Self-care Tips for Nursing Students
You woke up early in the morning with your books buried in your pillows, and you cannot even remember the last time you did something for yourself. Does this sound familiar? For a nursing student, this may sound like your life right now. Nursing is a profession that has the desire to help and care for people who are in need and is also the reason why nursing students are drawn into this profession. They make a living putting others first, however, it is important to consider that you can't take care of others if you can't take care of yourself.
You may have a lot of things to do, but you won't get an A if you will not have a concentration for studying. Nursing students are taught to care for others and have an intrinsic concern about life’s purpose. They tend to be notorious for not having to take care of themselves and it is intense in nursing students. Young individuals or a person entering the nursing profession may seek to put others first and exude a high level of care to others, often at the expense of their well-being.
So, here are some tips to having sheer care for yourself while in nursing school and even after graduation:
1. Rest with no guilt-feeling
Getting enough sleep is critical. We know that it is easier said than done but it is suggested to have at least 7-9 hours of sleep for the average adult. Sleep is essential to your body. You can be more prone to making mistakes and feel foggy with a lack of sleep. So do yourself a favor and sleep without feeling guilty for resting. If you can’t sleep, at least let your body relax and recharge.
2. Finding Balance
Balance is a tricky thought. Perhaps it is never really achieved. Yet, a nursing student can strive for it. It is better not to compare your life to others or think about what you can realistically do and enjoy it. For students, find some time for some fun activities while you stay engaged in your studies. It may not be everything like you did before, but having your favorite pass time and a quick break may help alleviate your stress.
3. Use a Calendar System
It helps a lot to be visual. Think about your life and start with creating a calendar for a few days to get you started. Make sure you have it divided for work, me-time/hobbies, exercise, and friends bonding. You may need to revise if your current calendar is all study and no-play. You may also have a calendar that has more time spent on studies than others and that is perfectly fine.
Takeaway
These are just a few tips on getting self-care for nursing students. Nursing is a profession of caring. It is natural to put the needs of others before your own, however, do not forget to also take care of yourself. Owe yourself a physically and mentally healthy physique!
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