Thanksgiving is over; Christmas will soon be upon us and then New Year’s festivities. Fall and winter holidays are celebrated with food…and lots of it. The typical person gains on average 1-2 pounds per holiday season. Working as a nurse during this season makes it even worse with all the sweets lying around the workplace. How do you keep it all in check and avoid the extra poundage this year?
- Learn to say no. Say no to the constant smorgasbord of holiday goodies on every shift. Sure the major eating holidays only come around once a year, but that doesn’t mean you have to eat continuously from Halloween to New Year’s. Turn down that cookie every once in awhile. You will survive if you let the gingerbread man stay put with all his gingerbread man buddies.
- Take a brisk walk. Instead of hanging out at the nurse’s station (where all the goodies usually are) walk the halls when you get a chance. This way you’ll burn calories instead of accumulating them and be available to co-workers when they need help.
- Remember your regular exercise routine. Some people let their workout routine go when the weather is chilly and this in itself can contribute to weight gain. Make it a point to stay on your routine as much as possible during the season.
- Drink up! Water that is! Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to keep the munchies away. Staying hydrated keeps you from thinking you’re hungry when you are actually thirsty.
- Decrease stress. Many focus on family and friends during the holiday season, but sometimes focusing too much on others can stress you out. Remember to take care of yourself during this season by doing what you enjoy; read a book, take a bubble bath get a massage… you get the picture.
In addition to working as a FNP, Nachole Johnson is a freelance copywriter and an author with her first book, You’re a Nurse and Want to Start Your Own Business? The Complete Guide, available on Amazon. Visit her ReNursing blog at www.renursing.com for more ideas on how to reinvent your career.
In addition to working as a FNP, Nachole Johnson is a freelance copywriter and an author. Her first book, You’re a Nurse and Want to Start Your Own Business? The Complete Guide, is available on Amazon. Visit her ReNursing blog at www.renursing.com for more ideas on how to reinvent your career.
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