It is that time of year again! The holidays bring with them resolutions for a better life in the New Year. It can be anything from dropping that last stubborn 20 pounds to finding ways to make more money. If you’re a nurse and want to pick up a worthy resolution, consider one of the following:

1. Think Positive

It sounds a little too easy, but just forcing yourself to maintain a positive attitude will go a long way to improving your life both on the job and at home. As a nurse, patients have no choice but to put their trust in you. You can reward that effort and reassure them at the same time if you put a smile on your face and approach them with an attention-grabbing attitude. That will translate into better outcomes and happier patients.

2. Advance Your Degree

Nothing says better work opportunities like getting an advanced degree. Today, nurses can go online and work towards a BA or graduate degree during their off hours. Maybe get certified in a specialty field for the New Year. You can use online education to complete the classwork. As a travel nurse, you have more free time for the clinicals, as well. This year, make advancing your education a priority, so you will have more moneymaking assignments in the future.

If you are focused on your career this coming year, consider how travel nursing might fit into your schedule.

3. Find the Balance

It is a struggle for nurses to find a way to balance their career with their personal lives. Sometimes that just means learning to leave your home life at the door when you start a shift or maybe you need to find more time for yourself outside of work and family. Read more, exercise or learn to paint – whatever balance you need in your life, this is the year to find it.

4. Give Back to the Community

As a nurse, you are in the position to help others in a way that most professionals never find. Next year, spend some of your off time giving back to the community. Volunteer with local organizations to do home checks, screenings and wellness evaluations. It is a win-win solution to the New Year’s blues. You help the people in your neighborhood and help yourself feel better at the same time.

5. A Healthier You

It is easy to get busy at work and lose track of some basic concepts that make your life easier and keep you safe. Trying to eat healthier? Make sure you eat 2 servings of veggies per day. Trying to quick smoking? Use these tips to help! Getting healthier will affect your life in many ways.

This year, vow to make actionable resolutions that you can keep. You will improve your work environment and your home life with a few well-chosen goals for the New Year.