Workdays (or nights!) tend to be 12+ hours for nurses and nursing techs. This type of schedule can be particularly taxing when carrying a heavy load of patients or after working several shifts back-to-back, so it’s important to take some time to wind down and take care of yourself.
Depending on your personality, you may love indulging in self-care or feel guilty when you take a moment to rest—just remember that taking care of others also means acknowledging the importance of giving yourself some TLC. The following items are great to have in your home to help you relax after work:
1. A quality sound machine
This device can work wonders for blocking out any unnecessary noises, which is especially necessary for night staff nurses who need to get some sleep during the day. Sound machines usually come with a variety of options, including white noise, raining sounds, or piano tunes.
2. Smart WIFI lightbulbs
You can control the mood of a whole room with these fancy bulbs. Smart lightbulbs allow you to change the color and tone of the light via voice control (using a hub such as Alexa or Siri). They can also be set to turn on and off on a timer, minimizing the need to get up just to adjust the light. This little luxury is a creative way to treat yourself and to provide further customization to your home.
3. Shower steamers
Some days are so long that you want to just take a quick shower and hop into bed. Taking a bath is out of the question if you’re eager to get some sleep. One way to really treat yourself while you’re taking a shower is to incorporate shower steamers. These are the shower-version of bath bombs and come in different aromas.
4. Weighted blanket
After you’ve taken your shower and changed into your pajamas, you’ll be ready to wrap yourself up for bed. A weighted blanket can help ease anxiety and restlessness, thus helping you to get better sleep. These types of blankets are also said to help with chronic pain and depression.
5. Headache and migraine kit
Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, such as stress, sleep deprivation, and allergies. Investing in a good hot and cold therapy set can help you get through headaches and migraines more efficiently and effectively.
6. Hammock
If you’ve got the space and the setup for it, a hammock can be a great place to relax after a long shift. Hammocks may be placed indoors or outdoors, but they can be especially nice to swing in on a back porch when the weather is good.
7. Compression socks
Some nurses like to wear these during work, while others prefer to put them on afterward. Compression socks can help combat tired, achy legs and feet and by preventing swelling. These socks come in many different cute designs and help improve circulation in the legs.
8. Essential oil diffuser
Essential oil diffusers can make your home smell beautiful and also promote relaxation. These oils may also help to improve mood, sleep quality, and headaches. Try a different oil each night of the week to figure out which ones you prefer. Scents like lavender are known to be relaxing, while peppermint oil can help support digestion.
9. Coloring book
We’ve seen over the past 10+ years that coloring is not an activity solely reserved for children. Adults can benefit from the relaxation that comes along with coloring, and having a fun, themed book can make it even better.
10. Stress relief balls
Having a stress ball on hand to squeeze can be quite comforting when you’re feeling a little overwhelmed after a long shift. In fact, anything that requires active movement (such as going for a jog, squeezing an object, or cleaning up the house) can be relaxing in some way.
11. Word search puzzles
Sometimes, the best thing to do after a challenging day at work is to zone out and put your mind on something that is easy, fun, and relaxing. Puzzle books (and especially word search puzzles, since they tend to be easier than crosswords or Sudoku puzzles) can be a great activity to help you wind down and get ready for bed.
12. Cozy robe
There are few things more comfortable than wrapping yourself up in a warm, fuzzy robe, especially after a hot shower or bath. These robes are perfect for lounging around the house after work or on your day off, and they come in many different colors and materials.
13. An e-reader
Reading a book can serve as another outlet to get your mind off of work after a long day. E-readers are convenient because they can store numerous books at once and are easily portable (this is especially helpful for travel nurses who won’t want to carry multiple hard copies with them as they go from place-to-place). Some e-readers also come with adjustable text size and lighting to best suit your needs.
14. Yoga mat
Yoga can be a very peaceful form of exercise for the mind and body. If you are interested in giving it a try, there are plenty of videos online to teach you how to do different poses. Mats are generally pretty inexpensive, so yoga can end up being an affordable practice to pick up for stress relief and overall balance.
15. Journal
Writing down your thoughts and feelings is usually a cathartic experience. Taking the time to write can help you better understand yourself and the way you interact with others. It can even help you gain improved clarity for future decisions.
Self-care is important for people in all professions, but it is especially crucial for healthcare workers to take the time to relax and recover after long shifts. These items are meant to help you to relax and focus on yourself as you take some space away from the workplace!
