Five Healthy Tips for Travel X-Ray Jobs

Travel x-ray jobs are opportunities full of excitement and endless possibilities. They can help spruce up a career path by taking you on the road and into new territories across the United States. Along the way, they can expose you to new sights and sounds that would otherwise not have been seen in your original locale. But, while there are many favorable benefits of traveling as a healthcare worker, there are some unfavorable trade-offs along the way.

When you take your life on the road there are a myriad of obstacles and stressors along the way that can cause you to seek out unhealthy choices, like consuming tons of fast food or forgetting to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Especially for new travelers, who are usually acclimated to their normal routine at a local job. 

In this article, we will provide you with five essential tips and strategies to ensure you stay on track with your health and wellness goals while pursuing a career as a travel x-ray technologist.

Packing Smart for Healthy Eating

One of the key secrets to success as a travel x-ray is meal prepping. Before you begin your 13-week contract, you should consider planning your meals and snacks and take your dietary needs into consideration. 

Preparing nutritious meals in advance ensures you have healthy options readily available, reducing the temptation to indulge in unhealthy snacks that you may find at gas stations, convenience stores, or even hospital vending machines. Ideally, you could take advantage of an off day at the start of the week to prep your meals for the next 4-5 days. Cooking and preparing meals in bulk on an off day can help ease the stress later during the week when you come off of a long shift. 

Additionally, to support your meal prep journey, the key to a nutritious diet on the road is to start investing in high-quality food containers. Opt for options that are both leak-proof and easy to clean. This will enable you to pack your homemade meals without worrying about spills and make it easy for you to eat while away from home.

But while meal prep can be an effective solution while you are on the go, it is not the end all be all. If you are into special diets like intermittent fasting or other unique methodologies, make sure that you keep your personal preferences in mind. Pursuing the interests you love will only strengthen you in the long run.

Staying Hydrated as You Work

Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining your energy levels and overall health during long working hours. Always carry a reusable water bottle and aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. A good rule of thumb is to at least drink a cup of water at the top of every hour. 

While it may be tempting to grab a sugary soda or a calorie-laden coffee drink while traveling, try to limit your intake of these beverages. Opting for water, or rather an herbal tea, or unsweetened option whenever possible can help you to avoid excess sugar and empty calories.

There are tons of options nowadays when it comes to purchasing a water bottle to carry around. Whether you decide to buy the latest fad or choose a popular name brand, this simple habit will help you feel more alert and energized.

Making Informed Restaurant Choices

Eating out is typically a popular option amongst traveling healthcare workers. If you decide to eat out or grab takeout, take a few moments to check their menu online and understand their nutrition labels. 

Look for dishes that align with your dietary preferences and requirements. Many restaurants now offer healthy and customizable options that align with certain allergy-free, vegan, and vegetarian requirements. Depending on the location of your travel assignment, many restaurants have now started implementing icons that highlight specific items that are good for certain dietary restrictions. 

Aside from that, when dining out, it is important to be conscious about your eating decisions as well. Opt for grilled rather than fried, choose salads with lean proteins, and request dressings and sauces on the side. By making these choices, you can enjoy restaurant meals without compromising your target health goals. 

Oftentimes, this is where popular restaurants like Chipotle, Qdoba, or Sweetgreen can come in handy. These food places allow you to craft your own meal. Leaving you to select ingredients that you understand and know are optimal for your body. But, remember indulging in unhealthy foods here and there is allowed and often encouraged to maintain a balanced diet. 

Staying Active While Off-Duty

Finding time for exercise can be challenging during travel x-ray jobs, but it’s essential for maintaining homeostasis between your mental and physical health. It is important to note that any kind of physical activity can work. From things like morning stretches and resistance band workouts to using machines and free weights, there are many ways to get your muscles active. 

For one using yoga mats and resistance bands for training can make an easy travel partner. These items can easily fit in the back seat of your car or suitcase. On the contrary, full-sized gyms can also be beneficial as well. Whether you are looking to take advantage of your apartment gym or seek out a nationally recognized fitness center, these opportunities can suffice as well.  

If you are not into weight or resistance training, then there are also other modalities to explore. If you are working in a scenic area, then take advantage of your new surroundings by exploring on foot or renting a bike. This not only allows you to experience the destination more intimately but also helps you stay active while on the go. Not to mention it can provide great benefits to your health by getting your body outdoors after long shifts inside the hospital. 

De-stress by Promoting Self-Care

The high-pressure responsibilities that come with being an x-ray professional can be quite taxing. To effectively cope with this stress, consider incorporating mindfulness techniques into your routine, such as meditation, journaling, or perhaps deep breathing exercises. These practices can serve as valuable tools to help you maintain your focus and inner calm, ultimately benefiting both you and your clients.

In addition, do not forget to set aside dedicated time for relaxation and self-care. Whether it’s discovering nearby spas, enjoying the great outdoors, or simply taking a well-deserved day off to give your mind and body a break, it’s crucial to strike a healthy balance between your professional commitments and your personal well-being.

Get a Healthy Kickstart to Your Travel X-ray Contract Today

In conclusion, maintaining a harmonious balance between your career as a traveling x-ray worker and a healthy lifestyle is entirely attainable when employing these five effective strategies. By packing smart, staying hydrated, making informed food choices, staying active, and prioritizing self-care, you can thrive in your role as a travel x-ray technologist while nurturing your well-being.

If you are interested in exploring travel opportunities today, be sure to check out the Novo Connections career portal. Or, if you are not ready to kick off a new journey in your professional journey quite yet, be sure to sign up for job alerts. This way you will not miss a beat when it comes to finding a perfect temporary contract that cannot be missed.