Nursing programs are intense, and it is common for nursing students to become stressed and experience poor physical and mental health. Fortunately, there are several things that students can do to stay physically and emotionally healthy while training to become a nurse.
Here are some tips to boost your health and well-being:
Choose the Right Nursing Program
Enrolling in a nursing program is a huge commitment, and you should always carefully weigh up your options before choosing a course. But, of course, it doesn’t feel good when you invest time and money into a nursing program and then realize that it’s the wrong career choice for you.
Take some time to research nursing programs and choose a course that is right for you. For example, suppose someone wants to become a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). In that case, they may also decide to complete a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, depending on their interests and goals. You can learn everything about MSN degrees and DNP vs Ph.D. programs by reading detailed information and understanding differences.
Consider an Online or Part-Time Course
Many aspiring nurses choose to complete a full-time, campus-based nursing degree. The traditional route to qualification has its benefits, but it can be intense and overwhelming if you have other commitments, like a family. In addition, trying to do multiple tasks can lead to burnout and harm your physical and emotional health.
An online or part-time course may be a better option if you have other responsibilities and want to learn at a slower pace or via distance learning. Online courses offer more flexibility and allow you to learn conveniently, from anywhere, only with an internet connection.
Develop Your Time Management Skills
Efficient time management is essential when you are studying for a nursing degree. When you successfully manage your time, you can be more productive. It also ensures that you can now complete coursework and assignments before your deadlines. This factor casts a positive effect on your overall health and sense of well-being as you feel less stressed.
Here are some great tips to help you improve your time management skills and help you stay focused:
- Please make a list of all your learning tasks and organize them in order of priority.
- Use a checklist to manage your learning tasks.
- Self-motivation to do tasks efficiently.
- Reward yourself when you complete a learning task. For instance, give yourself 30 minutes of free time or treat yourself to a new piece of clothing.
- Write a clear study schedule to organize your time.
- Set realistic learning goals and monitor your progress regularly.
- Remove distractions from your study space, e.g., leave your phone in another room so that you’re not tempted to look at it while you’re studying.
Schedule Time for Self-Care
Self-care is an essential factor that helps you cope with daily stressors, reflect on your feelings, and improve focus on your life goals and ambitions. According to Everyday Health: “Self-care is taking steps to tend to your physical and emotional health needs to the best of your ability.”
To stay healthy during your nursing training, you should adopt a routine that prioritizes self-care, whether that means writing your private thoughts and feelings in a daily journal, relaxing in a bubble bath, or pursuing your hobbies and passions. Most spend some time doing the things that help you relax and bring you joy and happiness.
Take Care of Your Body
Student nurses learn all about taking care of other people’s bodies, but they often neglect their own bodies and health. It would be best to keep your body healthy by doing the recommended amount of exercise each week, which is roughly 30 minutes a day for adults.
Regular exercise keeps your body in good physical shape and reduces the risk of multiple health conditions of your body. Moreover, Being active is also great for your mental well-being, as exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Therefore, never forget to include a few exercises in your daily routine.
Pick exercise wisely and the one you like the most because it helps you stay motivated for a regular workout. Some of the best ways that can make your workouts feel more fun. According to Women’s Health: “go on hiking, horseback riding, kayak through peaceful waters, or dance around your room.”
Rely on Healthy Snacks
Many student nurses rely on fast food and sugary snacks to keep their energy levels up while studying. Fast food can be a convenient option, but it is also full of unhealthy fat and additives. Consuming too much fast food is likely to lead to weight gain. Moreover, it increases your risk of developing chronic medical conditions like heart, blood pressure, and diabetes.
Fortunately, you can boost your energy levels effectively with fast, healthy snacks like bananas, avocados, nuts, and low-fat Greek yogurt. Also, try to make healthy food choices such as grilled chicken and salad wrap instead of eating a greasy cheeseburger for dinner.
Prioritize Sleep
Lots of student nurses don’t get enough sleep while they are studying or completing clinical placements. A lack of sleep has a severe impact on your health, both physically and mentally. Healthline states that sleep deprivation can improve your ability to concentrate and memorize information. Moreover, it also weakens your immune system and makes you more suspectable to common viruses like colds.
Prioritize your sleep and aim to get restful sleep of seven to nine hours every night. You should also get into a consistent sleep pattern and go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day to improve your sleep quality.
Bottom Line
When you’re training to be a nurse, it can be challenging to balance your studies and other areas of your life. However, your health and well-being must be a priority, regardless of how busy you get.
Taking good care of your mind and body helps you stay motivated and support you to become a successful nurse. These tips will keep you healthy while training to be a nurse, so it is time to start working on yourself.
A fervent champion for holistic well-being, graces this community with her expertise in health and fitness. With a solid educational foundation in physical fitness and a commitment to empowering others, Sara distills her extensive knowledge and experience into actionable insights. Her writing, firmly grounded in evidence-based practices, aims to demystify health complexities and inspire readers to cultivate sustainable habits for a balanced life. As a certified fitness trainer, Sara offers a well-rounded perspective on wellness. Join Sara on this transformative journey towards a happier, healthier, and more vibrant you.
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