Any tips on staying healthy and fit while in nursing school ?

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So here's the situation:

I have been working very hard to lose weight and get into shape after gaining 70 lbs. during my last pregnancy. I still have about 45 lbs. left to lose, and would like to continue to lose even during my time in PN school. I've lost 25 lbs. by cutting calories and working out at least an hour and a half every day. The way a lot of people describe nursing school, I'm afraid I won't have much time to focus on staying healthy.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to fit in the time to remain active with out compromising study time/grades?

I own a treadmill, so one idea I came up with is to record my instructors during class and listen to the recordings on my mp3 player while I go for a jog in the mornings.

How about quick and healthy snacks? What are your favorites?

Thanks so much!

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Specializes in LTAC, Wound Care, Case Management.

One thing I did is during breaks, I would walk briskly in the halls. I don't own a treadmill, but would take the stairs instead of the elevator. Always carry all my books in my backpack and park out far in the parking lot.

When studying, it's always great to take a break. Study for a while, then take a 10 minute break to absorb the info and clear your mind. During your 10 minute break, you could get on the treadmill or other exercise. This will keep your mind healthy as well as your body.

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I'm anxious to hear about this, too. I was just thinking about weight loss and nursing school this morning! As for myself, when I get in that is, I plan to devote a chunk of time every day or at least every other day to exercising so that it is just purely me time. I can always catch up on studying another time... OR study while I'm on the treadmill! I will also keep healthy snacks with me like protein bars/drinks (like the Special K water mixers... Really takes the edge off of hunger!) and zip lock bags of nuts or popcorn. We gotta be healthy to keep others healthy! :lol2:

Oh, and I will try to eat breakfast every morning, even if it's just going out the door.

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One thing I did is during breaks, I would walk briskly in the halls. I don't own a treadmill, but would take the stairs instead of the elevator. Always carry all my books in my backpack and park out far in the parking lot.

When studying, it's always great to take a break. Study for a while, then take a 10 minute break to absorb the info and clear your mind. During your 10 minute break, you could get on the treadmill or other exercise. This will keep your mind healthy as well as your body.

That sounds like a great idea! We get a 30 minute break between subjects (I believe) so that would be the perfect time to take a nice walk. I really enjoy exercise. It keeps me awake and focused :)...

I'm anxious to hear about this, too. I was just thinking about weight loss and nursing school this morning! As for myself, when I get in that is, I plan to devote a chunk of time every day or at least every other day to exercising so that it is just purely me time. I can always catch up on studying another time... OR study while I'm on the treadmill! I will also keep healthy snacks with me like protein bars/drinks (like the Special K water mixers... Really takes the edge off of hunger!) and zip lock bags of nuts or popcorn. We gotta be healthy to keep others healthy! :lol2:

Oh, and I will try to eat breakfast every morning, even if it's just going out the door.

Eating breakfast every morning has definitely helped me to keep my energy level up. I've been exercising anywhere from 4-6 days a week for the passed few months and eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, and I haven't felt run down or sick in a while! If we can keep healthy, we'll perform better as students. You're very right: WE GOTTA BE HEALTHY TO KEEP OTHERS HEALTHY!!! ;) Oh, and I recommend personally that if you don't take a multivitamin, find a good one and take it every morning! It helps fill in the gaps, and I've noticed since I've been remembering to take mine, I haven't been as tired (iron deficiency, blaaaahh).

Thanks so much! Good luck! If you think of anything else or find anything new that works for you, please share :D.

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Specializes in (Hopefully one day..) neuro/urology ^.^.

I'm hoping I won't have a lot of extra time to eat. :p

(only kidding)

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I'm hoping I won't have a lot of extra time to eat. :p

(only kidding)

Not joking, my first day of class, I was so busy running around and everything that I ate barely 1000 calories so when i got home I ate some fruit. I woke up, weighed myself, and I lost a pound haha. Who knows... This may be the weight loss solution I've been waiting for :p!

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Update: I GAINED 30 LBS!!! Ugh... All I do is sit on my butt and I have no time to exercise. Today that all changed because class is starting to get a little easier now that we're almost half way through. Cardio first thing in the morning from here on out!!! :(

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Specializes in None yet.

Try turning your ADLs into exercise. If you use a rolling back pack ditch it. Get a high quality hiking pack. Also take public transit and walk an extra stop each way, or if you live in the same town as your school bike! After that routine becomes easy peasy, try adding more textbooks or a dictionary (a good hiking pack is really necessary instead of a school book bag)

Eat small frequent healthy foods, if you starve yourself you slow down your metabolism. I love odwalla bars both the protein ones and the superfoods.

If you're crammed for time mix cardio and reading either texts or flashcards. I read somewhere that the brain gets more oxygen when exercising so reading is memorized more easily and used the eliptical or bike while studying for A&P and got an A.

But my favorite way to stay in shape both physically and mentally is Yoga!

Best of luck to you.

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Specializes in Hospice.

have a greatest loser program in your class... specially during your last semester... or join in weight watcher or curves, if it will work on your schedule.

good luck.

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