You woke up late and need to rush through your morning routine on your way to work. You have time to shower, brush your teeth, and let the dog outside — so why don’t you have time to eat something for breakfast?

It’s easy to skip breakfast, especially when you’re in a hurry; but this may possibly be the worst thing you could do to start your day. Breakfast is important. Heading into your nursing shift without it will have very real ramifications.

Breakfast provides all-day fuel for your body and brain

You’ve heard the well-known saying that “breakfast is the most important meal of the day.” The reason this statement is so popular is because it’s true. The first meal you eat each day sets the stage for what’s to come, particularly regarding energy and cognitive function.

Breakfast provides your body with the energy it needs to get you up and moving. The nutrients you get from a healthy meal help you feel energized and ready to tackle a brand-new day. They also help fuel an active and attentive brain — something all nurses need when tending to patients and dealing with hospital emergencies.

It’s not only about when you eat; it’s about what you eat as well. It’s not enough to grab a candy bar or fast food while you’re on your way to work. Processed, sugar-filled foods can contribute to brain fog and energy crashes. The first meal of your day should always be the most nutritious one you eat.

When you skip breakfast — or worse, choose unhealthy snacks instead of something nutritious — you are more likely to experience a range of negative consequences, including irritability, a lack of concentration, and reduced reaction time. If you want to be on your A-game at work, fill up on healthy ingredients before you go!

Breakfast doesn’t have to be a morning meal

Making time for breakfast is difficult enough without a nursing schedule. Many travel nurses don’t work a “traditional” 9 to 5 shift. In fact, most don’t! Your meal schedule might already be skewed because of long shifts and strange hours, and you might not get to sit down for another true meal until you clock out. This means you need to be extra diligent about eating the right foods at the right time of day to get the energy you need.

Make time for breakfast, even if you’re eating it as you start your shift at 7:00 pm. By incorporating a healthy meal into the first hour of your “morning” routine — whether that occurs at morning, noon, or night — you’ll nourish your body with the right combination of nutrients to start your day off right.

If making time for breakfast just isn’t possible during your rush-to-work routine, make an effort to prepare easy and nutritious breakfast meals ahead of time. This way, they’re ready for you to grab as you head out the door.

Healthy habits extend beyond just you

As a travel nurse, you experience a lot of stress on and off the job. Long shifts, medical emergencies, and moving from place to place can take a toll on your mental and physical health.

Therefore, it’s important to establish healthy habits like eating breakfast every day. The better you take care of your own body and mind, the better care you’ll be able to provide your patients.