Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ - #healthynurse Spotlight Series - Erika A. Borlie, DNP, MS, BSN, WHNP-BC, RN-C
Published
Nurse prioritizes clean eating and everyday exercise to stay well.
Living a healthy life is easy when you’re doing things you love.
That’s what Dr. Borlie says about her lifestyle. For more than 20 years, it’s been filled with an abundance of nutritious eating and physical activity.
“I realized 20 years ago that what you eat and how much sleep you get impact your performance, workouts, and mindset,” said Erika. “Ever since then, I’ve tried to eat a clean diet with no processed foods and exercise every day.”
Her diet consists of 6 small meals a day, focused on a variety of protein and healthy carbs, like fruit or sweet potatoes. She also cut out all processed sugar and reduced her alcohol intake, resulting in more clarity in her thought process. Regardless of what she eats, she prioritizes modest portions by weighing all of her food.
Physical Fitness for Health
Another huge focus for Erika is physical activity. She does something active every day. Since the pandemic began, Erika started doing more home workouts, like using her cycling bike instead of going to the gym. She says she’s more motivated than ever to show up for the work out, even when she’s doing it alone.
Residing in Maryland, Erika gets outside as much as possible — she hikes at nearby trails at least 3 times a week.
“When you get out to the great outdoors, take that breath of fresh air, leave the stress of your job, you can experience the refreshment that only comes from being in nature,” said Erika.
Even though she loves being active, she still needs encouragement from others now and then. One way that makes it easier for Erika to get active and stay accountable is to engage with online communities. She’s a part of many, including an online CrossFit® community called Street Parking Online CrossFit, a 52-Hike Challenge group, and a hiking group for women located across the country called HikerBabes.
The benefits of being a part of these online communities are threefold. The groups allow her to connect with other people who have similar interests, gain physical fitness and mental well-being, and get out in nature.
Involving the Family
Erika describes herself as an active person, and says her family is the same way. Her daughter is into sports, so Erika often participates in athletic activities with her. For example, during the pandemic, the pair created and completed an Olympics-style obstacle course in their backyard.
“My goal is to spend more time with loved ones doing active things,” said Erika. “I try to shut the computer and get outside as much as possible.”
Erika’s Advice
For many people, incorporating healthy lifestyle changes isn’t as easy as it is for Erika. She suggests:
- Find your tribe: Seek out other people and communities who are living healthy lifestyles. Put yourself around the type of people you want to be like.
- Believe in yourself: To be successful with any lifestyle changes, you’ve got to have faith in yourself. You are your biggest cheerleader.
- Try something different: Always wanted to try something in particular? Find the resources to make it happen. There are other people out there doing it, and you can, too.
Erika A. Borlie, DNP, MS, BSN, WHNP-BC, RN-C, is a Certification Outreach Manager at the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Not a member of Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation (HNHN) yet? Join us today!
Blog
#healthynurse Spotlight
04/27/2021 2:36pm CDT
The #healthynurse Spotlight is a shout out to nurses who are making changes in their lives to improve their health and wellness. You can too! Read their stories for inspiration here.
Post a Comment or Question