A charge nurse is providing an in-service to a group of nurses about self-care. Which of the following information should the nurse include?

Choice A reason: Exercising once a week is insufficient for optimal health, as regular physical activity (150 minutes/week) enhances cardiovascular function, reduces cortisol, and improves insulin sensitivity. Infrequent exercise minimally impacts metabolic health or stress reduction, making it a suboptimal self-care strategy for nurses’ demanding roles. Choice B reason: Five hours of sleep nightly is inadequate, as adults require 7-9 hours for optimal cognitive and immune function. Chronic sleep deprivation elevates cortisol, impairs prefrontal cortex activity, and increases stress, reducing resilience and performance, making this an ineffective self-care recommendation for nurses. Choice C reason: Restricting water intake risks dehydration, reducing plasma volume and impairing renal function, thermoregulation, and cognitive performance. Adequate hydration (2-3 liters/day) supports cellular homeostasis and energy levels, essential for nurses’ physical and mental demands, making restriction detrimental to self-care practices. Choice D reason: Bringing healthy meals ensures balanced nutrition, stabilizing blood glucose and supporting energy needs via complex carbohydrates and proteins. This reduces inflammation, enhances metabolic health, and sustains cognitive function during long shifts, promoting resilience and well-being, making it a key self-care strategy for nurses.