DiversityNursing Blog

Whether you're a Nurse dealing with the daily stresses of the healthcare profession or simply looking for ways to unwind and recharge, this list of activities is designed to help you make the most of the spring season. From outdoor yoga sessions to mindful walks in nature, each suggestion is aimed at promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. So take a moment to prioritize self-care and indulge in these activities that will benefit your physical and mental health, and allow you to fully embrace the beauty of the season.

Outdoor Yoga Sessions: Find a serene spot in nature and allow yourself to fully immerse in the sounds and sights of the natural world. As you roll out your yoga mat and take a deep breath of the fresh spring air, feel the gentle warmth of the sun on your skin. With each yoga pose, let go of the stresses and tensions that have built up, allowing your mind to find peace and your body to release any pent-up energy. 

Hiking Adventures: Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore the winding trails and hidden gems of nearby nature reserves. Let each step be a reminder of the beauty and tranquility nature has to offer, while also providing your body with the exercise it craves. Take in the sights and sounds of the natural world around you, allowing yourself to fully immerse in the wonders of the spring season.

Picnic in the Park: Pack a basket with an assortment of fresh fruits, crunchy veggies, and homemade sandwiches, and head to a park or garden for a delightful picnic experience. Spread out a cozy blanket under the shade of a blooming tree or beside a calming pond. As you savor each bite of your snacks, take in the sweet scents of spring. Engage in light-hearted conversations with your loved ones, sharing laughter and creating cherished memories.

Gardening: Start a small garden or volunteer at a community garden to connect with nature and relieve stress. Planting seeds, nurturing them as they grow, and watching flowers bloom or vegetables thrive can be incredibly therapeutic. The act of gardening allows you to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life and focus on the beauty and growth that nature offers. Additionally, volunteering at a community garden not only provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment but also allows you to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for cultivating the earth. 

Nature Photography: Take up photography as a hobby and allow the beauty of spring landscapes, blooming flowers, and vibrant wildlife to be your inspiration. Whether you focus on the delicate petals of a newly bloomed flower, the playful squirrels in the park, or the colors of a sunset over a lake, let your photography skills transport you to a world of creativity and inspiration.

Mindfulness Meditation: Make it a daily ritual to set aside a few moments for mindfulness meditation, allowing yourself to sink into a state of deep relaxation and mental clarity. Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can fully focus on your breath, letting go of any distractions or worries that may be weighing on your mind. With each inhale and exhale, feel the tension melting away from your body and the chatter in your mind quieting down. Embrace the present moment fully, allowing yourself to be fully present and aware of your surroundings. By dedicating yourself to this practice each day, you can cultivate a sense of inner peace and calm that will carry you through the challenges of the day with grace and ease.

Bike Riding: Dust off your bicycle and embark on a scenic ride through parks or peaceful trails. Let the rhythm of your pedaling guide you through lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and chirping birds, immersing yourself in the beauty of nature. Cycling outdoors is not just a form of exercise but a soul-soothing experience that connects you to the world around you. So saddle up, explore new paths, and let the joy of cycling in the springtime refresh your body and mind.

Outdoor Workouts: Embrace the fresh air and sunshine by taking your workout routine outdoors. Whether it's a brisk jog or walk through a scenic park, or a series of bodyweight exercises in a peaceful outdoor setting, working out in nature can enhance not only your physical fitness but also your mental well-being. So lace up your sneakers, hop on your bike, or simply find a patch of grass to move your body and feel the benefits of exercising in the great outdoors.

Kayaking or Canoeing: Paddle your way to tranquility and adventure by spending a relaxing afternoon kayaking or canoeing in the waters of nearby lakes or rivers. Feel the gentle breeze against your skin as you glide across the water, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature. Take in the sights of lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. 

Botanical Garden Visits: Explore the enchanting world of local botanical gardens, where colorful spring blossoms await your admiration. Take a leisurely stroll through curated displays of flowers, trees, and plants, each offering a unique glimpse into the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Engage with staff or informational signage to learn more about the different plant species, their origins, and the significance of their conservation. 

Outdoor Cooking: Gather your closest friends and family for a fun-filled cookout or even enjoy a nice meal on your own. Fire up the grill and sizzle your favorite meats or veggies to perfection, the act of cooking over an open flame adds an extra layer of flavor and excitement to your meal. Set up a cozy outdoor dining area with string lights and comfortable seating, creating the perfect ambiance for enjoying your delicious feast. 

Stargazing Nights: Set aside an evening under the starry sky for a magical stargazing experience. Gaze up at the vast expanse of the universe, contemplating the mysteries and wonders that lie beyond our reach. Feel a sense of awe and humility as you witness the beauty of the cosmos, reminding yourself of the infinite possibilities and boundless beauty that surrounds us. 

Attend Outdoor Events: Look for outdoor concerts, festivals, or farmers' markets in your area to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of spring. Let the music, art, and flavors of the season fill your senses as you connect with your community and embrace the spirit of renewal and growth. 

Wildflower Picking: As you wander through the fields or farms, take your time to admire the array of wildflowers that bloom in vibrant hues.  Display your hand-picked beauties in a vase or mason jar, creating a floral arrangement that serves as a reminder of the beauty and serenity of the natural world. Embrace the simplicity and joy of wildflower picking as a mindful and grounding activity that connects you to the earth and brings a piece of the outdoors into your home.

Bird Watching: Dive into the fascinating world of bird watching by grabbing a pair of binoculars and a bird identification book. Take the time to immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings of nature as you observe local bird species in their natural habitats. Try bringing some bird seed with you to feed the local wildlife. 

Outdoor Reading: Find a cozy spot in the park or your backyard and immerse yourself in a good book while enjoying the warmth of the sun. Allow yourself to be transported to different worlds, as the words on the pages paint vivid images in your mind. Feel the gentle breeze rustling the pages of your book, adding to the peaceful ambiance of your reading retreat. 

Nurses, we encourage you to embrace this list of activities as a way to prioritize self-care and enhance your overall well-being during the rejuvenating spring season. Let these suggestions guide you in finding moments of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst the demands of your profession.

Working in the healthcare field is both demanding and stressful. Nurses often face challenges like adjusting to irregular hours, taking on extra shifts, and coping with the emotional toll of losing patients. While healthcare professionals are skilled at problem-solving, healing, and managing pressure, they are not immune to the lasting impact of stress and trauma.

“Even before the pandemic, healthcare workers faced challenging working conditions that lead to burnout. This includes long work hours, risk for hazardous exposures, stressful work, and high administrative burdens,” John Howard, M.D, director of NIOSH, said in a release. “Hospital leaders need support to implement organizational changes. Practical adjustments can reduce burnout and strengthen professional wellbeing within their hospitals.”

Therefore, it is essential to ensure healthcare professionals have access to mental health programs and spaces that promote well being. Incorporating straightforward design changes within hospitals can greatly enhance the mental wellness of healthcare staff.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston is currently building a 482-bed expansion called Cambridge Street centered around enhancing staff and patient satisfaction, optimizing operational efficiency, and promoting environmental stewardship. Several years ago, MGH’s 150-bed Lunder Building was created with the same goals in mind. 

According to Harvard Business Review, The Lunder building offers plentiful access to daylight through a glass-encased stairwell used only by staff, who have adopted the corridor as a de facto meeting space (nicknamed the “stair conference room”). Staff also use this stairwell as a place to “be alone together” and report that they find comfort watching employees traverse the stairwell while they use the space to think and decompress.

Exposure to daylight impacts work-related stress and job satisfaction and is found to affect clinician burnout. Since less noise can reduce stress among caregivers and also help patients recover from illness, the Lunder building uses a variety of sound-absorbing materials and techniques to make the patient floors 35% quieter than typical health care buildings. 

An article from Jacobs.com mentions, Peer-reviewed research emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of nature in healthcare settings. Exposure to natural light, greenery, and outdoor views has been linked to reduced stress and better sleep, faster recovery times, and improved overall patient outcomes. One study found that patients with bedside windows overlooking nature healed faster, experienced fewer complications and required less pain medication compared to those with views of brick walls.

The influence of nature’s benefits extends beyond patients. Research shows hospital staff working in environments with natural elements report lower stress levels and higher job satisfaction, and it has a knock-on effect — this leads to better patient outcomes, too. Improving staff retention and engagement directly impacts cost and productivity, too.

Many healthcare facilities are embracing the idea of providing support spaces that allow staff to utilize their break times and choose how they recharge during their valuable moments of rest. For example, some hospitals are implementing restorative zones and including nap areas for staff, situated conveniently close to patient units for ease of access.

Wellness rooms support employees’ mental well-being by providing a designated space for relaxation and stress relief. These wellness rooms usually include yoga mats for stretching and meditation, a cozy reading nook stocked with donated books for staff to enjoy, exercise equipment for physical activity, comfortable seating for relaxation, and decor inspired by nature for a tranquil atmosphere.

Organizations are exploring innovative solutions to support their staff's well-being through nutrition, such as satellite food lockers, mobile ordering apps, and discounted meal programs featuring healthy options.

Given the increasing concern about workplace violence within the healthcare community, hospitals are prioritizing the integration of security measures into their design, construction, and renovation processes. The goal is to create designs that help reduce fear, cut incidence of crime, and improve overall quality of life and well-being for staff and patients.

Healing gardens have become a vital component of hospital landscape design, offering a multitude of benefits for both patients and staff. These serene spaces not only enhance well-being and recovery but also play a crucial role in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. By incorporating greenery, healing gardens provide a therapeutic sanctuary that fosters physical, emotional, and environmental wellness within healthcare facilities.

In conclusion, implementing design modifications within healthcare facilities can significantly improve the mental well-being of healthcare professionals.

As we start the new year, we take a look at trends we expect to see in the Nursing field. Many health experts agree staffing has been and will continue to be the top healthcare issue.

Nurse Shortage

Many factors play into the staffing crisis like the pandemic, retiring Nurses, and high rates of burnout.

Rhonda Thompson, DNP, CNO and SVP of Patient Care Services at Phoenix Children's Hospital told Beckers Hospital Review, "The nursing shortage affecting health systems nationwide will continue to be a challenge in 2022. This has a greater impact than just unfilled positions and scheduling sufficient nurses based on a high patient census. It also means our experienced staff nurses are investing a great deal of time onboarding and training newly licensed nurses, in addition to their own daily bedside care responsibilities. To solve this, it will take collaboration and commitment from our health systems, staff, and academic partners."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 194,500 openings for Registered Nurses are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Increase In At-Home Healthcare

The COVID-19 pandemic created a demand for at-home healthcare that continues to grow.

According to Forbes, the Home Care Providers industry is among the fastest growing healthcare industries in the United States. "Industry revenue, according to IBISWorld, has grown at an annualized rate of 2.2% to $96.9 billion over the past five years."

At-home healthcare has many benefits. So much so, last year a bill called the Choose Home Care Act 2021 was presented to Congress. If passed, this would give patients the opportunity to leave the hospital and recover at home with a mix of expanded skilled Nursing, therapy, personal care, telehealth services, and more.

Prioritizing The Well-Being Of Healthcare Workers

The pandemic has pushed an already stressed-out career field to its breaking point. Nurses are facing high rates of burnout and compassion fatigue.

Compassion fatigue is the emotional residue or strain of exposure to working with those suffering from the consequences of traumatic events.

According to J. Maben and J. Bridges (2020), the pandemic has led Nurses to experience the highest level of stress that has ever been recorded compared to other professions.

Healthcare organizations and leaders have the opportunity and the responsibility to support and prioritize their staff's mental and physical well-being.

These healthcare workers have given so much of themselves they have nothing left to give and yet they are still showing up day after day under impossible circumstances. But for how much longer?

Nurses want to feel valued and safe in their work environment. Healthcare organizations must ensure Nurses are equipped with resources and the support they need to provide quality care.

Nursing School Online

The pandemic forced Nursing schools to provide their classes online to avoid the spread of the virus. Many institutions have continued the online learning option for some of their programs.

According to a report from Inside Higher Ed, about 60% of colleges and universities do plan to keep some of their undergraduate programs fully online.

Online schools provide a great opportunity for Nurses who are looking to advance further in their education, but don't have the time to physically attend classes between shifts.