Small Steps, Big Impact: Simple Ways Nurses Can Recharge and Reset

10 push-ups.

Can you do them? Maybe you barely make it to five, or maybe you push through to 20. Either way, it’s a small goal that helps shake off stress and reset during or after a long day. So is taking a deep breath, pressing play on your favorite song, or carving out a few quiet moments just for yourself.

Lulu Olupitan, RN, BSN, a perioperative nurse, AORN member, and fitness coach (who you may have seen leading a class at AORN Expo), makes a point to do 10 push-ups every day. She also knows the importance of finding time to recharge.

“We give so much to our patients every day,” she says. “But if we don’t take care of ourselves, we won’t have anything left to give.”

Here’s how she’s chilling out this month—and what you might want to try, too.

Fitness Challenges

• Daily push-up challenge to build upper body strength. “I started with just a few push-ups a day, and now I challenge myself to do more. It’s a quick way to get my blood flowing.”
• Spinning sessions on a Peloton for cardio and stress relief. “It’s my way to let go of the day—music up, legs moving, and everything else fades away.”

Relaxation and Recovery

• Yoga and stretching routines to improve flexibility and mindfulness. “Stretching is my way of slowing down. Even five minutes helps me feel better physically and mentally.”

Self-Care Activities

• Creating a chill playlist for recovery and workout sessions. “The right music can change your whole mood. I have playlists for workouts, unwinding, and even just driving home.”

Connecting with Others

• Encouraging friends and family to join in fitness challenges to unwind together. “Everything is more fun when you do it with people you love. My friends and I keep each other accountable—it makes a huge difference.”

Mindfulness Practices

• Taking time each day to reflect on positive moments. “Even on tough days, I try to find one good thing to focus on. It helps shift my mindset and keeps me going.