoring health concerns can cost you significantly in the long run. 

Getting the care you need can help you avoid exorbitant medical bills down the road, not to mention help you feel better in the short term. Look into your insurance options to determine how to keep up with your checkups and maintain your health.

Choose water

If you want to save money and get healthier, drink a lot of water. Soda, juice, sweet coffee drinks, and other sugary beverages are more expensive and can lead to obesity and countless other health conditions. Keep more money in your pocket and give your body what it needs by choosing water throughout the day!

In addition to saving money, you’ll also be contributing to your health. A can of soda typically contains around 39 grams of sugar, which is well over the recommended daily limit for adults. Drinking just one can of soda per day leads to weight gain, increased risk of type 2 diabetes, and other serious health problems. In contrast, water is a calorie-free way to stay hydrated and promote a healthy weight. It also helps to flush toxins from the body and aids in digestion. For these reasons, choosing water over soda is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health.

Pay attention to your mental health

Finally, remember to take your mental health seriously. Psychological issues can drastically lower your quality of life and negatively impact your finances. Some conditions make it challenging for individuals to maintain work performance, and some increase the risk of various chronic health issues. Poor mental health can also make you more susceptible to substance abuse.

Thankfully, the world is becoming more aware of the importance of mental health and happiness. If possible, get counseling, therapy, or any other treatments necessary to maintain your mental well-being. And take practical steps to improve your lifestyle each day.

No, getting fit and healthy doesn’t mean you have to drain your bank account! Following the tips on saving money and staying healthy above can quickly put you on track for an all-around more nutritious, more fulfilling life. But keep researching other ideas and strategies for boosting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Your body, mind, and wallet will thank you!

For more great content like this, check out the other articles and blog posts offered on Cup of Nurses.

Post solely for the use of cupofnurses.com By Roxanne Brent

Follow her at: https://singleparent.info/

EP 187: The Opportunities Nursing Brings with Britt Greaves

EP 187: The Opportunities Nursing Brings with Britt Greaves

The Opportunities Nursing Brings with Britt Greaves

The opportunities nursing brings are endless. Nursing, as a profession, offers plenty of chances for better careers and many nursing fields that you can pursue.

And while this opens many possibilities to nurses, many are also hesitant to change career fields. There’s that feeling that they cannot do other things than the ones they already know. But this is not true, as nurses, we have the skills to survive anything.

We have the power to choose. Remember that. If you are unhappy with work, it’s time to make room for changes.

Explore new places, try different nursing units, pursue the nursing field of your dreams – take hold of your career and embrace the opportunities we’re given.

Let’s start today. 

Our Guest

In this episode, we would like to introduce you to Britt Greaves. Britt Greaves is a nurse who worked in specialties such as Hospice/Palliative Care, and ICU, and traveled for over  5 years in the PICU.

When she isn’t working, you can find her blogging, volunteering on international medical mission trips, or advocating for mental health in the nursing community through her founded safe space, The Debrief.

Transitioning from the bedside, Britt is the Community Manager at Trusted Health, where she now advocates for the health of the nursing community. 

We discuss the importance of speaking about your feelings, how to heal, and the debrief. 

QUESTIONS FOR GUESTS

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We go off-topic all the time so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas please let us know. Looking forward to our conversation!

  1. How has your nursing journey been?
    • You’ve worked in a handful of specialties as a staff and then as a travel nurse to now focusing on projects away from the bedside. How did you slowly transition away from staff to travel?
  2. Is there a time you can recall in or out of nursing that really opened up your mind to mindfulness and mental health?
    • Can you talk to us about how you began incorporating mindfulness into your life and how it has helped you?
    • Meditation, what kind do you do?
  3. What were the darkest depths you have experienced as a traveler to rediscover yourself? 
  4. Chakras and sound healing, how did you get into it? And how does it help you?
    • What were you struggling with that turned you to these practices?
  5. What is the Debrief?
  6. How did you get involved with trusted and what is trusted? 

ENDING QUESTIONS

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests. If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Catch more of Britt on her Instagram account at @catchbrittifyoucan or visit her at  https://events.trustedhealth.com/ for more. 

You can learn more about the opportunities nursing brings by watching the full episode here 👇👇

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
02:02 About Brit Greaves
02:43 Exploring other fields of healthcare
05:56 The benefits of travel nursing
07:30 The reasons for leaving the bedside
09:16 The challenges outside of nursing
10:42 Nursing attributes that help through life
13:03 Healing yourself, meditation, and sound healing
20:12 About The Debrief
22:19 Selfcare in nursing and gratitude
27:24 Why is it hard for nurses to take time off?
34:42 Talking about TravCon
35:43 Goals for the travel nursing community
38:28 Opportunities as a travel nurse
40:43 End remarks

EP 186: Solving Problems in Leadership with Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson

EP 186: Solving Problems in Leadership with Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson

Solving Problems in Leadership with Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson

Solving problems in leadership is the key to easing the burden of many nurses and healthcare professionals. Burnout is an ongoing issue that many nurses are experiencing. The sad thing is it can happen to anyone’s career.

Long-term stress can cause anyone mental and physical exhaustion. And for the nursing profession, burnout results from their demanding job, nursing shortages, and frequent exposure to human suffering. 

Nurses are witnesses to death and grieving families each day. Add the long work hours, complex patients, workplace drama, and not having effective support or leadership in the workplace can lead to intense burnout.

When you are burnout, you feel helpless, but if you know how to manage it, you can enjoy a successful nursing career. But the question remains, how can we help our healthcare leaders? Is there a way to solve problems in leadership?

Our Guests

In this episode, we would like to introduce you to Michelle Troseth and Dr. Tracy Christopherson, co-founders of MissingLogic. They have more than 60 years of combined healthcare experience.

They also help healthcare organizations and healthcare leaders combat burnout and improve satisfaction through the power of a framework-driven approach founded on Polarity Intelligence.

We talk about how the idea of a single solution to a single problem approach does not always fit the healthcare model and how polarity plays a role in leadership and healthcare dynamics. 

 QUESTIONS FOR GUESTS

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We often go off-topic, so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Looking forward to our conversation!

These are the questions you had in Calendly. We’ll go off your questions and wherever else our conversation goes. 

  1. Can you give us your nursing experience & background
  2. Based on your experience, speak to us about leadership in healthcare 
    • Why do we need new leadership norms in healthcare?
  3. What are some toxic workplace behaviors/environments that lead to burnout?
  4. What is Polarity intelligence? 
    • How does it benefit hospital organizations and nurse leaders?
    • How do you identify tension in the workplace?

5. How do you guys go about consulting organizations in healthcare?

      • What are the three pillars of a healthy healthcare organization?
        • People, Processes, and Performance. 

6. How do you create dynamic balance in our lives – professionally and personally?

ENDING QUESTIONS

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests. If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Catch up with Michelle and Dr. Tracy to learn more about solving problems in leadership on their Instagram at @missinglogic_llc and follow them on their Facebook at Missing Logic, LLC. You can also connect with them through their LinkedIn profile at missinglogicllc for more information.

Let’s learn the ways to solve problems in leadership by watching the full episode here 👇

 

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
02:00 About Michelle and Tracy
05:46 Importance of healthy leadership in healthcare
09:17 Stressors for nurse managers
12:34 Toxic behavior that leads to burnout
17:23 Polarity Intelligence
21:19 Margins and the mission
24:43 Challenges in union vs nonunion hospital
30:18 Is more nurses ever the solution?
36:21 How healthcare organizations solve problems
37:46 Unit satisfaction and culture
42:31 Characteristics of good leaders
50:22 End Remarks

EP 185: Is There Nursing Shortage with The Nurse Erica

EP 185: Is There Nursing Shortage with The Nurse Erica

Is There Nursing Shortage with The Nurse Erica

Is there a nursing shortage in the United States? That is the question in everyone’s mind. But according to the American Nurses Association, more nursing jobs will be available through 2022. It is the fastest-growing profession compared to any other job in the US. 

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that more than 275,000 additional nurses are needed from 2020 to 2030 while employment opportunities are predicted to grow at 9% until 2026.

That said, the nursing shortage is not entirely true. And what that in mind, we introduce to your our guest, The Nurse Erica as we discuss this topic. 

The Nurse Erica, as she is known on social media, is a prolific advocate for nurses. She says the things we all want to say but are too afraid of retaliation. 

We talk about her journey from being a nurse to a nurse manager, the fake nursing shortage, and the lack of nursing unions. 

QUESTIONS FOR GUESTS

The questions below are some we’d like to tackle. We often go off-topic, so we don’t expect to hit them all. If you have any ideas, please let us know.

Looking forward to our conversation!

These are the questions you had in Calendly. We’ll go off your questions and wherever else our conversation goes.

  1. Erica, can you give a little background about yourself?
  2. What shift have you noticed in the nursing community pre versus post-pandemic?
  3. Do you have a personal first-hand experience that made you advocate for nurses?
  4. What are some nurses’ rights that are non-negotiable for all nurses to navigate the complexities of care properly?
    • We are big on safe work environments that prioritize and protect nurses’ well-being and provide support, resources, and tools to stay psychologically and physically whole. 
  5. What are the benefits of nursing unions?
  6. What should nurses know when it comes to reporting?
  7. Why do you say there is no nursing shortage?

ENDING QUESTIONS

Before we end the show, we have one last question we like to ask all our guests.

If you had the opportunity to have a Cup of coffee with anybody one last time, who would it be & why? 

Connect with Nurse Erica through her Instagram at @the.nurse.erica and Facebook Page at Nurse Erica for more updates. 

You can also visit and subscribe to her YouTube channel at The Nurse Erica or follow her on TikTok at @the.nurse.erica for the latest. 

Learn more about nursing shortage by watching the full episode here 👇

 

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Introduction
01:42 About the guest
02:32 Nursing school vs nursing
06:15 Changes in healthcare post-pandemic
09:26 How managers and nurse leaders can help nurses
14:08 Corruption in healthcare
19:51 Setting boundaries as a nurse
23:20 The powerlessness of nursing and where to file reports
26:29 Are nursing unions worth it?
33:20 Why hospitals hate unions
43:48 Is there a nursing shortage?
51:13 End remarks

Time Off as a Travel Nurse: 6 Ways to Spend It

Time Off as a Travel Nurse: 6 Ways to Spend It

Time Off as a Travel Nurse: 6 Ways to Spend It

How do you spend time off as a travel nurse? Do you even enjoy your day-offs? If you are a nurse interested in working as a travel nurse, your days off are essential.

Here’s how you can make sure that your day off counts well.

 

Your Time Off as s Travel Nurse

As a nurse, taking time off is vital. You are not a robot. You are a human being with feelings and emotions.

We understand that our jobs can be demanding, but you don’t need to wait for burnout. You must take care of yourself so you can continue to help and care for others.

Working as a travel nurse has its perks, and a day off is as good as a holiday. Taking time off is essential not only for your health but also for you to enjoy the area of your assignment!

If this is your first time working as a travel nurse, a day off is exciting. And to make your first day off count, these tips will help you make the most of it.

Check it out!

 

#1. Enjoy the Fresh Air

There’s nothing more exciting than getting out of a long shift; no matter how tired you are, it’s always exciting to leave work.

And the moment you set foot outside the hospital and be greeted by the crisp air, is refreshing! 

As a nurse, your job requires you to be inside the healthcare facility for long hours. So, on your time off, you must enjoy the sunlight. Take a walk, go for a run, or simply explore your surroundings.

Familiarize yourself with the location. Know where to go and find places to check out if you are into outdoor activities. 

 

#2. Explore the Area

A travel nurse often relocates for work, and if you happen to be in a location that you haven’t been assigned before, go out and explore it. Getting to know your surroundings is the best way to feel like a local. 

Remember, it will be your home for the next few weeks! Knowing where to go is a must. It will make your work more enjoyable.

Find places where you can do something fun. It might just become one of your favorite destinations to visit one day again. 

 

#3. Go out with friends

As a travel nurse, you spend most of your time with patients and doing nursing duties. On your day off, you can spend time with friends.

Exploring the city is a lot of fun when you have company. Socializing with other people is also good for your mental health.

And as someone who travels a lot for work, it is an excellent way to spend your time off. 

 

#4. Make advance plans for the week

Of course, your time off is the perfect day to plan your week. Your first week of working may be a bit chaotic, but adjusting as you get settled in will be easier. 

Take time to map out your days. Check if you have enough scrub suits for the week.

Make sure you also have enough food to last. Planning your schedule will help minimize your stress. 

 

#5. Feed your mind

Just because you are on time off mean must be lazy for the rest of the day. Well, you can do that too. But you can also feed your mind. And by feeding your mind, I mean finding a way to expand it. 

Find time to read something on your day off. It could be nursing books to help increase your knowledge or watching educational videos to help you with work.

You can also take classes that suit your liking. If you like art, take art classes; photography classes can also ignite your passion for taking pictures. Anything is possible, as long as you have time, of course. 

Your time off is an excellent way to pursue a new hobby or expand what you already know. How you spend it is entirely up to you. 

 

#6. Relax!

Your time off is an excellent time to, you guessed it, relax, of course!

Working as a nurse often deprives you of sleep, let alone being a travel nurse. So, take time to catch up with rest and sleep as much as possible. 

A day off is a good time to unplug from the world too. Go off your social media, catch up with sleep, shut off your phone, rest your mind, avoid reading stressful news – generally, take a break from everything! 

 

Your Time Off as a Travel Nurse Matters

A day off is not enough to recover, but it is enough to give you the recharge you need.

Travel nurses are always on the go, but take the time to rest when you have it. Learn how to slow down and take care of yourself. 

As you adjust to your travel nursing job, things will get easier. Spend time with yourself; remember, self-care is essential!

Take care of yourself so you can continue to care for others. 

 

Looking for more nursing and travel nursing information? Check out these helpful links!