Good "Brain Food" for Concentration during shifts

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

I am looking for ideas on healthy foods and snacks that I can eat on the run that are known to help with concentration, memory, etc. Also any vitamins that help with this as well. If anyone has some helpful hints to share I would be so grateful.

I often find it hard to focus during my shift, and really have to work at concentrating. I try to eat healthy, but this is not always convenient or even practical.

Does anyone get where I am going with this? I hope so, because it was a lot of work just to post this!

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.

nuts, string cheese, dried fruits like craisins, fruits like grapes, apple/orange slices. if you have the time to sit for a minute, yogurt. having some protein helps to give you long-lasting energy.

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Specializes in Neurology.

I find that a cup of coffee helps just prior to my shift. Also, staying hydrated with water and eating a piece of fruit usually helps keep me alert.

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Staying hydrated with water, eliminating processed foods, and avoiding high-carbohydrate foods (pasta and potatoes).

Sliced apples and colored peppers have high water content and are also great for an energy boost.

I like to make apple sandwiches--core an apple, slice at the width to keep the rings whole, spread your favorite nut butter on one apple slice and put another apple slice on top.

Seaweed/nori is a good option, too. Use sticky rice and/or cream cheese with carrots, avocados, and cucumbers.

Homemade egg muffins--they can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to one week.

Homemade granola type bars/health bars.

Hope this helps.

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i started all my family on fish oil caps as well.

omega 3's are wonderful for our neuro system.

and exercise - keep moving.

other posters have had great advice.

leslie

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Specializes in Rehab/LTC.

Thank you all for your suggestions. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply!

I have to admit, I don't drink enough water, because I know where that will go, and most shifts I don't have time for more than one or two bathroom breaks! Will have to figure that one out. After all, this is what I'm always telling my patients, stay hydrated. Guess I should practice what I preach (well, try to, anyway) ;)

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Specializes in Cardio-Pulmonary; Med-Surg; Private Duty.
thank you all for your suggestions. i really appreciate you taking the time to reply!

i have to admit, i don't drink enough water, because i know where that will go, and most shifts i don't have time for more than one or two bathroom breaks! will have to figure that one out. after all, this is what i'm always telling my patients, stay hydrated. guess i should practice what i preach (well, try to, anyway) ;)

foley with bag taped to your leg might work....

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Hospice & Dialysis.

I keep protein shakes in the fridge. I have shakers that I keep them in so if I don't have time to finish it, I can cap it and put it back in the fridge for later.

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Specializes in Cardiac, PCU, Surg/Onc, LTC, Peds.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I really appreciate you taking the time to reply!

I have to admit, I don't drink enough water, because I know where that will go, and most shifts I don't have time for more than one or two bathroom breaks! Will have to figure that one out. After all, this is what I'm always telling my patients, stay hydrated. Guess I should practice what I preach (well, try to, anyway) ;)

There IS always time to use the bathroom (I hope you also take all your breaks too).

Don't dehydrate yourself b/c you 'think' you're too busy to pee. You aren't. You also aren't going to be doing anyone any favors by being found passed out, withered on the floor.

Take care of YOU, you've only got one body to work with....and yeah practice what you preach!

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