• About
    • About The Healthy Voyager
    • Press
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • HVTV
    • The Healthy Voyager Travel Show
    • The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen
    • The Healthy Voyager’s TV Guest Appearances
    • Healthy Voyager Radio
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dressings & Sauces
    • Entrees
    • Holiday
    • Kid Approved
    • Sandwiches
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Arctic
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • Europe
    • Latin America
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • USA
  • Lifestyle
    • Eco Corner
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Finance
    • Gifts
    • Healthy Voyager Approved
    • Holidays
    • Home
    • Product Reviews
  • Wellness
    • Fitness
    • Health & Beauty News
    • Mind + Body
    • Pets
    • Relationship Corner
    • Parenthood
    • Weight Loss
    • Women’s Health
  • Shop
    • Cookbook
    • Healthy Voyager Merchandise
    • The Healthy Voyager’s Apothecary
    • When Cris Met Kringle
    • Entrepreneurial and Business Coaching
    • Financial Coaching
    • Travel Industry Consulting
    • Restaurant, Bar and Food Service Consulting
    • Wellness Coaching
    • Travel Credit Card Referral Bonuses
    • Winter Wonderland
    • Restaurant Appetizers
  • Contact
99K
58K
0
26K
2K
The Healthy Voyager
The Healthy Voyager
  • About
    • About The Healthy Voyager
    • Press
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure and Privacy Policy
  • HVTV
    • The Healthy Voyager Travel Show
    • The Healthy Voyager’s Global Kitchen
    • The Healthy Voyager’s TV Guest Appearances
    • Healthy Voyager Radio
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Dressings & Sauces
    • Entrees
    • Holiday
    • Kid Approved
    • Sandwiches
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Soups & Salads
  • Travel
    • Africa
    • Arctic
    • Asia
    • Australia
    • Canada
    • Caribbean
    • Europe
    • Latin America
    • Middle East
    • Oceania
    • USA
  • Lifestyle
    • Eco Corner
    • Entertainment
    • Fashion & Beauty
    • Finance
    • Gifts
    • Healthy Voyager Approved
    • Holidays
    • Home
    • Product Reviews
  • Wellness
    • Fitness
    • Health & Beauty News
    • Mind + Body
    • Pets
    • Relationship Corner
    • Parenthood
    • Weight Loss
    • Women’s Health
  • Shop
    • Cookbook
    • Healthy Voyager Merchandise
    • The Healthy Voyager’s Apothecary
    • When Cris Met Kringle
    • Entrepreneurial and Business Coaching
    • Financial Coaching
    • Travel Industry Consulting
    • Restaurant, Bar and Food Service Consulting
    • Wellness Coaching
    • Travel Credit Card Referral Bonuses
    • Winter Wonderland
    • Restaurant Appetizers
  • Contact
  • Wellness

Wellness First: 5 Key Wellness Tips for First Responders

  • January 17, 2020
Total
0
Shares
0
0
0

5 Key Wellness Tips for First RespondersFirst responders spend their lives being the first one there to take care of others in their time of need but are often the last ones to take care of themselves.

It can be a physically and mentally draining life to spend it trying to save the lives of others and always put someone else’s wellness first. This can take its toll, leading to mental health issues such as First Responder Trauma and PTSD if not addressed.

It’s impossible to be able to live life to the fullest, both on and off the job, if you don’t put your own wellness first and take steps towards self-care.

Check out these wellness tips to help first responders live their best lives.

1. Rest and Relaxation in Putting Wellness First

One of the most important things for your body and mind when trying to put your wellness first is to ensure you are getting enough rest and relaxation.

The Importance of Rest

A lack of proper sleep can have a significant impact on your physical and mental wellbeing:

  • Higher risk of accidents
  • Lack of concentration
  • Mood swings
  • Higher risk of diabetes
  • Weaker immune system
  • Weight gain
  • High blood pressure
  • Lower sex drive
  • Higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders

Lack of sleep can decrease your ability to handle stress and cope with the challenges of the job. First responders see more trauma and despair in a workweek than many people see in their lifetime.

Relaxation is Important too

It isn’t enough to only get rest when you are sleeping. You need to relax and destress during your awake hours too. Everyone has their own way of relaxing.

For some, it is to take their frustrations out on a basketball court, ice rink, soccer field. Others may find a day at the spa or setting time aside to meditate at the end of each day is the most effective way to get over the stresses of the day.

2. Eat Healthy and Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can lead to headaches, muscle cramps, lack of concentration and lethargic energy levels. Losing just 5% of your hydration level can cause physical and emotional symptoms before you even realize you’re thirsty.

First responders often end up eating meals from fast food places and coffee shops in between calls and don’t always get the most nutritious options to eat. Changing your diet to a healthier meal plan can make a huge difference in your physical and mental ability to handle what life throws at you.

Taking the time to prepare meals and snacks in advance so that you don’t have to make choices on the run is a good way to make small changes that can make a big difference. Your brain and body can cope with the daily demands of being a first responder much more easily if you are providing it with proper fuel.

Cutting up carrot sticks, packing healthy lunches and drink options can help you feel physically energized rather than suffering from a junk food sugar crash partway through the day.

3. Mental Self-Care

Your physical wellbeing is greatly impacted by your mental health and vice versa. As shown in this article by Intiva Health, first responders are at a significantly greater risk of mental health concerns such as PTSD than the general population.

If you want to be at your best physically, you need to make your mental wellbeing a priority. You can’t be there for anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself.

It’s important to have an outlet for your stress and mental anguish. In the past, there has been a societal stigma around mental illness but the reality is that most people will either deal with a mental illness themselves or will have a loved one that does at some point in their lives.

This is particularly true for first responders who deal with more death, despair, and crisis than most. Support programs, psychological treatment, and group therapy can all be beneficial in helping first responders process the pain they witness and endure each day.

4. Support Networks Are a Powerful Tool

A solid and strong support network can make the difference in any first responder’s life. Physical and mental support networks are necessary to reach your full potential and live your best life.

Co-workers can often be a good network for support because they understand the stresses and trauma of dealing with other people’s crises every day. There is an understanding of how it can affect someone and be carried into every area of life even when you’re not on the job.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is rampant for first responders because of the trauma they see and deal with each day. It is critical that first responders know the signs of PTSD and how to cope with the effects of it.

Post-traumatic stress can cause symptoms that not only cause mental anguish but can affect a person’s life physically, financially, and socially.

These symptoms may include:

  • Anxiety and aggression
  • Flashbacks and nightmares
  • Reliving of trauma
  • Emotional numbness or oversensitivity
  • Disrupted sleep patterns
  • Exaggerated startle response and hypervigilance
  • Depression or diminished interest in activities and interests
  • Disconnected emotionally, not socially engaging
  • Fear, anger, guilt, or shame

Many loved ones will notice changes in personality, lack of ability to cope and a decline in their relationship when someone is suffering from PTSD.

Family can be more supportive as they learn to understand the impact of post-traumatic stress.

5. Staying Healthy Through Fitness

First responders have to be able to respond quickly and efficiently to care for those they are helping. It will be easier to stay active at work if you keep your body and mind fit during your off time too.

Physical and mental exercise to keep both sharp and alert is important to your overall wellbeing.

Always Put Your Wellness First

If you want to do your best as a first responder, you need to put your own wellness first. The more you take care of yourself, the better you’ll be able to care for others who are looking to you for assistance.

Taking care of your mental and physical health is the best way to live your best life. Be sure to bookmark our site for easy access to all our tips and articles to help you get the most out of your life and be the best you can be.

Related Posts:

  • Health & Wellness Checklist for International Travelers
    Health & Wellness Checklist for International Travelers
  • How to Look after Every Family Member in 2021
    How to Look after Every Family Member in 2021
  • Things You Can Do Right Now for a Healthy Mindset
    Things You Can Do Right Now for a Healthy Mindset
  • 5 California-Inspired Fitness and Wellness Trends to Adopt This Summer
    5 California-Inspired Fitness and Wellness Trends to Adopt…
  • Want to Take Better Care of Yourself? Start with These Tips
    Want to Take Better Care of Yourself? Start with These Tips
  • 3 Tips for Handling Work-Related Stress
    3 Tips for Handling Work-Related Stress
Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Tags
  • first responder
  • health
  • tips
  • wellness
Carolyn Scott-Hamilton

The Healthy Voyager, aka Carolyn Scott-Hamilton, is the creator and host of The Healthy Voyager web series, site, and overall brand. An award winning healthy, special diet and green living and travel expert, holistic nutritionist, plant based vegan chef, best-selling cookbook author, media spokesperson, sought after speaker, consultant and television personality, Carolyn Scott-Hamilton is a respected figure in the world of healthy lifestyle and travel as well as special diet cooking and nutrition. The Healthy Voyager aims to help people live well, one veggie at a time!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet The Healthy Voyager
Carolyn Scott, The Healthy VoyagerHi! I'm Carolyn Scott-Hamilton. I'm a Latina holistic nutritionist, vegan chef, cookbook author, speaker, show host, consultant and healthy travel and lifestyle expert. From video web series and travel articles, to product reviews and healthy, vegan and gluten free recipes, you'll find lots of info for a happier, healthier and greener lifestyle! After all, Life is a voyage, live it well!
Follow The Healthy Voyager
Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on PinterestFollow Us on YouTubeFollow Us on LinkedInFollow Us on About.meFollow Us on iTunesFollow Us on E-mailFollow Us on IMDbFollow Us on Amazon.comFollow Us on Snapchat
Subscribe to My Newsletter
Enter Your Email Address
For Email Marketing you can trust
Shop
Healthy Voyager TV
Aruba is not what you think it is…It’s so much more! So excited to share my latest article on this magical island 🤩 *Link to post in bio* Special thanks to @arubatourism @boardwalkhotelaruba and Chef urvincroes @taki_aruba many more who made this trip so special ☀️ #aruba #onehappyisland #thearibaeffect #HvonTour #whereintheworldisthehealthyvoyager #travelshow #worldnomads #topdecker #instatravel #instashare #travelzoo #wanderlust #instahub #topdeck #instagood #instago #travel #followme #ladiesgoneglobal #lonelyplanet #gltlove #skyscannerambassadors #femmetravel #luxuryworldtraveler #gtl #femaletravelcollective #travacs #thediscoverer #latinastravel #beach
If you’re a fan of Stranger Things then you gotta check out the Stranger Things Experience! A fully immersive and interactive walk through experience makes guests feel like they’re truly inside the world of Stranger Things. If you make it out alive, you get to spend time eating, drinking, playing and shopping at Mix Tape. Blasting great 80s jams, it feels like spending a night out at the roller rink and mall, all at once! Super fun for fans of all ages, get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/3WgxtXh  #StrangerThingsExperience #sponsored #strangerthings #netflix #tv #upsidedown #80s #nostalgia #vegan #nostalgia #streaming #mixtape #demigorgon #hawkins
Welcome! I’m Carolyn Scott aka The Healthy Voyager! I’m a super adventurous, Latina, award winning travel show host, media personality, holistic nutritionist, plant based foods chef, best selling author, speaker, consultant and serial entrepreneur 💖 I love to help people live happier, healthier, greener and more meaningful and balanced lives at every age so welcome to my page! For more information, be sure to click the link in my bio as well as visit HealthyVoyager.com 🥰  #HvonTour #whereintheworldisthehealthyvoyager #travelshow #worldnomads #topdecker #instatravel #instashare #travelzoo #wanderlust #instahub #topdeck #instagood #instago #travel #followme #ladiesgoneglobal #gItlove #skyscannerambassadors #femmetravel #luxuryworldtraveler #gtl #femaletravelcollective #vegantravel #solotravel #vegan #plantbased
Welcome! I’m Carolyn Scott aka The Healthy Voyager! I’m a super adventurous, Latina, award winning travel show host, media personality, holistic nutritionist, plant based foods chef, best selling author, speaker, consultant and serial entrepreneur 💖 I love to help people live happier, healthier, greener and more meaningful and balanced lives at every age so welcome to my page! For more information, be sure to click the link in my bio as well as visit HealthyVoyager.com 🥰  #HvonTour #whereintheworldisthehealthyvoyager #travelshow #worldnomads #topdecker #instatravel #instashare #travelzoo #wanderlust #instahub #topdeck #instagood #instago #travel #followme #ladiesgoneglobal #gItlove #skyscannerambassadors #femmetravel #luxuryworldtraveler #gtl #femaletravelcollective #vegantravel #solotravel #vegan #plantbased
Welcome! I’m Carolyn Scott aka The Healthy Voyager! I’m a super adventurous, Latina, award winning travel show host, media personality, holistic nutritionist, plant based foods chef, best selling author, speaker, consultant and serial entrepreneur 💖 I love to help people live happier, healthier, greener and more meaningful and balanced lives at every age so welcome to my page! For more information, be sure to click the link in my bio as well as visit HealthyVoyager.com 🥰  #HvonTour #whereintheworldisthehealthyvoyager #travelshow #worldnomads #topdecker #instatravel #instashare #travelzoo #wanderlust #instahub #topdeck #instagood #instago #travel #followme #ladiesgoneglobal #gItlove #skyscannerambassadors #femmetravel #luxuryworldtraveler #gtl #femaletravelcollective #vegantravel #solotravel #vegan #plantbased
Excited for the new season of The Healthy Voyager launching in February which will take viewers to even more cool places around the globe, season 17! But in the meantime, here’s a little reel on Jordan, episode will debut this new season ☀️ #HvonTour #whereintheworldisthehealthyvoyager #travelshow #worldnomads #topdecker #instatravel #instashare #travelzoo #wanderlust #instahub #topdeck #instagood #instago #travel #followme #ladiesgoneglobal #lonelyplanet #gltlove #skyscannerambassadors #femmetravel #luxuryworldtraveler #gtl #femaletravelcollective #travacs #thediscoverer #latinastravel #jordan #petra #wadirum
Facebook 99K Likes
Twitter 58K Followers
Instagram 0 Followers
Pinterest 26K Followers
YouTube 2K Subscribers
LinkedIn 0
Snapchat

Follow HealthyVoyager on Snapchat!

Copyright The Healthy Voyager 2023

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT