Too much time

With a nursing schedule, there are times that you have too much time off. I know what you’re thinking,  “Emily that is crazy talk” The truth is when I have too much time off, I tend to get lazy. At times I feel like a teenage degenerate. I will stay in bed until 11am. Then lounge around until 2pm. Then I will run an errand or go to the gym. After that one activity, I call it a day and get back into my pjs. These days are OKAY to have every once in a while. It is important to give your mind and body time to just rest and relax. Unfortunately, these days can be addicting so it is important to get back into routine.

I have struggled most of my career to develop a routine outside of work. I still do sometimes. As a nurse or shift worker, my schedule is chaotic and always changing. I have never had a set schedule and I probably never will. As a nurse I have 4 days off a week. It tends to be easier to stay occupied when they are separated, but occasionally I will have them all clumped together! Which is great! Most of the time! It is amazing when I have planned a trip or a new project that will keep me busy, but sometimes I forget to plan to keep busy. 

I travel a decent amount and there are times I just want to stay put on my days off. It is essential to keep a routine on these days. Wake up, hit the gym, walk to a coffee shop, read a book. Make a goal on these days off. Make a short list of things you want to accomplish.  It could simply be: clean my apartment, run 3 miles, or check out that cute shop down the street you drive by all the time. Make the time to do the things that are on your mental “ oh I should check that out” list. Maybe take one of those days to take a day trip! Somewhere that is a short drive, but a change of scenery.

Don’t get stuck on the couch. Get outside. Move your body. Feed your mind and soul with something other than doom scrolling.