Apr 18, 2023

5 Benefits of Fitness for Nurses Overall Well-Being

Updated: Dec 8, 2023

The Benefits of Fitness for Nurses' Overall Well-Being

Nurses work long hours and are often left exhausted and end up short of time to look after their mental and physical health. But we all know how important exercising and staying physically fit are to our well-being.

Let's find out some of the main benefits that come from being physically fit as a nurse.

Benefits of physical fitness

1. Gain improved endurance- Physically fit nurses can often take on longer shifts. They

are less likely to get tired and need time off to recuperate.

2. Greater mobility- Physically fit Nurses can move quickly and easily from one

area of the hospital to another and can take on manual handling duties more

often.

3. Reduced risk of injury- Having better physical fitness means you will be less likely to

sustain large injuries and recover quicker than those with little physical fitness.

4. Better balance- Nurses who are physically fit often have better balance, allowing them

to stand for long periods of time, move quickly and lift heavier objects without injury.

5. More energy- When you are physically fit, you often have more power and improved

endurance and mobility.

6. Lower risk of health problems. When you are physically fit, you lower your risk of

developing health problems such

as obesity, heart disease, back injuries, and diabetes.

7. Better quality of life. Physical fitness improves your quality of life, and you will be less

likely to experience anxiety or depression.

8. Productivity- When you are physically fit, you feel energised, wanting to be more

productive and enjoy your work more.

If you want to improve your physical fitness, you should try to incorporate some

exercise into your daily routine. There are many different types of exercise available. Try out a

few to find one best suited to you.

Sandra's Journey

"The idea of positively impacting people's lives and helping them was very appealing to me when I first started working as a nurse. After a few months of working long hours and hard physical labour, I felt depleted and exhausted. I was so exhausted that I hardly had the strength to do the bare minimum for my health, let alone devote time and effort to exercise and self-care.A coworker finally suggested we try getting some exercise during our lunch break. At first, I was hesitant because I was so busy with work that I didn't think I could fit in a workout. After much persuasion from my coworker, I gave it a shot. Surprisingly, just a few minutes out in the open air improved my energy levels. After taking some time off, I returned to work with a renewed sense of purpose and energy and an increased capacity for patience with my patients. After that, I made it a point to squeeze in some form of physical activity whenever possible, even if it was just a quick walk or some light stretching between shifts. I could work longer shifts without getting as exhausted as before after prioritizing fitness. Additionally, I had more faith in my ability to work and less feared getting hurt safely. Taking care of myself as a nurse helped me to be a better nurse for my patients and ultimately made me happier. In light of what I've seen, I now realize how crucial it is for nurses to maintain a healthy level of physical fitness. Putting in exercise time can be challenging when there is so much else to do, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Self-care is integral to nursing because it improves our ability to care for our patients. I was able to overcome my PTSD with its aid."

What types of exercise are best for nurses?

Some of the best exercises for nurses include:

1. Walking: Walking is a great way to get some fresh air and exercise at the same time. It’s easy to do and can be done anywhere there are sidewalks.

2. Swimming: Swimming is a wonderful form of physical activity. Swimming doesn’t put extra pressure on your joints and is an excellent way to work out all the muscles in your body.

3. Jogging: Jogging is a cardiovascular workout and can help increase your endurance. Jogging is an excellent way to burn calories and increase your energy levels.

4. Cycling: Cycling is another cardiovascular workout that will help get you outside in the

fresh air as you improve your fitness.

5. Pilates: Pilates will increase your flexibility and will help tone your entire body.

There are many reasons to get up and move every day. Improving your fitness as a nurse can

have many benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, reduced back pain, and a

strengthened immune system.

Whether you are a new nurse or have been working for a while,

taking the time to get fit can make a big difference in your health and well-being.