On my drive in today, I had a 45-minute chat with my sister.
Both of us work in healthcare—I’m a nurse leader and entrepreneur, and my sister Madina, is a social worker specializing in mental health and a certified personal trainer.
What I love most about her therapy sessions is how she incorporates fitness into them.
We both understand the value of incorporating mental and physical health into our lives, especially since we work with underserved populations—particularly in mental health.
Maintaining our mental health as nurses, is crucial.
As caregivers, both at work and at home, we can quickly experience burnout if we neglect our mental and physical well-being.
We need to be both mentally and physically fit, because as the saying goes, “Where the mind goes, the body will follow.”
I used to take walks on my lunch break with my social worker.
When I’d get back to the office, I felt rejuvenated—nothing like that good ol’ vitamin D to reset your energy and get back into the swing of things.
Being Muslim, when it's time for prayer, I use that time to pray and then meditate. It’s a powerful way to combine spiritual and mental wellness.
I also make it a habit to take the stairs instead of the elevator.
We even had step challenges at work to see who could rack up the most steps or flights of stairs.
Outside my office, I kept a whiteboard where I wrote a positive quote every day.
It became such a hit that providers would stop by when they were in the building to see what I had written!
If you find yourself feeling mentally overwhelmed and need to reset, here are a few tips that can help. These can easily be done during your lunch break.
Breathing exercises – Practicing controlled breathing helps re-channel your energy and regain focus.
Take a brisk walk during your lunch break – Even 10-15 minutes of fresh air can do wonders for your mental clarity.
Meditate in your office for 15 uninterrupted minutes – It’s a powerful way to reset your mind.
Stretch for 15 minutes during your break – Stretching releases tension and boosts circulation.
Try chair exercises – Simple movements while sitting in your office chair can improve blood flow and wake up your muscles.
Before bed, add Journaling to your routine as another simple yet effective way to process your thoughts daily and reflect on them.
What are some ways you improve your mental and physical health during the workday? Let me know!
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