January Power Up Newsletter

New Year, Fresh Energy

As we step into 2026, let’s embrace renewal—not through overwhelming resolutions, but through simple, sustainable rituals. A mindful pause between shifts, a glass of water before charting, or jotting down one word that captures your intention for the year can create powerful ripples of resilience.

What’s your one word for 2026? Share it with us—we’ll feature a few in next month’s issue.

Setting Wellness Goals for the Year

The start of a new year is the perfect time to pause and set intentions that keep your own well-being at the forefront. Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about small, consistent choices that add up to resilience and joy.

Here are four simple, achievable goals to consider for 2026:

• Prioritize Rest: Aim for consistent sleep routines. Even short restorative naps can help recharge during demanding weeks.

• Move with Purpose: Choose one activity you enjoy—walking, yoga, dancing—and commit to it regularly. Movement should feel energizing, not like a chore.

• Nourish Daily: Add one extra serving of fruits or vegetables to your meals each day. Small changes build lasting habits.

• Protect Your Bandwidth: Set boundaries around your time. Saying “no” when needed is an act of wellness and self-compassion.

Pro tip: Write down one personal wellness goal and place it somewhere visible—on your desk, in your planner, or even taped to your water bottle. A daily reminder keeps your intention alive.

Why Your UltraHuman Ring Pays Attention to Temperature

And why you should, too

Your UltraHuman Ring measures temperature for a reason. Not because numbers are interesting, but because temperature is one of the earliest and most sensitive signals your body gives when something is changing.

Unlike a thermometer reading taken once, the ring tracks your personal baseline over time. That matters. Health is not about “normal” for the population. It’s about what’s normal for you.

What temperature deviations actually mean

Your ring looks for deviations from your usual nightly skin temperature, not just a single high or low number.

• A higher-than-normal temperature can be an early sign of:

  • Infection or illness (often before symptoms appear)

  • Inflammation

  • Overtraining or inadequate recovery

  • Hormonal shifts or menstrual cycle changes

  • Poor sleep or high stress load

• A lower-than-normal temperature may signal:

  • Under-recovery or exhaustion

  • Calorie deficit or inadequate fueling

  • Hormonal suppression

  • Circulatory changes

  • Chronic stress or burnout

In other words, temperature tells a story about how hard your body is working just to keep balance.

Why this matters before you “feel sick”

Temperature often shifts before you consciously notice fatigue, brain fog, irritability, or illness. This makes it a powerful early-warning system, especially for high-performing professionals, caregivers, and clinicians who are used to pushing through.

Paying attention early can help you:

• Rest before burnout hits

• Adjust training or workload

• Improve sleep and hydration

• Avoid getting fully sick

• Make smarter decisions instead of reactive ones

What to do when your temperature is off

Think of a deviation as a yellow light, not a diagnosis.

When temperature is elevated:

• Prioritize sleep that night

• Increase hydration

• Reduce intense exercise

• Eat anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense foods

• Ask: Am I fighting something, or ignoring recovery?

When temperature is low:

• Check fueling and protein intake

• Evaluate stress and workload

• Focus on warmth, rest, and nervous system regulation

• Ask: Am I depleted or under-supported?

If deviations persist for several days, that’s your cue to slow down and pay closer attention, not to power through.

The big picture

Your UltraHuman Ring doesn’t just track health. It teaches body literacy.

Temperature is one of the clearest signals of resilience, recovery, and readiness. When you learn to notice it and respond early, you move from reactive health care to intentional self-care.

Your body is always talking. Temperature is one of its quietest, smartest voices.

Listen.

Dance It Out 2026: Sign Your Hospital Up!

As we step into a new year, joy is not a luxury — it’s a wellness strategy. This May, hospitals across the country will join together for Dance It Out: A Celebration of Nurses, a national movement designed to spark connection, boost morale, and honor the heartbeat of healthcare through music and movement.

Whether your team loves a full‑out dance party or prefers a simple sway between shifts, Dance It Out is about one thing: creating moments of joy that remind nurses they matter.

Why Join?

• It’s a no‑cost program for hospitals

• Includes a full event toolkit, signage, communications, and national promotion

• Builds community, boosts morale, and supports nurse well‑being

• Offers a fun, creative way to celebrate Nurses Month

• Your hospital can participate at any scale — from a 10‑minute dance break to a full campus celebration

How to Sign Up:Email info@powerupnursing.com with your hospital name, city, state, and primary contact.  Subject line: Let’s Dance

Tell Us: What song instantly lifts your mood? Share your go‑to “dance break” track — we’ll build a national playlist for Nurses Month.

Financial health is part of whole health. As the year begins, consider setting one small financial goal—whether it’s starting an emergency fund, an education fund, increasing retirement contributions, or simply tracking expenses for a month.

Resource Highlight:We’re partnering with financial wellness experts to bring practical tools for budgeting and investment. Nurses who’ve embraced financial literacy report reduced stress and greater confidence—proof that financial wellness fuels professional wellness. See more at https://miraucapital.com/power-up

EAT FOR HEALTH AND ENERGY

🥗 Recipe Idea #1: Mediterranean Power Bowl 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup chickpeas (roasted or plain)

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ cup cucumber, diced

• 2 tbsp hummus

• Drizzle of olive oil & lemon juice

• Sprinkle of feta and fresh herbs

Wellness Goal:“Fuel your body with balance.” This bowl combines protein, fiber, and healthy fats—perfect for sustaining energy during long shifts. A simple goal: commit to one colorful, plant-forward meal each day.

🍵 Recipe Idea #2: Golden Turmeric Latte (Anti-Inflammatory Boost)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond or oat milk

• ½ tsp turmeric

• ¼ tsp cinnamon

• Pinch of black pepper (enhances turmeric absorption)

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:Warm milk, whisk in spices, sweeten to taste, and sip slowly.

Wellness Goal:“Pause for mindful moments.” Make this latte part of a nightly ritual to unwind. A simple goal: set aside 10 minutes daily for a calming practice—whether sipping tea, journaling, or stretching.

Thyroid Awareness Month: Know Your Health 

January is Thyroid Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on one of the body’s most vital glands—the thyroid. This small, butterfly-shaped gland in your neck regulates metabolism, energy, and overall health. Despite its importance, thyroid conditions often go undiagnosed until symptoms become disruptive.

Why It Matters

• Thyroid disorders are common: Millions of Americans are affected, yet many remain undiagnosed.

• Women are at higher risk: They are 5–8 times more likely than men to develop thyroid issues.

• Symptoms can be subtle: Fatigue, weight changes, mood shifts, hair/skin changes, or a lump in the neck may signal thyroid imbalance.

Common Thyroid Conditions

• Hypothyroidism: Too little hormone production. Symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, depression, and sensitivity to cold.

• Hyperthyroidism: Too much hormone production. Symptoms include weight loss, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and sensitivity to heat.

• Thyroid nodules/goiter: Enlargements or lumps that may be benign or cancerous.

• Thyroid cancer: Often detected during routine exams; early detection is key.

Wellness Actions You Can Take

• Get screened: Routine blood tests (like TSH) can detect imbalances early.

• Listen to your body: Don’t ignore unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or neck swelling.

• Know your family history: If thyroid disorders run in your family, regular check-ups are essential.

• Eat for thyroid health: Include foods rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc; avoid excess soy if you have thyroid concerns.

✨ This month, let’s raise awareness together. Encourage colleagues, patients, and loved ones to learn about thyroid health, schedule screenings, and share resources. Early detection can make all the difference.

January is a time to reset, renew, and reconnect—with ourselves, our patients, and our communities. Together, we’ll make 2026 a year of strength, compassion, and joy.