Nothing can help alleviate that tension like a good massage. The question is, what kind? There are so many different kinds of massages available that choosing the right one for you can be a stress all its own.

At TravelNursingBlogs.com we want the experience you have during your travel nursing job to be enjoyable and rewarding, so here are just a few quick overviews of the over 200 types of massage options that are out there. Each one can offer different benefits, so it is really just a matter of finding the one that fits your needs.

Deep-Tissue Massage
Deep-Tissue Massage aids in relieving chronic muscular pain and can speed injury rehabilitation. It also helps patients suffering from arthritis and tendonitis by reducing inflammation. A Deep-Tissue Massage utilizes techniques that affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia and require advanced training and comprehensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology by the practitioner.

Reflexology
Reflexology is used to encourage relaxation, improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids and lessen pain. Reflexology has also been promoted as having the ability to help improve concentration, confidence and motivation.

Building on an ancient Chinese therapy method, Reflexology is the manipulation of the foot, hands, and ears, which are specific reflex areas and correspond to other parts of the body. Pressure is applied to these reflex “zones” to invigorate the body’s organs and clear areas of congestion. Using principles similar to acupressure, Reflexology uses the body’s energy flow to create self-healing and promote physical balance.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu can help alleviate painful conditions like asthma, back pain, headaches and stiffness. It can also help with depression while at the same time helping to restore a natural balance to your system. For the busy worker with lots of stress this is a great massage.

Originating in Japan, Shiatsu is a technique utilizing finger-pressure and acupuncture points. It focuses on improving the flow of energy and repairing balance in the body to foster self-healing. This treatment creates a feeling of relaxation while at the same time stimulating blood and lymphatic flow through the body. Shiatsu’s benefits may include pain relief and improvement in the body’s resistance to disease and disorder.

Nothing can help alleviate that tension like a good massage. The question is, what kind?

Sports Massage
A Sports Massage does pretty much what it sounds like. It is used to improve athletic performance and speed recovery. A Sports Massage can be helpful to an athlete during three phases of the athletic endeavor, either pre-event, post-event or for injury treatment.
A pre-event massage is given right before the event and can help to warm up muscles while the athlete visualizes the race, game or competition. A post-event massage is given shortly after the event and can help calm the athlete’s nervous system, as well as helping the body flush toxins and waste products that occur from competition. This helps shorten recovery time and allows the athlete to continue training much quicker than mere rest allows. Athletic injuries are also able to heal faster and better if a Sports Massage is utilized during the rehab process.

Swedish Massage
Swedish Massage is one of the most popular massage techniques. It offers benefits that can include better circulation, eliminating scar tissue adhesions and relaxation to allow for quicker healing and reduced swelling after an injury by keeping ligaments and tendons flexible. This is a great massage if your life or work requires a lot of physical work. It is an intense system designed to energize the body by increasing circulation.

Swedish Massage uses five basic strokes, which all flow toward your heart and manipulate the body’s soft tissues. The therapists utilize a combination of movements that include kneading, percussive, rolling, tapping and vibrational, along with applying oil in order to minimize friction on the skin.

Trigger Point
Trigger Point Massage flushes toxins out of the body and releases endorphins that promote healing. This relieves tense muscles and can help alleviate pain from injuries. Some of the areas that Trigger Point Massage can help with are back pain, bursitis, carpal tunnel, frozen shoulder, low back stiffness, neck stiffness, sciatica, shin splints or tennis elbow. The goal is recovery from or a noticeable reduction in myofascial pain. Through a systematized approach this treatment relies on trigger point compression, myomassage, passive stretching and a regime of corrective exercises.

Successful treatment using Trigger Point Massage can be measured by a reduction in pain levels and an increase in endurance, range of motion and strength. Client and therapist interaction is vital in trigger point massage, the therapist asks the client to take their improvement into their own hands by paying attention to other health factors like nutrition, stress, exercise, mechanical abnormalities and other physical areas of their lives. Paying attention to these areas of their health can protect the client from a delayed diagnosis and treatment or even a conflicting treatment.
Massage is a proven stress reliever and being less stressed will help you perform at your best so enjoy. Hear are a few resources to help you figure out what massage is right for you.

MassageTherapy.com
MassageNetwork.com
HealthWorldOnline.com
About: Spas
ShiatsuSociety.org
NaturalHealers.com
Pfrimmer Deep Muscle Therapy

All information contained in this article, on MedicalSolutions.com or in the recommended non-affiliated websites is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem – nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. See a physician before starting any exercise program or other therapy.  Sources: MassageTherapy,com and AskMen.com

Your first day at your travel nursing job will set the tone for the rest of your assignment. It is when will you need to learn the most. It is when first impressions of you will be made. And it is probably going to the most stressful day you face, merely because of the unfamiliarity and unknowns surrounding it.

Most likely your first day will consist of some sort of orientation. How extensive that orientation is depends on the hospital . In some cases your orientation may be brief and on the same day you actually start working on your unit, while others the orientation may be more thorough and will be all you will do that day. Either way though, having a great nights sleep is the best way to ensure that you will be prepared for the day. So take the time to establish a quality bed time routine as soon as you get to your new location.

Getting a good night’s sleep in a new location can be difficult so it is important to create a routine that is as similar to what you would do at home as possible. Here are some articles full of advice just for helping travel nurses get the sleep they need.

• Strategies for getting quality sleep
• Tips for Travel Nurses on how to get a good nights sleep
• Positive sleeping habits for a traveling nurse means consistency

Bundle up

First and most importantly, make sure that you have the proper clothing to keep you warm during freezing temperatures. A windbreaker and a sweater simply won’t cut it when you’re walking around in 20 degree weather. If you’re working in a city with a harsh winter climate, don’t hesitate to invest in quality winter clothes—it’ll be worth the money when the time comes. Starting from the feet and moving up, consider these additions to your wardrobe:

• Snow boots (waterproofed so melted snow won’t leak inside)
• Wool socks
• Thermal pants
• Thermal shirt
• Heavy, insulated coat
• Gloves (thin enough so you can use your fingers, but thick enough to keep your hands warm)
• A thick scarf
• A beanie or a wool cap

As a nurse, you surely know that most of your body warmth escapes through the extremities, so do your best to keep them the warmest of all! When you’re shopping for winter clothes, be sure to choose utility over fashion as the more fashionable clothes won’t keep you as warm.

Secure your car

If you have a car, you’ll need to be wary of the dangers brought on by severe winter weather. Freezing temperatures can render your car useless if you’re not proactive about securing it. Do yourself a favor and take your car in for a routine inspection to make sure everything is in order. When you take your car in for inspection, ask the mechanic to pay close attention to the brakes, the tread on your tires, and the belts and hoses under the hood. If the mechanic recommends chains for your tires, ask that they install them on your car to save you the trouble of putting them on yourself.

Also be sure that your car’s level of antifreeze is up to regulation levels. Antifreeze—like its name implies—helps your car fluids from freezing during extreme cold temperatures. Without antifreeze, your car would basically turn into a useless hunk of metal in freezing weather.

Be prepared for snowstorms

Ask friends in the area about the average snowfall during the winter months. If they tell you that the average snowfall can get to several feet, you should prepare your home in the event of a snowstorm. If you rent a house, invest in a snow shovel for clearing large swaths of snow and plenty of rock salt to thaw out icy pavement. Stock up on groceries if serious snowfall is expected in the forecast so you can cook at home while you wait out the storm. The same advice goes for those living in apartment complexes or condos.  Even if you aren’t snowed in during a snowstorm, it’s wise to wait it out inside until the worst of the storm has passed and it’s safe to travel.  People unaccustomed to snowy weather would be wrong to have the perception that snow is fun and festive, something not worth worrying about. When the snow starts piling in front of your window, you’ll be glad that you took steps to prepare properly.

There are some great precautions you can learn and take with you when you are in your car, housing, working out or even while exploring your new area.

Car/Parking Lots

When walking to your car always have your keys ready in your hand to be able to open up your car quickly if needed. Possibly think about purchasing a flashlight, whistle, or something to protect yourself for your keychain. Create a safety plan and change up your routine by driving different routes to keep people from tracking you.

Make your car less of a target of getting broken into. If you have a stereo with a face plate, take it out when you are not in your car. Leave nothing valuable in your car, and if you do, put items in the trunk out of sight. Try to park your car in well lit areas and not on the street. This decreases your car’s chances of getting broken into or even hit.

Parking Lot Safety

Parking Garage Safety

Parking Lot Security

House/Apartment

“Safety first” has been a slogan everyone has heard when growing up. If you don’t feel comfortable then don’t do or go somewhere that you feel uneasy about.

If you live alone, keep that information unknown by making up a roommate or dog. Tell people you have a dog and give it an aggressive name like Spike. Find a neighbor or coworker to trust and let them know your schedule, so they know when you are going to be gone. If you are going to be gone for a few days have the post office or your trusted neighbor or coworker hold your mail. Also keep your schedule confidential so people don’t know when you aren’t going to be home – it’s easy nowadays to post these types of things of Facebook and whatnot, but we highly recommend against it.

Once again you don’t want to give people a reason to break in. Keep blinds shut on bottom floors so people cannot see in. Always lock your door when alone in your house and at night turn on lights around all inside and outside entrances. Alarm systems are great, but it is hard to get one when you are moving every 13 weeks. To fix that problem, you can get a fake alarm or just put a sign out saying you have an alarm system. Notify your landlord to cut overgrown shrubbery around your home so people can’t hide in it. At night keep your phone and something that could be used as a weapon by your bed just in case something does happen at night.

Apartment Safety Basics

Apartment Safety Tips

Working Out

If you like to go on walks, runs, or bike rides before or after work you should visit www.mapmyrun.com, www.favoriterun.com and www.sanoodi.com to map out safe runs in your new community. Try to work out in high populated areas or with a new friend from work. Work out during the day and at places you feel comfortable at. If you cannot find a place outside where you feel comfortable, then look to find a gym that you can work out at.

How To Run Safely

Running 4 Women’s Safety Guide

Additional Tips

• Take a self-defense class before or during your travel nursing assignment. It is important to learn to stand in a way to ward off people from thinking they can take advantage of you being new to their city. By doing this, it makes you more aware of your surroundings so you feel more comfortable in your community.
• Make sure you learn about your new city so that you don’t make wrong turns or end up getting lost in unfamiliar areas. Also, try to ask your new coworkers about where you should do your shopping and exploring, most likely they are from there and able to give you good advice.
• Another important tip is to put 911 on your speed dial to make it easier to call for help if you find yourself needing it.

“Safety first” has been a slogan everyone has heard when growing up. If you don’t feel comfortable then don’t do or go somewhere that you feel uneasy about. Learn and follow the steps to become “personal safety certified.” At TravelNursingBlogs.com we want you to be comfortable and safe wherever you travel.

National Crime Prevention Council

Impact Personal Safety

ISU Department of Public Safety

Why it’s important to get a good night’s rest

If a nap is necessary, try just taking a 20-30 minute nap to avoid throwing off your body’s clock.

Getting enough sleep is important because it rejuvenates your body at the end of the day. During sleep your body goes through cycles to help you refresh mentally and physically, restoring the functions that are necessary for your next day’s routines. Here are some sites that give you insight about the importance of sleep.

Fine Living
Homespunspa
Sleep Disorders Guide

Results of lack of sleep

Without adequate sleep, you open yourself up to potential health risks, some of which impact short term mental performance, while others pose more serious, long-term risks. Some of the negative mental effects that may occur are an increase in stress and irritation. Shortness of memory may also take place because during the sleep cycle your brain refreshes for the next day by processing and organizing information.

A lack of sleep could also weaken your immune system, making you more prone to colds and viruses. In addition, a long-term lack of sleep or “sleep debt” can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, sleep apnea, obesity, headaches and digestive problems. Here are some sites that have in-depth information about the consequences of sleep deprivation.

BBC News | HEALTH | Lack of sleep ‘risks lives’
Insomnia Connection
Sleepdex – Resources for Better Sleep

Advice for getting a good night’s rest

Even though your schedule as a travel nurse means you may not always be able to keep a regular schedule, there are still steps you can take to get the best sleep possible.

• During the day, it is important to try to avoid naps. Taking naps could throw off your sleep cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep at night.
• If a nap is necessary, try just taking a 20-30 minute nap to avoid throwing off your body’s clock.
• Try to limit the amount of caffeine you drink before going to bed.
• Pay close attention to keeping as regular a sleeping schedule as possible.
• Keeping active and exercising on a regular basis will also help improve your sleeping patterns
• Make sure to limit your exercising to 3 hours before bedtime so your body has time to slow down and relax.

Create a restful sleeping setting

Creating a good sleep environment can also help you get a good night’s sleep despite an irregular schedule as a travel nurse.

• Make sure you have a comfortable pillow; you may want to try a therapeutic foam pillow that cradles your neck.
• Do not use the room for doing work, paying the bills, using your computer, etc… Your body needs to recognize that the bedroom is only for sleep.
• Try to keep the room as quiet as possible; use a fan or white noise machine to keep outside noises down.
• In addition, be sure to hide your clock. It will only be a distraction when you are trying to fall sleep. Focusing on the time can make you anxious about being unable to sleep.

Finally, establish a good pre-sleep ritual. Don’t eat a big meal before you go to bed. Take time to relax for a while before you go to bed; read or take a warm bath. Give your body cues that it’s time to wind down and go to sleep. Put on some quiet, relaxing music. Last but not least, listen to your body, and go to sleep when you’re tired.

Here are some sites with more tips and advice about getting a good night’s sleep:

Helpguide
National Sleep Foundation
National Institute of Health
Journal Sleep
MedicineNet

Blow your nose frequently: by blowing your nose often rather than sniffing mucus back into your head.

It’s that time of the year again when our schedules are getting hectic, the weather is inconsistent and the common cold and flu can get the best of us. As a Traveling Nurse you are on the go and it’s very important that you stay healthy and feel good on and off the job. Let’s review some of the symptoms of the common cold and nasty flu and also look at some suggestions to help prevent you from feeling under the weather this winter.

Symptoms of colds and flus

It’s the yearly colds and virus that can put us down for a period of time and makes us feel uncomfortable. Colds usually are not dangerous to your overall health but may set you back with symptoms including:

• Generic stuffy nose
• Congested headaches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Decreased appetite

Colds generally settle in the nose. While symptoms usually last between 1 and 5 days, most often symptoms are over within 7 days with possibly a lingering cough for another week.

Flus are similar to colds but you may have symptoms which can make your entire body feel sick instead of just settling in the nose. Flus can take many forms but the most common form includes the following symptoms:

• Abrupt high fever ranging from 102 to 106
• Body aches
• Flushed face
• Loss of energy
• Dizziness
• Vomiting

After 2 to 4 days the symptoms of the entire body begin to slow down and respiratory symptoms begin to increase. Viruses can settle anywhere in the respiratory track which produces symptoms of a cold.

The main difference between a cold and the flu is that you have a better chance of preventing the flu. Every year scientists gather data to produce vaccines to prevent the flu. Vaccine results can vary from year to year but are a valuable tool in prevention.

DrGreene.com – Caring for the Next Generation

Home remedies for the cold and flu:

• Drink plenty of water: by drinking plenty of water it helps to cleanse your body and wash out your cold and flu. Also, try adding a little lemon to help balance the pH and keep your body hydrated.
• Feed a cold, starve a fever: The best way to remove congestion is to reduce your food intake. You are ill because of congestion and if you feed a cold, you need to starve a fever. Drink plenty of fresh fruit juices, vegetable juice or broth to help the hunger.
• Blow your nose frequently: by blowing your nose often rather than sniffing mucus back into your head, you will loosen up the pressure improving your breathing.
• Rest: Getting plenty of rest helps your body strengthen your immune system which will fight off colds and flu’s.
• Take a hot shower: Hot showers or a bath helps to moisturize your nasal passages and releases congestion which can make you feel better.
• Gargle: An easy home remedy is to gargle; it is a simple way to moisten a sore throat. Try adding a teaspoon of salt in warm water, the salt reduces the tickle and scratching in your throat.
• Use salve under your nose: Salve can help save the skin around your nose from frequent tissue use, using a mentholated salve can have the added benefit of clearing your breathing passages too.

9 Tips to Treat Colds and Flu the ‘Natural’ Way
6 Quick Tips to Avoid Getting Sick and What to Do if You Do
7 tips for new travelers

Reasons to keep active

You may be surprised by the physical and internal changes that can take place when you stay active. As you already know, you will be able to lower your risk of many diseases including high blood pressure, strokes and diabetes. In addition, it will help you on the job. Research has shown that exercise can help you be more productive, and even friendlier on the job.*

Whether it is walking, running, weight lifting, yoga, Pilates or countless other exercise alternatives, the key is to get moving. By doing just 30 minutes of exercise three times a week you will be able to see improvements in your athleticism, balance, strength and flexibility. Not only does achieving a fitness goal lead to more self-confidence and self-esteem, but you will also notice improved overall muscle tone, more energy, and more stamina. Regular exercise can also help you sleep better, giving you more energy and less stress during your busy workday and life. Here are a few web sites with more general fitness information:

Fitness Online
Women Fitness
Fitness Magazine
Self
MSN: Men’s Fitness

Recommendations for keeping active

Going for a walk or run around your new location is a great way to experience the culture of an area.

Just because you are on the go as a travel nurse does not mean you can’t still get a good workout on the road. Even though you may not belong to a gym or are unable to take a lot of equipment with you on your travel nursing assignments, there are still good exercise alternatives available. Resistance bands or exercise videos/DVDs are easy to pack and can be very effective. And don’t forget your running shoes. Going for a walk or run around your new location is a great way to experience the culture of an area.

Visit these sites for information, advice and recommendations for keeping active without fancy equipment. Whether you are just a beginner or have been working out for years, there is something for everyone:

weightlossforgood: Exercise in the home
MedicineNet: No weight workout
WebMD: No Gym Required: How to Get Fit at Home
eDiets.com: Weight Lifting without Weights
Women Today Magazine: Workouts That Travel

How to stay safe while traveling.
http://www.girlsfightback.com/
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=587139939
http://www.hdryver.wordpress.com

Also be sure to check out all her other great videos, her blog and follow her on Twitter:

Nursing Adventures
Nursing Experiences
Twitter.com/honeynurse

Yet, when it comes to calming their mind and body, Travel Nurses fail to follow their own advice.

Travel Nurses are great at caring for others, they often fail miserably at caring for themselves. Traveling Nurses push their needs aside and focus their energy on patients and their families, their own spouses and children and their communities to the detriment of their physical, mental and emotional well-being. This is not a good thing.

Simple breathing exercises and stretches through the day can do wonders for your body & soul.

Being a Travel Nurse takes a certain mentality where you often put others ahead of you, it just comes with the territory. But how long can you continue to ignore the needs of your own body before it becomes more of a hazard than help? It’s obvious that in order to be at your best, you have to feel your best and taking time for ones self through the day can do wonders for your mind, body and soul.

One technique in particular can help you stay grounded throughout the day…Have you ever heard of yoga? Well, it’s not like you need to break out the yoga mat in the middle of the ICU unit or anything like that. No, all you need is just a few moments to use certain elements from this practice. Breathing and minor little stretches here and there can and will do wonders for your body and mind.

All you need is to find a little quiet place and in less than five minutes you can recharge yourself and get through the strenuous day of a Travel Nurse, or any Nurse for that matter. If you don’t have five minutes, do yourself a favor and do some neck rolls or stretches right there behind the Nurses station, or just take some deep, deep breaths and collect yourself.

To help Traveling Nurses rein in stress and clear their minds, practice pause breathing. To perform this technique, inhale imagining you’re filling up your whole torso like a balloon. Pause for a few seconds and notice how you are feeling, then exhale pulling your abdomen in toward the spine, pausing again on the out breath. Follow this cycle for about seven breaths. Pause breathing can easily be practiced throughout the day, and, although it’s simple, nurses can reap loads of benefits from this practice.

These simple, daily practices can do a lot for helping you manage your life and get you through the grueling hours at the hospital. The simple act of getting in tune with your body and mind may reap huge rewards. Always remember to listen to your self, your body and take heed to what is going on, doing so is probably the best thing you can do.

For more relaxation tips and other helpful stress reducing practices, visit YogaNurse.com – helping caregivers give sacred service, enlightened health care & make a difference.

1. Take an All-in-One Moisturizer

On the morning of your trip, skip the foundation and use a tinted moisturizer with a good SPF instead, especially if you’ll be soaking up the sun (I know I love to drive with my sunroof open). This will keep your makeup from looking caked-on while moisturizing your skin and protecting you from harmful UV rays. Aveeno makes a great product that blends in with your skin tone and adds a little shimmer to keep you looking fresh.

2. Avoid Dark or Bright Nail Polish

If you do your nails before heading out, avoid the dark or bright polishes in your collection. Instead, use a light or sheer color that won’t draw attention to your nails if it chips during your trip. I like to buff my nails and apply a nourishing clear coat so they look shiny and healthy – just don’t forget to bring that nail file in your bag of beauty goodies.

3. Use a Deep Conditioning Treatment before Leaving

When you take your morning shower (or if you prefer to wash up the night before), apply a deep conditioning treatment to your lovely locks. This will help protect your hair, keeping it moisturized and healthy during your trip. Try Aussie’s 3-Minute Miracle or just about any deep conditioner for color-treated hair (even if you don’t use color).

4. Carry Rice Papers to Shun Shine

One of my favorite items to keep in my purse at all times is a packet of rice papers. They’re great for blotting shiny oil off of your face while leaving the morning’s application of tinted moisturizer on your skin.

5. Use Mineral Water Spritzer to Freshen Makeup

Wake up a tired face with a few light sprays of mineral water spritzer. This is a great alternative to adding more makeup or blush in order to bring life to your travel-weary skin. The mineral water freshens your skin up naturally and helps bring out the best in your face no matter what.

6. Take Plenty of Eye Drops

Whether you’re traveling on a plane or driving yourself to your next job location, your eyes can get red from dryness and fatigue very easily. Take control of this issue by bringing and using plenty of eye drops.

7. Don’t Forget the Eye Cream

Take along a small tube or jar of eye cream that’s formulated to reduce puffiness. Use this with a cool compress (just use a washcloth full of ice cubes) to visibly erase any swelling around your eyes that may have occurred during travel.

8. Use Detoxifying Facial Towelettes to Remove Makeup

Rather than bringing along your trusty tube of cleanser, try the more portable option: cleansing towelettes. Garnier makes an oil-free Nutri-Pure pack that includes 25 towelettes, specially designed to instantly remove makeup (even mascara) while freshening and cleansing your skin with green leaf extract and vitamins B5 and E. Ponds also makes a great product that’s very similar.

9. Switch to Lip Stain & Gloss

Prevent the hassle of applying and reapplying lipstick all day long by using lip stain and a moisturizing gloss instead. Just use two coats of lip stain, then top it with a layer of moisturizing lip gloss. You can try any medicated gloss that’s formulated to moisturize and protect your lips – and when you think you need a pick-me-up for your kisser, just add more gloss. The lip stain will continue to shine through and keep your lips colorful.

10. Drink Plenty of Water

The most important and effective travel beauty tip is to drink enough water during your trip. Drinking water will prevent your skin from drying out while making sure that any toxins are flushed out of your body. Even if you’re in the airport and can’t take water through the security checkpoint, it’s well worth the inflated cost to buy a big bottle of water before boarding. Alternatively, you can bring an empty bottle through security and fill it at a water fountain before you board. No matter how you’re traveling, it’s worth it to find a way around any constraints that might prevent you from drinking the water you need to stay healthy and beautiful.

Have you ever woken up in a cold sweat after having a nightmarish dream about your job? Maybe you show up naked at the hospital or you’ve missed a career-changing deadline, each of these dreams could have a deeper meaning about how you feel about your job? So what are your work dreams telling you about your relationship with your job? Here are a few examples of what your dreams may be telling you, or you’re telling yourself.

Being late for work: Dreaming about being late can represent a lack of control over your career. It can manifest as a fear of change in your work life, a feeling of unworthiness of your job or an upcoming promotion, or something as simple as a vague feeling of disorganization. It can also symbolize a feeling of needing to impress the management and falling short when trying to do so, or a disdain for your hospital or facility.

Missing a deadline: One of the most common work dreams, missing a deadline can mean you feel unprepared and almost lost at work, and can even represent a feeling of worthlessness or inability to do your job. It can also mean that you feel disorganized and scattered at work. It speaks to the core of your work place self-esteem.

Going to work naked: Showing up in a public place naked is a pretty common dream for most people, but the interpretation can differ from person to person. Clothes symbolize a need to cover up. If you are embarrassed about being naked at work, it may mean you are attempting to mask a secret from your personal life or something you don’t want your coworkers to know about.

Many dreamers describe the ability to fly in their dreams as an exhilarating, joyful, and liberating experience.

These are just a few examples of dreams/nightmares one might have about their jobs. According to a Staples Small-Business Survey: …more than half of small-business professionals said that work has actually become part of their dreams. Fifty-one percent of those surveyed said that they “sleepwork” (i.e. dream about work), and nearly 70 percent of those “sleepworkers” report they wake up and put their “work dreams” to action.

The survey says our work-related dream/nightmares are most frequently about, in order of frequency:

1. Arguing with the boss.
2. Being late for an important meeting.
3. Lusting after a colleague.
4. Having to make an unexpected presentation.
5. Going to work naked.
6. Losing all their files in a fatal computer crash.
7. Getting fired.
8. Killing the boss.

While these kinds of dreams may highlight your subconscious emotional reactions to situations at work, they can also present solutions to these situations — or, at the very least, provide you an outlet through which you can vent these frustrations. In other words, your dreams are exaggerated. So, for instance, the fact that you imagined yourself failing miserably on a project doesn’t predict that you will fail — nor does it mean that you are inept or crazy — even if you did show up naked, lose all your files and lust after a colleague.

Travel Fitness Strategies

The first thing to consider when you’re working on a travel fitness plan is what your work situation might be like. You’ll probably have to get up early to exercise or tack a fitness session onto the end of your shift – and neither of those is very appealing when you know you’ll be tired. Plan to get enough rest every night so you’ll be energized for your workout.

It’s also important to commit to finding (or making) twenty to sixty minutes a day for exercise. This can include traveling to and from work, so bring appropriate shoes for walking any reasonable distances within a city. The best thing you can do to prepare for your altered fitness routine is to start it at home – see how much you can walk and how much time you can devote to getting healthy exercise without a gym membership.

If you know you’ll be staying in one location for a significant amount of time, you can look into temporary gym memberships. This is a great choice if you’re already used to working out at a gym and feel overwhelmed by the idea of engineering your own fitness routine without familiar equipment. See if you can contact someone at your new job before you get there and ask for a gym recommendation.

Knowing Your New Area

In addition to asking people at work, you can learn a lot about your new location online. Check your hotel or residence for a pool and fitness center and bring the right clothing so you’ll be able to take advantage of these opportunities. You can also look for parks, stadiums, bike and running trails, rivers and lakes, and even hiking trails. If you’ll be staying in a city, your best bet is to rent a bicycle and get your exercise while seeing the sights. You can also run the stairs at stadiums to get a great cardio workout. If you think you might be able to take advantage of some more natural settings, look for kayak and canoe rentals, mountain trails, or white water rafting tours. Anything that keeps you active can be included in your fitness plan.

Travel Fitness Equipment

If you don’t think you’ll have time to actively pursue fitness in a location outside of your residence or workplace, you can bring lightweight fitness equipment with you. Try a resistance band and a jump rope – you can stay busy with these for a full-length workout, and they won’t take up much space in your suitcase. There are also many exercises you can do with your own body weight, such as push-ups, sit-ups, wall sits, squats, abdominal crunches, planks, lunges, and many more. To add more resistance, simply hold a full bottle of water in each hand – this is a perfect way to “use weights” without packing them into your suitcase.

With a wide variety of options, you’ll be able to get a good workout each day without wasting a lot of time or wondering what you’ll do. Even if it rains or your schedule changes suddenly, you’ll be able to improvise as long as you know the possibilities ahead of time. Lining up your options now will keep you fit and healthy on your next job, so take a few minutes and plan ahead for a wide spectrum of successful workouts.

Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education where she’s been researching both the highest paying careers  as well as some of the worst low wage jobs on the market. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.

If you can't go for a jog, try walking briskly through the halls.

What about your blood pressure? What about your stress? What about your own body and heart? Have you ever given thought that the life you lead now may not be conducive to a healthy life later? It’s known that nurse’s schedules can be rather crazy and can be difficult to squeeze in time for the gym. So what can you do? Well there are many things you can do during a typical day on the job, or even driving in the car on your way to your new travel nursing assignments. Set aside 10 minutes each day for these simple body building, stress reducing exercises and the results will quickly show up in your energy level and more importantly, in your mirror reflection.

To see how heart healthy you are, take a heart health assessment at the American Heart Association’s website.

Please share any other exercises or tips you use to keep a sound body and mind in our comment section below.

Food and drink tips for flying travel nurses

Avoid alcohol and heavy foods a few weeks before and after you arrive. Though you may be tempted to sample the delicious fare your new destination has to offer, stay with light and healthy meals for several weeks before and after you travel. This will ensure that your body is optimally fueled and ready to take on whatever punches travel has to throw its way, and it will also reduce the chances of you getting sick when moving across state lines. Stay hydrated as well, as flying is especially prone to drain you of your body’s moisture. Getting plenty of fluids will prevent illness and keep your health in check.

Physical activity tips for flying travel nurses

Relax as much as possible during your flight or drive. Traveling is stressful, but all that anxiety could aggravate your jet lag and fatigue later on. Try to stay as relaxed and calm as possible while you travel so that your body can focus entirely on readjusting to a new time zone. In addition, do not participate in any strenuous activity immediately upon arrival. While jump-starting your body with activities when you get to your final destination may seem to be a good idea, it can actually further disrupt your body’s internal clock. This means not rushing to the baggage claim or going out to a party that night. Instead, take things easy until you go to bed. You will wake up more refreshed and more adjusted as a result.

Sleep tips for flying travel nurses

Stay on your normal schedule of sleeping and waking as much as possible. When you travel from one end of the country to the other, or when you travel from the U.S. to an international assignment, it can be difficult to get used to living two, three, or 12 hours ahead. To make this transition easier, try to sleep when you normally would at home and wake up at the same time as well. Though you may struggle to stay awake when you’ve arrived somewhere in the early afternoon, do not let yourself fall asleep too early or else you will completely throw off your sleeping schedule. Instead, keep yourself mildly occupied until your regular sleeping time comes around. If you have trouble sleeping, consider taking a mild sleep aid the first night, such as melatonin or Benadryl. This will allow you to fall asleep on time and wake up adjusted to your new time zone.

By practicing these things, you can help kick your jet lag and travel fatigue to the curb in as little as a single day. That way, you can readjust quickly and give your new assignment in your new hospital 100% of your focus and effort.

Begin With the End In Mind

First, plan ahead for your week.  How often will you need to cook for yourself?  Plan recipes accordingly , and keep in mind that you’ll have leftovers on some nights that only require reheating and no cooking at all.  To this end, be sure to cook large quantities of some foods (foods that won’t perish overnight in the refrigerator) so you can afford to be lazy other nights.

Go Online for Ideas

Rather than buying cookbooks that promise endless quick, easy meals, save your money and look online at cooking websites for free recipes.  Good examples include Epicurious and The Post Punk Kitchen if you have vegan tendencies (and even if you don’t!  PPK has many healthy recipes that you won’t find on big sites like Epicurious).  Self Magazine also has many heart-healthy and low-calorie recipes for people on the go.

Go to the Market

Once you’ve made a list of recipes you’ll use and ingredients you’ll need, go first to the local farmers market and then to the grocery store for whatever you don’t find at the market.  Market fresh veggies and fruits are in season and therefore cheaper than most grocery store varieties and aren’t riddled with pesticides. 

It’s also a good idea to get meat from the market, too; buy it in bulk and leave it in your freezer until you need it, since meat is one of the first things to run out at farmers markets.  Although slightly more expensive, grass-fed beef and pasture-raised chickens and their eggs not only taste better but are healthier for us.  Corn- and force-feeding ruminants and other cruel practices of industrialized farms that sell their meat to typical grocery stores are hugely unsanitary and unhealthy for consumers.  (Read up on Michael Pollan’s The Omnivore’s Dilemma or rent Food, Inc from your local Blockbuster to see why it’s important to watch what you eat eats.)

Keep in mind that pesticide-free produce tends to rot quicker, so you will have to cook your meals during the week and not a month later.  Here are a few quick, easy, and healthy recipes to get you started.

• Chicken, cashew, and vegetable stir fry
• Spinach fettuccine with yogurt-cream sauce
• Grilled vegetable salad with tofu
• Snobby joes (a vegetarian and surprisingly delicious version of sloppy joes)
• Radicchio and arugula salad with dates, hazelnuts, and feta

Heather is a freelance writer and the resident blogger for Collegescholarships.org, a free informational website offering tips and advice about college grants for women.

Fresh food for nurses on the go!

The answer is the nation’s only gourmet home-meal-delivery service offering an all-natural, preservative-free, flash-frozen diet system for even the most discriminating of palates presents a one-of-a-kind program designed to conveniently keep your calorie in-take in check during splurging season.  Freshology, which has been grabbing headlines since the program launched in 2005 as the diet delivery that served up weight loss for Jennifer Lopez, Ricki Lake, Mel B and many others, launches Lifestyle-Grab & Gourmet, allowing for delicious, calorie-controlled à la carte meal purchases from 28 different dishes delivered directly to customers’ doorsteps.

Starting on November 24th, traveling nurses in the U.S. can go to Freshology.com and choose a minimum of six gourmet meals that ensure proper nutrition without sacrificing taste anytime, anywhere. Travel nurses can mix and match – selecting any combination of breakfast, lunch or dinners of your choice.

With the holiday season upon us, many of us will be running from one celebration to the next, mindlessly feasting on guilty pleasures that leave you making unrealistic New Year’s resolutions to lose that inevitable “holiday weight.” Maybe you have everything under control, but know of someone who could use the gift of health and help to maintain a balanced diet during the hectic holiday season or anytime of the year for that matter. Lifestyle-Grab & Gourmet by Freshology is the perfect calorie-controlled, meal solution. Six healthy Freshology meals are priced at $39.95… That’s a better price than six combo meals at any fast-food joint, and far better taste I guarantee!

Info on all of Freshology’s national home-meal-delivery programs, including Get Slim Gold, Get Slim Silver and Fresh Mommy are also available at their website and here is an article from last week’s OK! Weekly featuring Jennifer Lopez’s weight loss via Freshology.

Change is inevitable, are you ready for it?

Dealing with and handling change and uncertainty is one of the major challenges each of us faces in today’s world. And we face it in our business and personal lives. It can be said that change and uncertainty arrive together and that most people find it much more difficult to manage and endure ambiguity and waiting than to deal with changes as they happen. You can be certain though, that each and everyone of us is bound to deal with change and uncertainty multiple times throughout our lifetimes. Here are seven steps you can take to help you prepare and deal with the inevitable, change.

1. Adopt an attitude that accepts and welcomes change. Most of you who have decided to be a traveling nurse possess this, otherwise why would you want to leave what you’re already doing?
   
2. No more stinkin’ thinking! If you have a positive and fresh outlook on the world and what it presents us, you will have a far greater chance at turning lemons into lemonade.
   
3. Be determined and stay focused on the goals you want to achieve. Any bumps in the road will are simply minor detours on your path to success.
   
4. Keep spirits up and draw from your emotional strength, energy, character, passion and “will” to break down any walls in your way to your goals
   
5. Always think of what it will be like to attain your goals and don’t dwell on any negativity that may get in the way.
   
6. Free yourself for your future by “letting go” of the negative and the past. We are given a choice each day on how to react, whether positively or negatively, what you choose will directly affect the outcome.
   
7. Wait to judge your today and tomorrow until they have become yesterday.  Our tomorrows often look very different when they become our yesterdays.

Try to remember these tips when dealing with a new assignment or any changes that may occur in your life from here on out. The only thing certain in life is death and taxes, so prepare yourself for the unknown and you’ll be well on your way to making your life much more open to changes.

If there’s anyone who can talk about change, Lance Armstrong is that person. Visit his site, Livestrong for tips on how you can help yourself cope with changes and accept them into in your life.

Learning to cope effectively with change is an important skill to attain and will help you throughout life, whether it is a big change such as parenthood or a small change such as moving to a new home. Here are five tips from the site, Notes from a Therapist’s Desk on how to deal with change in your life.

Please share with our readers any methods you apply to accepting change in your life in our comment section below.

Working as a night shift nurse will take some time to adjust your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Controlling your sensory input will play a major role in your ability to switch from day to night shifts.

Traveling nurses working the night shift should pay close attention to their exposure to daylight before going to sleep for the day. Night shifts typically end in the early morning hours when the birds are singing and the sun starts to rise, so nurses ending their shift should try and avoid the sun as best as possible. Wearing sunglasses on your way out is a good way to keep the light to a minimum. Also, when going to bed you should try and block out as much daylight as possible by drawing your shades or perhaps wearing a sleep mask.

In order for you to make this switch as smooth as can be, you must be diligent in your new schedule. Try and decompress shortly after your night shift and then turn yourself off from the rest of the world in order for your body to get the rest it so desires. Tuning out all distractions you’d normally face during the day is very important in re-energizing your mind, body and soul.

Here’s a site with tips on better sleep hygiene.

Starting today and running through the end of the year, Dansko, a shoe company that specializes in clogs as well as heels, boots, sandals, wedges and flats, has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation offering an exclusive Dansko Pink Ribbon Professional Clog. Proceeds from every pair of Pink Ribbon Clogs sold between now and the end of the year (12/31/2010) will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® up to a maximum donation of $25,000.

Dansko Pink Ribbon Clog is available now from select retailers. Visit Dansko.com to find retailers in your area who are carrying the clog.

In addition to the clog, Dansko will be hosting a series of retail promotions around the country with limited edition gift with purchase giveaways and a special website dedicated to the cause. Most people know someone tested by the disease. Their determination and perseverance is an inspiration to us all. Dansko has set up a forum to share stories and recognize these heroes. These announcements can be made and viewed at Dansko.com/pinkribbon.

So get yourself a pair or two and help support such a worthy cause… I’m sure we all know someone who has been affected by this terrible disease and what better way to help them and others while helping your feet.

Here’s another story on footwear for Nursing professionals… What Nursing Shoe Is Right for You?

1. Understand any employer requirements. These can vary from color requirements to what type of sole your shoe needs to have. A common new trend is to disallow any shoes with holes in them (no more of those traditional Crocs!). You don’t want to settle on the perfect shoe just to find out you can’t even wear it to work.
2. When it comes to work shoes, comfort > style. Here are a few key elements to comfort. A soft soled shoes is almost always more comfortable than a stiff inflexible one, as a side bonus they are also quieter. Make sure you pick a shoe with proper arch support. Arch support can make or break your comfort so don’t settle. Don’t go for anything with a raised heal…it is not worth the few extra style points. Many of the new medical shoes have moisture wicking material. This can be a real bonus to help keep your feet dry.
3. Don’t be afraid of “support socks.” No matter how old you are, it has been tested and proven that these help keep your legs and feet from tiring our and becoming sore. Like shoes, support socks come in a wide variety and are sometimes sized in strange ways. Start with the easy to purchase support socks that are sized by shoe sizes (Sigvaris has a great option) and if you really enjoy them think about asking a podiatrist about what they may recommend. They are fairly in-expensive and are undoubtedly worth a try.
4. Don’t fret over $5.00. If you are purchasing work shoes it isn’t worth saving $5 or $10 at the expense of your feet. Buy what is comfortable, not what is cheapest. Many times you can even write off your uniform purchases when tax time comes around (make sure you talk to a tax professional about this!).

Buying shoes can be a tricky thing. If you are shopping online make sure you choose a site that offers free returns or exchanges with no re-stocking fee. It also helps to purchase from a site or store that specializes in medical uniforms. They tend to have a much broader selection of the types of shoes you may be looking for. Always remember that your day’s comfort starts and ends with your feet, so take care of them!