 It can be very overwhelming to maintain a healthy lifestyle while working irregular hours, especially during 12-hour shifts...If you don't properly plan ahead!

<div>
  As a nurse, it&rsquo;s your job to care for the health and well-being of your
  patients, making sure their dietary and exercise needs are met. But what about
  your health? It can be very overwhelming to maintain a healthy lifestyle while
  working irregular hours, especially during 12-hour shifts. However,
  you&rsquo;ll find that making healthy choices and planning ahead is what it
  takes to lead a healthy lifestyle &ndash; even when it seems least convenient.
</div>

<div>Not sure where to start?</div>

<div>
  Check out these tips to make your next 12-hour shift the healthiest one
  yet!&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Plan Meals and Snacks&nbsp;</h2>

<div>
  If you don&rsquo;t plan ahead, you&rsquo;re setting yourself up to fail!
  Taking a couple hours each week to buy and plan nutritious meals and snacks
  will put you in a better position to make healthier choices and resist
  unhealthy temptations on the job. You&rsquo;ll want to incorporate a variety
  of protein-based foods to give you fuel and energy to last throughout your
  shift. Remember, regardless of your weight or specific health goals, making
  healthy diet choices will improve the way you feel physically and
  mentally.&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Move Whenever Possible</h2>

<div>
  Though it&rsquo;s not always possible to get in a full 30-minute walk during
  your shift, make an effort to stretch and move whenever possible. Whether
  it&rsquo;s taking a longer walk to the bathroom or choosing to stand instead
  of sit, these simple movements can help you stay active and reduce the amount
  of time you&rsquo;re sedentary at work. You&rsquo;ll also feel less sluggish
  and more energized!&nbsp;
</div>

<h2>Get Enough Rest</h2>

<div>
  A lack of adequate sleep can easily leave you tired and restless, and
  underperforming during your shift. Though working erratic hours can result in
  less than ideal sleep patterns, it is imperative to establish a consistent
  sleeping ritual. To improve the quality of your rest, it&rsquo;s always
  helpful to unwind after work with a hot bath or yoga session. It&rsquo;s also
  important to plan family time and chores around your sleep schedule to avoid
  interrupted rest.
</div>

<div>
  The answer to a healthy lifestyle doesn&rsquo;t come from constant coffee
  breaks, but rather a willingness to learn what is best for your body and take
  action to ensure your health needs are met on the job. Taking the steps above
  is paramount to your health and will improve your energy levels at work,
  especially during long shifts.
</div>

<div>
  If you&rsquo;re seeking new
  <a href="/sites/msn/job-search">medical employment opportunities</a> to
  advance your nursing career or looking to pick up extra shifts for some extra
  money, let Cross Country Medical Staffing Network open new doors for you
  today.
</div>

<p>
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    >Get Started Now!</a
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12-Hour Shifts? Don’t Neglect Your Health on the Job!