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Summary of Contest 3546

The Healthy Nurse, Healthy Nation™ (HNHN) Grand Challenge  features monthly health challenges to engage nurses and others, including a ten day Celebrate Civility challenge which will begin on December 9, 2019. ANA will randomly select a participant who has joined both the American Nurses Association as a member and enrolled in the HNHN text to join ...

Plan To Keep Moving 3543

Welcome to day 10 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . You’ve come this far — don’t stop now. One study found that a two-week break from physical activity can take a toll on your muscle mass and increase your body fat. Keep your momentum going even after this challenge is complete. Take a few moments to reflect on the following: ...

Plan To Keep Moving 3542

Welcome to day 10 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . You’ve come this far — don’t stop now. One study found that a two-week break from physical activity can take a toll on your muscle mass and increase your body fat. Keep your momentum going even after this challenge is complete. Take a few moments to reflect on the following: ...

Put Television Commercial Breaks To Good Use 3541

Welcome to day 9 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Ugh, another ad. And unlike on YouTube, you can’t skip commercials on television. There’s only one thing left to do: Aimlessly browse social media on your phone to pass the time, right? Not so fast. Who says you have to waste commercial breaks on meaningless activities? Use ...

Put Television Commercial Breaks To Good Use 3539

Welcome to day 9 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Ugh, another ad. And unlike on YouTube, you can’t skip commercials on television. There’s only one thing left to do: Aimlessly browse social media on your phone to pass the time, right? Not so fast. Who says you have to waste commercial breaks on meaningless activities? Use ...

Do Standing Push-ups During Dull Moments 3538

Welcome to day 8 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Do you load your arms with as many bags of groceries as possible to avoid making two trips? For one day, let’s call it quits. Instead of choosing efficient activities like tossing laundry down the chute or taking multiple trash bags out in one haul, use these opportunities to ...

Do Standing Push-ups During Dull Moments 3537

Welcome to day 8 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Do you load your arms with as many bags of groceries as possible to avoid making two trips? For one day, let’s call it quits. Instead of choosing efficient activities like tossing laundry down the chute or taking multiple trash bags out in one haul, use these opportunities to ...

Start Your Day With A 5-minute Workout Routine 3536

Welcome to day 7 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Begin your day on the right foot with a quick, revitalizing workout. This short workout will get your blood pumping and your energy soaring — maybe even before that morning cup of coffee! Try this 5-minute wake-up challenge workout , which incorporates stretches and simple ...

Start Your Day With A 5-minute Workout Routine 3535

Welcome to day 7 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Begin your day on the right foot with a quick, revitalizing workout. This short workout will get your blood pumping and your energy soaring — maybe even before that morning cup of coffee! Try this 5-minute wake-up challenge workout , which incorporates stretches and simple ...

Reduce Your Efficiency 3534

Welcome to day 6 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Do you load your arms with as many bags of groceries as possible to avoid making two trips? For one day, let’s call it quits. Instead of choosing efficient activities like tossing laundry down the chute or taking multiple trash bags out in one haul, use these opportunities to ...

Reduce Your Efficiency 3533

Welcome to day 6 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . Do you load your arms with as many bags of groceries as possible to avoid making two trips? For one day, let’s call it quits. Instead of choosing efficient activities like tossing laundry down the chute or taking multiple trash bags out in one haul, use these opportunities to ...

Hold A Plank Position 3530

Welcome to day 5 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . While planks are known for working the core, they actually work multiple areas of the body. By holding yourself in a plank position for 10, 20, or 30 seconds (or however long you can hold it), you’re working your:   Biceps Neck Shoulder muscles Core Legs Not sure how to ...

Hold A Plank Position 3529

Welcome to day 5 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . While planks are known for working the core, they actually work multiple areas of the body. By holding yourself in a plank position for 10, 20, or 30 seconds (or however long you can hold it), you’re working your:   Biceps Neck Shoulder muscles Core Legs Not sure how to ...

Do Jumping Jacks Every Hour 3528

Welcome to day 4 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . One of the easiest ways to get your heart pumping is with jumping jacks. It’s a simple cardiovascular exercise that you can do almost anywhere. And it’s ideal for working your glutes, adductors, and calves. To avoid injury and reap the cardiovascular rewards of jumping ...

Do Jumping Jacks Every Hour 3527

Welcome to day 4 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . One of the easiest ways to get your heart pumping is with jumping jacks. It’s a simple cardiovascular exercise that you can do almost anywhere. And it’s ideal for working your glutes, adductors, and calves. To avoid injury and reap the cardiovascular rewards of jumping ...

Try A Chair Exercise 3526

Welcome to day 3 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . One way to multi-task while you work at your desk: Exercise in your chair! Take advantage of the time you spend working on your computer, watching television, or any other activity you do while sitting. Do seated: Squat lunges: Work your lower body by stepping into a lunge, ...

Try A Chair Exercise 3525

Welcome to day 3 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana . One way to multi-task while you work at your desk: Exercise in your chair! Take advantage of the time you spend working on your computer, watching television, or any other activity you do while sitting. Do seated: Squat lunges: Work your lower body by stepping into a lunge, ...

Do A Couple Of Laps Up And Down Your Stairs 3524

Welcome to day 2 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana ! Does your home have a stairway? Fire up those quads by going up and down the stairs for five minutes. Revving up your heart rate, even just a little bit, is healthy. Exercising just 30 minutes a day helps keep you heart strong. And if you don’t have access to a gym or time for longer ...

Do A Couple Of Laps Up And Down Your Stairs 3523

Welcome to day 2 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana ! Does your home have a stairway? Fire up those quads by going up and down the stairs for five minutes. Revving up your heart rate, even just a little bit, is healthy. Exercising just 30 minutes a day helps keep you heart strong. And if you don’t have access to a gym or time for longer ...

Stand Up Every 30 Minutes 3520

Welcome to day 1 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana ! Sedentary lifestyles are more dangerous than most people think.  One study  found that sitting for eight hours a day poses similar health risks as those stemming from obesity or smoking.   Having a sedentary lifestyle, which researchers now refer to as ...

Stand Up Every 30 Minutes 3519

Welcome to day 1 of the Move More Now  challenge, powered by support from Humana ! Sedentary lifestyles are more dangerous than most people think.  One study  found that sitting for eight hours a day poses similar health risks as those stemming from obesity or smoking.   Having a sedentary lifestyle, which researchers now refer to as ...

See Caregivers As Your Partners 3476

Thank you for participating in the Embracing Caregivers Challenge!   We hope that it has been helpful in reminding you to embrace the caregiver as your partner in patient care.  Your job is to take care of the patient and the caregiver is taking the torch from you. You want it to burn bright for years to come. That’s why it’s imperative to place as much ...

What Community-based Services Can Help? 3475

Welcome to day 9 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Provide resources for community-based services to ease caregivers’ worries.  Services like home-delivered meals, home health aides, nutrition counseling, and light housekeeping can significantly lighten a caregiver’s load. But passing along a phone number is not a referral. Making the ...

Share Support & Resources 3474

Welcome to day 8 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! 26% of unpaid caregivers surveyed have received no information and/or practical support in the last 12 months. And just as you often put your patients’ needs before your own, 42% of unpaid caregivers surveyed put the health of the person they’re caring for above their own health. You need each ...

Are You Available? 3473

Welcome to day 7 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! You understand firsthand the physical and emotional demands that come with caregiving. Use this shared experience to offer caregivers help. Let them know you are available when appropriate and provide detailed info on how they can contact you for advice and recommendations.  For example, you ...

How are they eating? 3472

Welcome to day 6 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Caregivers spend so much time focusing on their loved ones, they often lose sight of their own needs. Remind the caregiver to eat well.  For example, a caregiver may spend time cooking and cleaning for their loved one, and not take time to sit and eat a meal themselves. Later, they end up nibbling on a ...

Are They Getting Enough Rest? 3471

Welcome to day 5 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Being constantly exhausted is not good for the body and mind. Everyone needs a break. Getting plenty of rest is not only crucial for preventing caregiver burnout, it’s also essential for fixing it. As you talk with the caregiver and get a sense of their well-being, offer tips to help them get the rest ...

Recognize Caregiver Burnout? 3470

Welcome to day 4 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Are you looking for signs of burnout in the caregiver?  Your needs assessment should help you identify warning signs if the support person is already feeling the negative effects of caregiving. According to the Cleveland Clinic , these are the symptoms of caregiver burnout: Withdrawal from ...

Have A 1:1 3469

Welcome to day 3 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Today consider a private, one-on-one conversation with a caregiver. The start of this conversation may be difficult as they may not want to talk about themselves. To avoid this, present the discussion as an opportunity to work together to provide the best care for the patient. Use a caregiver ...

Reach Out 3468

Welcome to day 2 of the Embracing Caregivers Challenge! Today, formally identify the family caregiver. This is step one of a successful caregiver needs assessment. At this point, you’ve had time to observe the interactions between the patient and visitors. Now it’s time to hone in on the support person. Ask the patient, or the family members or friends ...

Keep Your Eyes And Ears Open 3466

Welcome to day 1 of the  Embracing Caregivers Challenge!  Pay close attention to your patient’s support person(s). As a nurse, your job is to tend to your patient. But the success of your care depends on the quality of ongoing care after discharge.   That means it’s never too early to try to identify the patient’s caregiver. As soon as the patient is ...

Don’t Defer 3371

Welcome to day 5 of the Mindfulness Challenge !  How many times have you thought, “Life will be better when…” Instead of waiting until you lose 10 pounds, get promoted, or meet the right person, accept where you are today and make the most of it. Making an effort to be present lets us enjoy our lives as they are right now.  Have you been putting off a family ...

Let Your Mind Wander 3369

Welcome to day 4 of the Mindfulness Challenge !  Living in the moment isn’t all about being productive (although you might find that you’re able to accomplish more when you fully focus). It’s also important to make time to just be. Instead of feeling guilty for procrastinating, allow yourself 15 minutes to do what you want (read a magazine, close your ...

Focus On One Thing At A Time 3367

Welcome to day 3 of the Mindfulness Challenge !  We are masters of multitasking. Sometimes multitasking is a necessity, but whenever you can, try to focus on a single task at a time:   Be fully present for one patient. Complete one to-do list item at 100%, instead of making headway on a little of each. When speaking to a friend or colleague, fully listen to ...

Take Control Of Your Smartphone 3362

Welcome to day 2 of the Mindfulness Challenge !  Have you thought about how you use your smartphone? It’s the source of some of our biggest distractions. Consider practicing some of these tips:   Set parameters around how often you use it. If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling Twitter before bed every night, put your phone in another room and read a ...

Abandon Autopilot 3357

Welcome to the Mindfulness Challenge !  Do you ever find yourself driving home from work and afterward barely remembering the trip? Or not realizing that you already charted for a patient? When that happens, it’s because you’re going through the motions without actively thinking about them. It’s unrealistic to be fully aware of every action we take at ...

Hydration At Work? 3354

Today is day 10 of the Hydration Challenge ! We understand that drinking water while at work can pose a challenge and hope that our blog,  Stay Hydrated on the Job , can provide you with some tips. We also encourage you to help  set up a hydration station at your organization,  if they are not already in place. Many organizations have started creating these ...

Schedule Your Sips 3353

Today is day 9 of the Hydration Challenge !   We are at the tail-end of week 2. Have you made drinking water part of your routine yet? Schedule your sips.   Just like you turn a patient every two hours or give them medication at a set time, create your own hydration timetable. Set your smartphone alarm for set sipping times during the day or use those  Daily ...

Eat Water-Rich Fruits & Veggies 3352

Today is day 8 of the Hydration Challenge !  Today's tip is to  eat water-rich fruits and veggies.  Many fruits and vegetables are close to 90 percent water. Include these types of high-water content produce in your meals or as snacks for added hydration:   Vegetables Fruit Cucumber Watermelon Lettuce Strawberries Celery ...

Jazz up your ice! 3351

Today is day 7 of the Hydration Challenge !  Today's tip is to  jazz up your ice. Make flavored ice cubes  to add more flavor to your drink as they melt. Try to keep sugar content to a minimum, but experiment with combinations of herbs and fruit  or use plain frozen fruit, like lemon slices. watermelon, strawberries, blueberries or melon balls for ...

Dress Up Your Drink! 3350

It's day 6 of the Hydration Challenge ! Today's tip is to  dress up your drink.  Something as simple as a stylish water bottle or a  fun straw  can make you more inclined to sip. Check out these  water bottles  that  Health Magazine  editors use. Bottles that are BPA-free, stainless steel, or glass are all options that are  safe r  than traditional ...

swap your soda. 3348

It's day 5 of the Hydration Challenge ! Today's tip is to  swap your soda. If you love pop, carbonated water or seltzer may be one way to sip more water. Look for a seltzer without added sugar or  make your own . Consider substituting one can of soda per day with club soda or sparkling water instead. Is there a brand or type of seltzer you prefer? How has the ...

Infuse Your Water 3346

It's day 4 of the Hydration Challenge ! Today's tip is to  infuse your water with fruits, veggies, or herbs.  You’ll be more likely to pour yourself a glass when your water has some flavor and the pitcher looks inviting. Give some of  these ideas  from  All Recipes  a try.  Let us know which ones you try and how you did on day 3 in our challenge updates section ...

How Do You Like Your Water? 3345

It's day 3 of the Hydration Challenge ! Today's tip is to  f ind your favorite temp and type of water. Most people have a preference when it comes to drinking water. Some people like a refreshing ice-cold glass while others like their water bottle at room temperature or even slightly warm.   Although it’s often said that cold water burns more calories, the  ...

Make Agua Your Appetizer. 3342

It's day 2 of the Hydration Challenge ! Today's tip is to  m ake  agua  your appetizer.  Do you pour a glass of coffee every morning on auto-pilot? Try to do the same for water. Before you drink any other liquid, have a snack, or dig into a meal, drink a glass of water. It’s an easy way to remember to drink up. Plus, having water before a meal or snack can fill you ...

Count Your Cups 3341

Welcome to our  Hydration Challenge !  Today's tip is to  Count your cups.  Do you know how much water you drink in a typical day? When you examine how much you sip, you might be surprised.  Figure out how much you already drink and then over the course of the challenge strive to down a particular number of ounces each day to gradually increase it. You may ...

Build On What You Started 3334

It's day 10 of the  Small Steps = Big Changes, powered by support from  Humana .  As this challenge winds down, focus on one mini habit that resonated with you over the past 9 days. Make a commitment to build on what you started. Remember, it doesn’t matter that your goal is small. You’re training your brain for success and building up to what you hope to ...

Build On What You Started 3333

It's day 10 of the  Small Steps = Big Changes, powered by support from   Humana .  As this challenge winds down, focus on one mini habit that resonated with you over the past 9 days. Make a commitment to build on what you started. Remember, it doesn’t matter that your goal is small. You’re training your brain for success and building up to what you hope to ...

What Are 3 Things You’re Especially Grateful For? 3332

It's day 9 of the  Small Steps = Big Changes, powered by support from  Humana .    Did you know people with a positive outlook are  one-third less likely  to suffer a cardiovascular event within five to 25 years compared to those with a negative outlook?  Gratitude and positivity promote wellness. One study published by  Harvard Health Publishing ...

What Are 3 Things You’re Especially Grateful For? 3331

It's day 9 of the  Small Steps = Big Changes, powered by support from  Humana .    Did you know people with a positive outlook are  one-third less likely  to suffer a cardiovascular event within five to 25 years compared to those with a negative outlook?  Gratitude and positivity promote wellness. One study published by  Harvard Health Publishing ...

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Most Recent Comments

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I absolutely LOVE being around water. Being in a swimming pool, floating on my back with my ears under the water, staring up at the sky…… Im basically in heaven!! One of my all time favorite memories is when I had my own private balcony next to the ocean in Cancun Mex., and I left the door open every night to feel the ocean breeze and hear the waves…. again, heaven...

yes meditating while walking is great! You're active, but getting relaxed at the same time!

it also works for me.  I use it to talk to God and it works. It is relaxing and soothing. 

I did the standing calf raises, the push ups and took the stairs between documenting on patients. 

Taking care of self is not always easy, so today I challenge myself to indulge in Self Care. Be Well!