NurseTogether: 12 Ways Nurses Can Relax Feet After a Long Shift

Varicose veins? No thanks.

Every nurse knows what it’s like clocking out of that long shift. Especially the nurse who works three 12’s or more in a row. It’s brutal and taxing, especially on the feet. For a demographic that provides roughly 90 percent of the globe’s healthcare services, it’s not cliche to say a nurse’s work is never done.

But there are simple nurse-approved methods of relaxation and recharging.  Keep reading for some excellent tips from Lisiana Carter at NurseTogether.com on ways to help those tired feet recover after a long shift!

1. Warm soak with epsom salt.
   Soak your feet in warm, not boiling hot, basin of water until the heat dissipates. For added relief, mix epsom salt before soaking your feet. Magnesium and sulfate in epsom salt penetrate your skin and relaxes your muscles and joints.
2. Peppermint or menthol soak.
   Soak your feet in warm water filled with peppermint oil. The added heat and coolness of the peppermint helps relieve your tired feet.
3. Foot scrub.
   Give yourself a quick foot scrub. For a more relaxing treat, get yourself one of those soak in, electric foot scrubbers that scrubs and massages your toes and heels at the same time.
4. Heat pads.
   On days and nights where you just want to go straight to bed with a comforting relief, use heat pads to warm your feet, legs and thighs. Get one of those heat pads that you microwave for two minutes and it lasts for up to an hour.
5. Put your feet up vertically against a wall.
   Enhance circulation in your lower extremities by raising your leg against the wall or your headboard. If you’re too tired, simply elevate your legs in bed at a point that is higher than your head.

Click the link to see the list in its entirety at NurseTogether.com.