And...I am now really in!

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

In an amazing gift from the Universe I got into my #1 ABSN program of choice of the waitlist (I had good creds but my timing was off), but contingent on the last two prerequisites. I am now done with the last two classes with great results which means I am now REALLY in my program!!! Yey!

Except...all this past year I was working 30 hours/week (in pretty demanding corporate work), taking two science classes with labs per semester and pulling off top grades. Plus family responsibilities and emergencies, etc. etc. And I have to say, I am pretty EXHAUSTED!

The program starts early Jan and I have a tough time feeling excited. I mean I am super excited at the level of the mind, but my body just wants to be left alone:) I feel tired and now questioning whether I will be able to pull off another year that by all accounts is promising to be even more intense.

I guess I am just looking for words of encouragement, inspiration and any tips to effectively recharge in the next couple weeks.

[RunBabyRN]

This is a good time to create your own time-saving tricks, like cooking enough for leftovers, using the crock pot, doing household chores where you can, recruiting help as needed (I don't know if you're married and/or have kids), etc. I read some of my stuff on my treadmill (I will walk at a high incline- can't run and read!).

This is also a great time to find something that helps you to deal with stress. For me, it's running. I can do it anywhere, and almost anytime. Find what works for you.

You'll be fine! You'll make it work. Believe me, I know it's tough. I have a lot on my plate, too. But you find a way to make it work in your situation.

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Thank you, RunBabyRun (now I know the origin of that name:))! This is very helpful. I have a husband and an 18 year old son - they both too have pretty full schedules, but I guess I will need to find ways to utilize them more or better. I usually cook for 2 days, but I do have a slow cooker that is way underutilized - will need to dust that off:) I too jog and also do yoga for wellness and stress management.

My biggest challenge is that I am more of a sprinter than a marathoner in life (funny, even my genetic test showed that) - I can make a huge effort with great result, but then need to retreat for a little while. And I have not been able to do that much this year as you have to keep going and going and going. I guess my drive and responsibility helps me push through, but this is not my preferred mode, hence does increase stress significantly.

[RunBabyRN]

Would you be able to take a day (or better yet, an overnight) to yourself to just CHILL OUT somewhere away from home? That can be really rejuvenating, and may help you to get into a good mental space to take on the challenges that lie ahead.

I'm like you, where I just go and go and go, and I tend to finally crack, which isn't good! I'm still working on managing that. But getting away and having time to myself really helps. I live about 20 minutes from the coast, so I'll try to go for a good beach run and lunch or something like that if I can. Take a little time to sit on the beach and stretch after my run, maybe take a book to read (that has NOTHING to do with nursing!!) for a bit, that sort of thing.

[INN_777, BSN, RN]

Yes, luckily I will be able to take the week before school starts off work plus holidays, so I will definitely find a way to squeeze in some me time. And some SLEEP.:)