Between the grueling nursing shifts, unpredictable emergencies, and “did I hydrate today?” moments, it’s easy to forget what real rest feels like. But you, dear nurse, deserve some quality recovery. Here are seven practical (and realistic) ways to recharge on your days off when that ‘nurse tired’ feeling gets all too real.
1. Prioritize sleep like it’s a patient
Sleep may seem like a luxury on your schedule, but on your day off, it’s your number one priority. Try blocking out the world with blackout curtains, earplugs, or a white noise machine. Create a bedtime routine to signal to your body that it’s finally safe to rest.
Pro tip: Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.” That text from the group chat can wait.
2. Move your body, but gently
A grueling spin class? Probably not what you need. However, a slow yoga session, a walk in the park, or even some stretches at home can work wonders to melt away work stress. Gentle movement helps ease tight muscles and boosts your mood without draining your energy reserves. Bonus points for fresh air.
Explore more self-care and wellness tips for nurses in our nursing magazine.
3. Indulge in no-brainpower activities
If you’ve been running at full cognitive capacity for twelve hours straight, make space for something soothing, even mindless. Binge your favorite show, color in an adult coloring book, or scroll through just enough TikToks to laugh (but not get sucked into a doomscroll). Give your brain the reset it desperately craves.
4. Treat yourself to comfort food
Nourishment can be simple. Whip up your favorite comfort food, or treat yourself to that takeout you always crave mid-shift. Right now, it’s not about “clean eating” or “diet goals.” It’s about eating something that makes you feel human again. Take a moment to actually taste your food. Trust us; chewing while seated is a whole new world.
5. Connect with people who get it
Sometimes, the best therapy is laughing about the chaos only another nurse could understand. Plan a coffee date (or wine night) with a fellow nurse friend to decompress. If socializing feels like too much effort, even sending memes back and forth can remind you you’re not in this alone.
6. Get creative with your hobbies
What lights you up outside of work? Maybe it’s knitting, gardening, or even belting out power ballads in the shower. Engaging your creative side can feel surprisingly restorative, and it’s the perfect way to do something just for you.
7. Set serious work boundaries
This may be the hardest tip of all to practice, but hear us out. Protect your days off like they’re sacred. Resist the urge to check work emails or pick up an extra shift “just this once.” Your patients deserve the best version of you, and that version comes from taking time to refill your cup.
Your patients will thank you
“Nurse tired” is real, and so is your need for recovery. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s the only way to keep showing up for the people who count on you. On your next day off, try one of these tips. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you, and so will your future patients.
