Challenge Tips

De-Stress for Skin & Sleep Success Congrats, you made it to day 10! To keep the momentum going, let’s tackle one of the biggest culprits against healthy sleep and skin: stress. Chronic stress disrupts sleep patterns and can worsen skin conditions like acne and eczema. Combat this through daily stress-busting habits, like: Mindfulness: Meditation ...

Night Owl No More Ever feel like you could sleep forever, but you can't seem to catch those z's at night? The reason might surprise you — it all starts with how you power up your mornings. A productive, energizing morning routine sets the stage for a deeper, more restful sleep later that night. Here’s how: Sunlight exposure: Morning sunlight helps ...

Fuel Your Body You know a balanced diet and proper hydration are powerful tools. Let’s use them to unlock a good night's sleep and boost our complexions. Here’s how: Dehydration disrupts sleep and can make your skin look dull. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day. Infuse your water with fruit if you prefer more flavor. Processed foods and ...

Hush the Nighttime Noise Finally, bedtime! But street noise, a snoring partner, or a chatty roommate may be keeping you from sleeping soundly. That can elevate stress hormones, which impact your skin health. Let’s put the noise to bed: Block it out: Consider a white noise machine or app. These can block out distracting noises and create a calming ...

Tame the Temperature Can’t fall asleep because you’re too hot? Tired of waking up throughout the night sweaty and uncomfortable? Creating a cool sleep environment is key for both a good night's rest and healthy skin. Here's how to tame the temperature and create a sleep haven for your body and complexion: Take a pre-bedtime plunge: A warm bath about an ...

The Art of Unwinding Sleep doesn't just happen — it requires a conducive environment for both your mind and body. Tonight, let’s explore techniques to unwind and prepare for a restful night's sleep: Power down early: The blue light that comes from electronic devices can disrupt your sleep cycle. Aim to turn off screens (phones, laptops, TVs) at least 1 ...

Personalize Your Nighttime Glow Up Sleep is essential for skin health, but a strategic bedtime skincare routine can supercharge your results. Tonight, let’s create a personalized routine to help you wake up with a radiant, well-rested glow: Cleanse: Wash away dirt, oil, and makeup with a gentle cleanser suitable for your skin type. Treat: If you ...

Silk Dreams Tired of waking up with sleep lines on your face? Your pillowcase might be the culprit. Swap out cotton for a wrinkle-fighting hero: silk. Silk's smooth surface reduces friction against your skin, minimizing the formation of wrinkles and creases while you sleep. Plus, silk is naturally hypoallergenic and cooling, promoting a more ...

Taming Nighttime Tresses Hair products are great for keeping your mane looking fabulous, but they can get on your pillow (and your skin) at night. Here are 3 ideas to keep your beauty rest from turning into a breakout: The protective ponytail: Sleeping with your hair in a loose ponytail keeps product away from your face and reduces friction against your ...

Sleep Tracking Secrets Isn’t it awful when you wake up feeling groggy even after a full night's sleep? The culprit might be hidden in your sleep patterns. As we kick off this challenge, we’re diving headfirst into sleep tracking — a powerful tool to help you understand your sleep quality and optimize your routine. There are 2 main ways to track your sleep: ...

Being out sick disrupts your routine, and returning to work can feel like climbing Mount Everest. Let's ditch that climb and take the scenic route back to work. Today is all about easing your transition with smart strategies. Your Action for Today Plan and prioritize your workload. Speak to your charge nurse about a lighter load or an assignment with ...

Find Your Silver Lining Being sick is no fun, but that doesn't mean there's no room for sunshine. Today, we're all about finding joy in the little things — even amid health challenges — because science shows it can help . Your Action for Today Make a "Gratitude Garland" or list. Write down at least 3 things you're grateful for today, no matter how small. ...

Feeling overwhelmed by well-meaning friends and colleagues? It may be time to lay down the law. At work, setting and enforcing personal limits lowers stress and prevents burnout . Those same benefits carry over to your home life, too. Setting boundaries doesn't make you a grouch; it sets the stage for healthy relationships. Setting & enforcing ...

Treat yourself the same way you’d treat a loved one who’s under the weather. Nurses are rockstars, but even rockstars need a break. Today is all about treating yourself with kindness — just like how you would treat a loved one who's feeling under the weather. Your Action for Today: Look in the mirror and say something supportive to your reflection. You ...

Avoid the Guilt Trip Being sick can trigger the "shoulda, woulda, coulda" monster in anyone, but especially in nurses. Here's the truth: Guilt is a time-waster. Your Action for Today Forgive yourself. Write down everything your guilt is whispering, then crumple it up and toss it. Focus on getting better, because a healthy you is a happy you. And you ...

You're a pro at giving care. But when the tables turn, don't be shy about asking for the care you need and deserve. Your Action for Today Identify one thing you need help with. Maybe it’s pain management, getting a break to rest, navigating medications, or simply a listening ear. Next, clearly and confidently voice that need to your support system. ...

Today is day 4 of the When Nurses Become Patients challenge! Yesterday, we tackled the “to-tell-or-not-to-tell” dilemma. Today? Let's temporarily unlearn the urge to play nurse. When it comes to your job, knowledge is power. But as a patient, it's OK to take a backseat. You don’t have to steer the ship right now. It’s acceptable (and healthy) to NOT have ...

Welcome to day 3 of the When Nurses Become Patients challenge! You're a whiz at deciphering charts and dissecting diagnoses. But when you're the patient, should you spill the beans about your badge? There's no one-size-fits-all answer — it comes down to personal preference. Consider this to help you decide: Seeking clarity? Disclosing you're a ...

Welcome to day 2 of the When Nurses Become Patients challenge! As a nurse, your mind is trained to consider all possibilities. But when you’re the patient, those “what-ifs” can lead you down a scary spiral. Today, let’s focus on quieting that inner chatter. Your Action for Today: Set aside 5 minutes to journal. Write out your top 3 “what-if” worries. For ...

Welcome to the When Nurses Become Patients challenge! As a nurse, knowing a lot sometimes also means worrying a lot. When you’re the patient, this knowledge can fuel anxiety . Today, let’s flip the script and use that knowledge to calm your mind. Your Action for Today Take 5 minutes to practice deep breathing . Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, and exhale for ...

Congratulations on completing the Hack Your Hydration! Here's the ultimate question: How do you feel? Drinking enough water isn't a magic happiness pill, but it does impact whole-body health. As we wrap up this challenge, it’s time to reflect on the connection between hydration and your mood. Your Action for Today: Consider how proper hydration ...

Transform your water into a refreshing, flavorful delight. Infusing water with fruits, veggies, and herbs enhances its taste while elevating your hydration game. Your Action for Today: Prepare your own fruit, veggie, or herb-infused water using these tips: Choose fresh ingredients: Go with organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs whenever ...

Feeling motivated to boost your hydration game? Why not enlist the support of your coworkers and form a hydration group? Your Action for Today: Join forces to hold each other accountable and make hydration a team effort. Here's how to get started: Recruit your team: Reach out to your colleagues and invite them to join your hydration squad. Set goals: ...

Move over, cocktails. Water recipes are the next big trend. TikTok users are creating colorful water recipes that are as fun as they are refreshing. They call it #WaterTok, and it's a great way to shake up your hydration. This trend takes water-based beverages and adds in flavored syrups, powders, and mix-ins to make them more flavorful. Your Action for ...

Hydration isn’t only from what you drink. About 20% of your daily fluid intake comes from the foods you eat. It’s totally possible to boost your hydration levels while enjoying delicious meals and snacks. Your Action for Today: Consider building a fresh salad with any combination of the most hydrating foods  for your next meal: Lettuce — Water ...

Staying hydrated is non-negotiable for your well-being. We’ve said it many times, and we’ll say it again — you can’t pour from an empty cup. Your Action for Today: Consider any (or all) of these simple yet effective hacks to sip enough water throughout your day: Set reminders: Use your smartphone or smartwatch to schedule hourly reminders to take a ...

If you’re always on the go, you have to stay hydrated no matter where you are. With help from these travel and storage tips, you can make hydration a seamless part of your busy day. Your Action for Today: Consider how you can keep water available when you're on the move by: Investing in a quality reusable water bottle: Look for a durable, spill-proof water ...

Yesterday you figured out your hydration baseline - how much water you need to drink each day. Now that you know how much water you should be drinking, let's figure out if you’re meeting your daily goal. Whether you use a hydration tracker, a basic notepad, or a digital app, tracking your fluid consumption holds you accountable and helps you see ...

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine tells us that the right amount of daily fluid intake is around 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) for men, and about 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) for women. That’s an overarching guideline, but every person is different. Do you know how much water your body actually needs to function at its best? Your ...

As a nurse, you know the importance of recognizing your body’s signals better than anyone. But it's still easy to overlook just how vital water is to your health — what it does to your body.     Tonight, take a moment to reflect on what water does for you personally by considering your unique health, activities, and goals.    Think about these questions. ...

We all need a little help sometimes. Now that you’ve worked your way through this challenge and created your burnout-busting toolkit, it’s time to share that wisdom with a peer.    But before you do, there's a powerful skill that can make all the difference in supporting your colleagues: Active listening.    Active listening goes beyond hearing what ...

As a nurse, advocating for others comes naturally. But what about advocating for yourself?     When you’re busy marking off your to-do list each day, neglecting your own needs is inevitable. Over time, this can lead to increased stress and burnout. And that's why it's crucial to become your own champion.    It takes time to strengthen self-advocacy, ...

Physical activity isn't only good for your body — it's also a powerful antidote to stress and burnout. Exercise releases endorphins , which are chemicals in your brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. One study found that even a 10-minute walk can significantly improve mood. Finding time for exercise during your busy workday may ...

Do you know that feeling when you sit down, stop thinking for a moment, and rest your mind? It’s peaceful. It’s rejuvenating. Rest is more than just hitting the pillow at night; it's about nurturing your entire being — body, mind, and soul. To protect yourself from stress and burnout, it’s important to recognize and embrace different forms of rest. ...

In the battle against burnout, camaraderie and support are your strongest allies. Research shows that being part of a community is powerful — people who have strong friendships and connections tend to handle tough situations better. They feel less stressed and don't react as much to difficult things that happen in life. As wonderful as that sounds, ...

How much fulfillment does your nursing job give you? Career fulfillment means finding satisfaction and purpose in your work. It’s about feeling fulfilled and engaged in your professional life. When you find fulfillment in your career, you’re not just doing your job; you’re doing it with passion and satisfaction. Think of career fulfillment as your ...

If you've joined any of our past gratitude challenges , you know how much it can lift your spirits. Being grateful isn't just a nice feeling; it can really help when things get tough — especially if you're feeling overwhelmed by burnout.   Gratitude is powerful. We know from research that when patients say thank you, it helps nurses feel less drained, more ...

Time is precious and demands are high. If technology can give you more time and reduce your demands, shouldn't you use it? What if the tools you have at your fingertips could make life a little easier?   Enter the world of tech solutions designed to support your well-being and reduce stress. From apps to online resources, there's a wealth of tech that can ...

It's the end of a long shift. You've been running from one patient to the next, juggling multiple tasks, all while trying to provide the best care possible. You feel mentally drained, physically exhausted, and emotionally spent. What if, during that long shift, you had a tool you could leverage to keep yourself from burning out? Mindfulness has the ...

Welcome to the Beat the Burnout challenge sponsored by the American Nurses Foundation !   To kick off this challenge, we're introducing a powerful tool that can help you better understand and manage your stress levels: The Stress Continuum. The Stress Continuum gives nurses a framework to identify and communicate their stress levels effectively. It ...

Congratulations on reaching the final day of the Snaps and Steps challenge, sponsored by Humana! Recharge in Nature Challenge! We hope you’ve seen over the past 10 days how just a few moments outside can perk up a tired, frazzled brain. Are you feeling less stressed and anxious? How about your happiness levels? We’ve explored nature’s effect on stress ...

Do you have a favorite architectural gem along your walking or jogging route? Maybe it's a charming Victorian house, an intriguing Tudor mansion, or a sleek modern high-rise. Whether you're drawn to the intricate details of historic architecture or the sleek lines of a newer build, let your feet lead you to your architectural muse. Your Action for ...

How often do you take a moment to soak up the vastness of the sky? Slowing down and watching the clouds (cloud-gazing) can guide you into peaceful reflection. Cloud-gazing isn't just about observing nature's artistry — it's a type of meditation that calms the mind. As you watch the clouds drift across the sky, you can release any worries or stressors ...

If you’re hoping for a mental health fix from nature, you’re not alone. Look around, and you'll find others who are also making the effort to take better care of themselves by getting outside. While they may be strangers passing by, there's a sense of solidarity in knowing that others share your commitment to self-care. Perhaps they, too, seek solace in ...

Ever struggled to stay in the moment as your mind wanders to tomorrow's tasks or yesterday's worries? We get it — it happens to all of us. Today, let’s try a simple yet powerful trick: focusing on a specific object, which can ground you in the present and ease your stress. This activity might bring you back to when you searched for “treasures” as a child: ...

Have you ever wondered why people gravitate toward water? There’s science behind that pull. Out of 3 kinds of natural sounds (birds, water, and a combination), a meta-analysis found that water sounds had the biggest impact on improving people’s moods. The sight and sound of water — a bubbling fountain, tranquil pond, babbling creek, or majestic river ...

Just like us, animals have daily tasks and responsibilities. When you're out enjoying nature today, you might notice a squirrel scurrying to gather food or a rabbit carefully constructing a cozy burrow. Animals might seem busy, but they always take time to rest — and that's something we humans can do better. As you step outside for your walk, keep a ...

There's something satisfying about the sound of a soft breeze rustling the leaves. This soothing sound even has its own name — psithurism (pronounced “SITH-yer-izm”) — which comes from the Greek word "psithuros," meaning "whispering." Branches and twigs swaying in the breeze create delicate vibrations that ripple through the air, producing the ...

Think about the last time you paused, closed your eyes, and listened to birds chirping. Did it calm you? Birds singing isn't just background noise — it's a symphony from nature that can soothe your nervous system. Research shows that listening to birdsong can reduce stress and anxiety while promoting tranquility and well-being. No wonder it’s such a ...

Nature's stunning blooms have a powerful effect on our moods and emotions. You could even consider them an emotional support tool. It's a fact: Research suggests [PDF] that spending time around flowers promotes positive moods, leading to improved mental well-being. If you don't have any flowers on your porch, patio, deck, or yard, let's go for a walk ...