Mental Health on the Move: Resources for Traveling Healthcare Workers

When you’re constantly on the go – moving from one city to the next, adjusting to new hospital systems, and caring for patient day in and day out – your own well-being can sometimes fall to the bottom of your to-do list.

But here’s the truth: prioritizing your mental health isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. At TotalMed, we understand the challenges that come with the travel healthcare lifestyle, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Whether you’re a travel nurse, allied health professional, prn, or working a strike, this guide is filled with practical tips and helpful resources to help you take care of you – so you can keep doing what you love without burning out.

Why Mental Health Matters When You’re Always on the Move

Traveling healthcare workers face a unique blend of stressors: long shifts, emotional patient care, living far from home, and navigating constant change. This lifestyle can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be mentally and emotionally taxing if you’re not actively caring for your inner world.

Ignoring your mental health can lead to fatigue, loneliness, burnout, and even physical symptoms. The good news? With the right tools and habits, you can stay grounded and resilient, no matter where your next assignment takes you.

Top Tips to Stay Grounded While on Assignment

1 – Build a Routine That Anchors You, Even on the Road

One of the best things you can do to feel more grounded is to create a daily routine, even when you’re in a new place. Small rituals – like enjoying a quiet morning coffee, journaling or reading before work, or doing a short stretch session at night – can help create a sense of stability. Even something as similar as sticking to a regular bedtime or keeping your favorite tea in stock can offer familiarity that soothes your mind.

2 – Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Staying connected to loved ones is another essential lifeline while on the road. Scheduling weekly video calls, sharing daily updates via group texts, or using apps like Marco Polo to send video messages can go a long way in easing feelings of isolation. When possible, plan visits with friends or family if your travels bring you close to home – or find create ways to stay present in each other’s lives, even from miles away. One idea is an Aura Digital Picture Frame. These digital picture frames are great because you can give your family and friends access to the digital frame’s drive to upload photos and videos for you to view while on assignment.

3 – Move Your Body, Feed Your Mind

Moving your body regularly can also have a major impact on your mental well-being. Whether you prefer yoga at home, long hikes on your days off, or exploring a new city on foot, regular exercise helps boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep. There are plenty of free or low-cost options, from apps like FitOn and Nike Training Club to local drop-in fitness classes. Even a walk after a shift can help you decompress and reset.

4 – Practice Saying “No”

Learning to set healthy boundaries is key to avoiding burnout. It’s okay to say no to extra shifts, social invites, or anything that drains your energy. Protecting your time and space allows you to show up as your best self, both on and off the job. Don’t feel guilty for prioritizing rest, it’s what sustains your ability to care for others.

5 – Create a Personal Sanctuary in Every New Place

Another helpful habit is turning your temporary home into a cozy personal retreat. Pack a few comfort items like your favorite blanket, a candle, or framed photos. Adding these small, meaningful touches to your space can make it feel more like home and give you a place to unwind after a long day.

6 – Make Time for Joy, Not Just Recovery

Lastly, remember to make time for joy – not just recovery. Don’t spend every day off trying to recharge from burnout. Instead, schedule time for things that bring you genuine happiness. Try out local restaurants, check out nearby parks or museums, or dive into a creative hobby like photography or painting. Exploring new places with curiosity and intention can be an incredibly fulfilling part of the travel experience.

Mental Health Resources Tailored for Healthcare Travelers

Therapy and Counseling Support

• BetterHelp: Offers virtual therapy tailored to your schedule. Perfect for travelers!
• Talkspace: Match with licensed therapists and communicate via video or text.
• Open Path Collective: Affordable therapy for individuals and couples, especially helpful for those without insurance

Tip: Many insurance plans include mental health coverage – be sure to check your benefits before booking.

Mindfulness and Meditation Apps

• Calm: Provides guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and more.
• Headspace: Focused on reducing anxiety and stress through science-backed mindfulness
• Insight Timer: Free app with thousands of guided meditations, music, and talks by mental health professionals.

Peer and Community Support

• Travel Nurse Network (The Gypsy Nurse): A group dedicated for travelers to ask questions, connect, and support on another through every assignment
• Debriefing the Front Lines: Run by nurses and offers mental and emotional support for individual healthcare workers and healthcare systems.
• Don’t Clock Out: A mental health non-profit offering support groups, organizational training, and storytelling workshops for healthcare workers.

Productivity and Self-Care Tools

• Daylio: A mood-tracking app that helps you notice emotional patterns and triggers
• Reflectly: An AI-powered journaling tool that guides you through daily reflections
• Notion or Evernote: Great for organizing your thoughts, creating a gratitude log, or setting wellness goals.

Travel With TotalMed to Support Your Whole Journey

Being a travel healthcare professional is equal parts courageous and compassionate – and we see you. That’s why, at TotalMed, we go beyond just finding you your next assignment. We’re here to support your full experience: emotionally, mentally, and professionally.

Ready to travel with a company that truly has your back?

Sign up with TotalMed and start your next adventure with a team who cares about your well-bring as much as the patients you serve. Because you deserve to feel good, wherever the journey takes you!