National Women's Health and Fitness Day

As a healthcare professional, you dedicate your time and energy to taking care of others, often putting your own health on the back burner. Whether you're a travel nurse, allied clinician, LVN/LPN, or therapist, you understand the challenges that come with the job. The long hours, varying schedules, and frequent travel can make it difficult to maintain a consistent fitness routine or prioritize your own health. 

National Women's Health and Fitness Day, celebrated annually on the last Wednesday of September, is a great reminder to focus on your own well-being. For women in healthcare, especially those constantly on the go, this day serves as an opportunity to pause, reassess, and invest in self-care. 

Women in healthcare represent the majority of the workforce, with travel nurses, LVNs, and therapists often at the forefront. Given the physical and emotional demands of these roles, maintaining optimal health and fitness is essential—not just for your personal well-being but also for your professional performance. 

When you’re in good health, you have more energy, greater mental clarity, and an enhanced ability to handle the high levels of stress associated with patient care. Regular physical activity can help mitigate the risk of chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, which disproportionately affect women. Not to mention, it can improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep—key elements for surviving the challenges of travel healthcare. 

Travel healthcare professionals have the added layer of navigating new environments regularly. While these assignments offer the excitement of discovering new cities and healthcare settings, they also disrupt routines. You might struggle to find the time or energy to work out after a long shift, especially when you're unfamiliar with local gyms or fitness centers. 

Similarly, travel makes it hard to maintain a balanced diet. Grabbing meals on the go can often mean resorting to fast food or hospital cafeteria offerings, which aren't always the healthiest choices. In addition, being in a different city every few months means that healthcare travelers often face social isolation, which can lead to stress and burnout. 

Despite the unique hurdles, there are several strategies that can help travel healthcare professionals prioritize health and fitness no matter where they are. Here are some practical tips: 

1. Pack Portable Fitness Gear 

Resistance bands, a yoga mat, and lightweight dumbbells are easy to pack and can turn any temporary housing into a mini-gym. These tools allow you to do a variety of exercises, from strength training to yoga, right in the comfort of your living space. 

2. Explore Your Surroundings 

Use your travel assignments as an opportunity to explore new areas on foot. Whether it's a park, beach, or city sidewalk, walking or jogging outdoors can double as exercise and a way to familiarize yourself with your temporary home. 

3. Take Advantage of Free Workouts 

Many cities offer free fitness classes in parks or community centers. Additionally, YouTube and fitness apps provide a wide range of workout videos that require little to no equipment. From HIIT to Pilates, you can find options that suit your fitness level and schedule. 

4. Prioritize Healthy Eating 

It's easy to fall into the trap of convenience foods while on the road. However, making mindful food choices doesn't have to be difficult. When possible, stay in accommodations that offer a kitchen or kitchenette, so you can cook your own meals. Shop at local grocery stores for fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy snacks like nuts and yogurt. 

If you’re eating out, try to choose restaurants with healthier options, such as salads, grilled meats, and whole grains. Many chain restaurants now have nutritional information available, which can help you make more informed choices. 

5. Schedule Self-Care Time 

Self-care isn't just about fitness; it's also about mental health. Being away from home can be lonely, so schedule time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s calling family and friends, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness through meditation, small self-care routines can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. 

Health and fitness are easier to maintain when you’re not going it alone. As a travel healthcare professional, you may not have a consistent support system in each location, but building connections with fellow travelers or local healthcare staff can make a huge difference. Consider joining online communities for traveling healthcare professionals or attending fitness classes to meet like-minded individuals in each new city. 

These connections can provide accountability, motivation, and encouragement. Sharing your fitness goals with others can help you stay on track, especially when you're feeling tired after a long shift or overwhelmed by your new surroundings. 

National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is more than just a reminder to hit the gym; it’s a call to prioritize your health—mind, body, and spirit. As travel healthcare professionals, you dedicate your lives to caring for others, but it’s crucial to remember that your health matters too. 

On this day, take a moment to assess your health and fitness routine. Celebrate your body for all it does, and commit to finding balance in your life, no matter how hectic your schedule gets. After all, staying fit and healthy not only benefits you but also enables you to be the best caregiver for your patients. 

As a member of the FlexCare family, we encourage you to put your health first today and every day. Let's celebrate National Women's Health and Fitness Day by recommitting to our well-being—because when healthcare professionals thrive, everyone benefits.