February is a month that is not only known for the month of love but also known for Heart Health Awareness. It is essential to understand that prioritizing your heart's well-being should always remain a top priority, even when your schedules become overwhelming, particularly when we are away from home on a travel assignment. As we observe Heart Health Awareness Month, we must recognize the importance of our heart health and take practical steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle while on the go. Before we jump into the tips of maintaining a healthy heart, it’s important to establish the importance of understanding why heart health awareness is so important.
The Importance of Heart Health
Taking good care of your heart is incredibly important for your well-being. It is the engine of your body, working to circulate blood and oxygen to every organ. Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are the leading global causes of death, emphasizing the importance of a heart-healthy lifestyle. By making lifestyle changes, understanding heart disease causes, and adopting prevention methods, individuals can potentially prevent 80% of heart diseases. Taking informed actions helps avoid becoming a heart disease statistic, and it's never too late to make changes for a healthier heart!
Tips to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle While on A Travel Assignment
Make Heart-Healthy Food Choices
Say goodbye to junk food and welcome heart-healthy options into your life. Opt for more balanced meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. As a healthcare worker you have a busy lifestyle and work schedule, so meal prepping for the week can help you stick to this goal of eating healthy. Try to avoid consuming excessive amounts of high-calorie, high-sodium, and sugary foods. Whenever possible, choose local and fresh options.
Stay Hydrated
Keeping yourself hydrated is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and overall well-being. You can make it a habit by consuming an ample amount of water during and after your shifts. To stay motivated, consider investing in a good quality water bottle or tumbler. This will not only help you stay hydrated but also promote a positive and healthy mindset throughout the day.
Get Moving and Stay Active
It's important to include physical activity in your daily routine. You can explore the surrounding local area by taking a scenic hike or renting a bike to stay active while enjoying the new scenery.
It is proven that just 30 minutes of exercise for five days per week can help prevent 1 in 20 cases of cardiovascular disease. You can break your exercise routine into 10- or 15-minute sessions throughout the day to meet the recommended amount or opt for a quick brisk walk. Consider setting a new goal of taking the stairs instead of the elevator every morning to add more physical activity to your day.
Manage Stress
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial during an assignment. It's a good idea to include activities that help reduce stress in your daily routine, like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These practices not only contribute to lowering blood pressure and promoting heart health, but also play a significant role in enhancing your overall well-being. While managing a busy lifestyle can be challenging, prioritizing time for personal relaxation, and engaging in stress-relieving activities will ultimately benefit you in the long run by effectively managing stress.
Prioritize Sleep
Getting enough sleep is another way to help maintain a healthy heart and can also help reduce stress – making it a two-for-one win! To ensure that your body gets the rest it needs, it's important to establish a consistent sleep schedule, even when traveling and adjusting across time zones. While it may take some time to adapt to a new work schedule, building healthy sleep habits at the start of your assignment can help you achieve better sleep quality as the weeks progress.
Recognizing Heart Health Awareness Month, it's important to prioritize our heart health, even when on a travel assignment. By incorporating these practical tips into your daily routine, you can ensure that your heart stays healthy while exploring new places. A healthy heart is the key to longevity and living a gratifying life, so it's crucial to take care of it, regardless of where your adventures take you. When you're ready to take the next step in your travel healthcare journey, take a look at our job board and find your next adventure today.