Advice on being burnt out

rpv_rn · Jul 6, 2006

i would advise you to visit your physician. you may have a physical and/or emotional condition that may need treatment.

Taurus_, LPN, RN · Jul 6, 2006

I'm positive that I don't have a medical condition. I have two small children ages 4 and 2 1/2 that get into everything (as most toddlers do). I also have some family members who just recently moved in with me, and I am a full time student who attends all year around. So a medical condition is not the issue.

marinemommy · Jul 6, 2006

I have 3 very active little boys so I understand the "getting into things". Although I don't have the family members in the house (thank goodness, mine are really demanding!)

1. What do you usually do to "relieve" yourself when you have become burnt out?

I exercise. I have a stationary bike in my living room and just cycle for a while. That or I just get out of the house, take a walk, go to the beach (I just put my younger ones in the stroller and head out)... I just need to get away and escape.

2. What do you do when you can't seem to focus on your books when it's time to study?

I set a timer. I tell myself that I need to focus on my studies for at least a specific amount of time (usually 30 minutes) and usually once that time has past, I don't have any other issues. I also make sure that I don't have anything out there nagging me (like having to do laundry, pay bills, whatever) before I jump into studying. That way I don't feel that nagging feeling like I have to do something else.

What has really worked for me is developing a schedule. I schedule in "me time" along with studying so that I know that there is time for me to just relax. I have also learned to let some things go... it is more important for me to have a little down time than to have the house in an absolutely perfect state at all times.

Plus, if you can, perhaps you can have your relatives help out a little bit.

Good luck!

Kristin

hica19 · Jul 6, 2006

What I found that really helped me during my most difficult semester of nursing school was to sign up for a class for fun. I signed up for tennis, which is a sport I loved. Man that was the biggest stress reliever for me. Loved the class so much. Everytime it rained during tennis day, I got really disappointed. Not only did I get to play a sport I loved and get the ability to pound out my stress, but the class was also a one credit class

weytn · Jul 6, 2006

When I feel burnt out I go shopping, if I don't have a lot of money I go to a yard sale or thrift store, shopping is fun and takes my mind off things.

You have to find "your thing" that will take your mind off things and help you relax.

As far as the books, try studying and then taking a break, then back to studying. When I feel like my brain can't absorb anything else, I take a break and go do something else for a while, then back to the books.

sushiwoman · Jul 6, 2006

I'm positive that I don't have a medical condition. I have two small children ages 4 and 2 1/2 that get into everything (as most toddlers do). I also have some family members who just recently moved in with me, and I am a full time student who attends all year around. So a medical condition is not the issue.

I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!!!! I have 3 girls (ages 5, 3, and 2)! My 5 yr. old is constantly up my behind every second, and my 2 yr. old gets into everything. My 3 yr. old constantly fights with the 2 yr. old, and my husband would just sit there (when he's home from work) and do nothing but watch TV....My house is Chaotic! I'm not in school yet, I take my NET Aug. 9th. I was wondering the same thing because I plan on taking evening classes from 4-10, and with going to class then the next day trying to do homework, study, etc. I have NO idea how! I think it might be easier once she goes to Kindergarten in Sept. and that is when I start, but I have no idea. If you get suggestions, please pass them along....medication....I was thinking of that :lol2: !!!!

casi, ASN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

I don't have kids but I know the stress from school. I lightened my coorifice load for a semester whcih was amazing.

I've also found that when I can't concentrate on anything if exercise and get some of the extra energy out it helps. Also find a quiet study-only spot. When it's study time it's hard having family bouncing about asking you questions.

lisabeth · Jul 7, 2006

The best advice I can give is to excercise. I have a wide assortment of videos, DVDs, and I also walk, so it never gets boring. If you can afford it, going to a gym is a very good option. I got burned out really bad this last semester with a class I barely had time to do anything else but have my nose in the books. I know that will be a lot like what nursing school will be like, so I will MAKE time to excercise. If nursing is your dream, dont give up. Good luck.

DAMomma · Jul 7, 2006

Hey JWoods fellow WCCCD student. I saw your name on the other board. Anyway, everyone has really great suggestions. When I feel a little stressed, I take both of my kids to the park, watch them blow off steam, just sit back, reflect and enjoy life. When I just can not concentrate anymore, I take a take a break. Also, I take my notes and just glance at them while we are at the park. Actually, I walk with my note pad. I can study while I am standing in the grocery line, at the drive thru, at the bank. I just use every opportune time to get a little studying done so I can free up more time when I am at home.

Hey, for good cheap (actually free)fun in our area, I found an awesome water park in Canton (Off Canton Center Road). It is like a playscape, expect it is a water playscape. With it being 86 degrees tomorrow, I am going to take my kids there. I will be the one with my note pad glancing at notes and watching the kids at the same time. I am such a multi-tasker.

jones21498 · Jul 7, 2006

I know exactly how you feel. I have a 2 1/2 year old, 6 year old, and 12 year old. It gets so crazy and my husband is the worst kid of all. They all want my undivided attention, I have to cook, clean, and be a mother/wife to all these people. I get burned out so much. The only things that help me is to 1) Get a babysitter to spend some me time and under no circumstances are you allowed to feel guilty about it. 2) When you have school work to do lock yourself in your bedroom (make it comfortable and relaxing) by either having a husband, mother, or friend watch the children-this can even be done at home, just don't unlock the door. 3) Find a "you" activity to break up some of the monotony around you. If you like to swim, do that once a week, or if it is volleyball that gets you going...do it. Try to make it something active because you will feel more invigorated about it. It helps some of the sinking depression that comes from being so overwhelmed. 4) Above all...get out! Don't stay indoors, this will tear you up in the anxiety/depression department. It is sunny out, so study outside. Take your kids outside. Garden or mow the grass. The sun will feel good and it will do you some good (just remember the sunscreen).

Taurus_, LPN, RN · Jul 7, 2006

Thank you all so much! You really have some good suggestions, I don't know why I didn't think of any before! I know these suggestions will help me out A LOT!