As nurses, we spend our days helping others achieve their health goals. But when it comes to our own New Year's resolutions, we often set unrealistic expectations. Let's explore some achievable resolutions that acknowledge the unique challenges of nursing life.

We've all made them - those ambitious New Year's resolutions that sound great during the last week of December. You know the ones:

"I'll meal prep every week!"
(While juggling three night shifts and your kid's soccer practice)

"I'll hit the gym before each shift!"
(Because 5 AM workouts before a 12-hour shift sound totally reasonable... until they're not)

"I'll never pick up overtime again!"
(Until that text about triple pay for holiday coverage)

"I'll drink eight glasses of water every shift!"
(Then reality hits when you're too busy to take a bathroom break)

"I'll keep a consistent sleep schedule!"
(Try explaining that to your body clock after switching between days and nights)

"I'll pack Instagram-worthy healthy lunches!"
(Until you're eating graham crackers from the nutrition room at 3 AM)

"I'll practice meditation daily!"
(Between call lights, med passes, and endless documentation)

"I'll stop drinking coffee!"
(Let's be realistic - coffee is practically in our job description)

Sound familiar? We start each year with these grand plans, forgetting that nursing life doesn't always follow a predictable schedule. This year, let's set goals that work with our nursing lifestyle, not against it. Because let's face it - we need resolutions that understand missed lunches, changing schedules, and the reality that sometimes the best self-care is a power nap in the break room.

Instead of: "I'll work out every day."

Try: "I'll take the stairs when I'm not transporting patients and do some stretches during breaks."

Instead of: "I'll never pick up an extra shift again."

Try: "I'll evaluate extra shifts based on my energy levels and personal commitments."

Instead of: "I'll get every certification possible."

Try: "I'll choose one certification that interests me and work toward it."

Instead of: "I'll get 8 hours of sleep every night."

Try: "I'll develop a post-shift wind-down routine that works for my schedule."

Remember:

• Small changes add up
• Progress isn't linear
• What works for others may not work for you
• Flexibility is key in nursing

Consider framing resolutions as intentions:

• I intend to prioritize self-care when possible
• I aim to learn something new each shift
• I plan to build stronger connections with my colleagues

We actually have some advantages when it comes to resolutions:

• We understand behavior change
• We know about SMART goals
• We're adaptable by nature
• We're good at evaluating progress

As we enter the new year, let's be as kind to ourselves as we are to our patients. Set goals that energize rather than exhaust, and remember that any step forward is progress.