advice on staying stable in nursing school

Published

Specializes in RN.

when i say stable, i mean mentally stable lol.

for about 4 years i have been suffering from anorexia and i started recovery in april. there have been a few bumps in the road but i am trying my best to maintain my weight and nourish myself.

anyway, i know nursing school can be very, very, very stressful and i was just wondering if anyone had any tips to stay calm and collected?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Not sure about Nursing school since I will be starting a ABSN this coming Spring. However, I found that in general (in my experience going through another tough bachelors degree, working, and life) exercising is very helpful tool for me for managing stress. This can be a light jog, walk with a dog, going to a gym or even yoga!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in RN.

I will have to try that but in moderation, sadly, for i am still on exercise restriction.

thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi madisonlong17

I would recommend talking to a nutritionist for foods to nourish the mind, body and soul. Helpful relaxation techniques such as Nasal breathing with long exhalation, rajyoga meditation, Slow pranayama .Also Bible reading and prayer....the serenity prayer read it every day :)

Please talk to someone thats trustworthy and supportive that can help you take steps toward changing your perception on how you view yourself and the world around you. *hugs*

Hope this helps :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you haven't already, I would suggest at least considering getting a regular therapist. Some colleges and universities have free counseling services for their students, and they may even have groups, etc.

I would probably look for programs that aren't accelerated and that are a little less stressful as a result. Maybe see if there is a program around you that allow you to do the program part time for a semester or two. That could give you some time to slowly gain more health coping skills, etc.

Otherwise, find some good activities for stress relief. Perhaps taking up some type of art, writing, etc. Something that would help you work through some of your stress without triggering you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you haven't already, I would suggest at least considering getting a regular therapist. Some colleges and universities have free counseling services for their students, and they may even have groups, etc.

Seconding this - my counselor has been amazing, and if it wasn't for her, I don't think I'd be starting the nursing program this fall.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yoga, yoga, yoga, yoga...ohhmm. ohmm, ohmmm, ohmm, ohmmm

Works for me and millions more!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

A counselor or a therapist can be SO helpful, just to be able to spill out everything going on in your head.

Also, I was very strict with my "work hard, play hard" philosophy. I would schedule study time throughout the week and be sure that I worked hard during those times, but I also scheduled free time and stuck to that as well. Nothing is worse than trying to relax and feeling guilty about what you should be studying. Schedule you study time and stick to it, but also schedule time to take care of yourself and do the things that give you life.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Like some of the previous posters, I strongly urge you to have a good counselor/therapist -- and to follow that person's advice. I have had some friends with anorexia and know that it is nothing to "play around with." Take it seriously and stick with your treatment plan.

Take care.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Be very aware, you will be regularly rewarded for being "thin" by people who know nothing about your issue.

You will need to be very, very active in your recovery.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion