Burnt out on studying - how to recharge?

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Mar 20, 2014

I tend to get the "mid-semester blahs", especially in the winter. I find if I just take some time out to do something to pamper myself, it really re-charges my batteries. Try scheduling a few hours to take a long, relaxing bath, with the bath oils, candles, etc. and just enjoy it as long as you can. Or go get a massage. Or a facial. Or something you wouldn't typically have time to do often. It can make a big difference!

If you can devote more than 2 hours, try reading a book that isn't a nursing text or nursing related. It's a nice change of pace for your brain.

And, finally....my best way of getting rid of the "I don't wanna study" blahs: go to a comedy club or watch a very funny stand-up comic. Laughter *really* has a way of relieving stress and making you feel better. I highly recommend "Daditude" by Craig Shoemaker or any stand-up video by Brian Regan. Absolutely hilarious and if you've never seen them before, you'll be happy you did.

Hope this helps!

Everline · Mar 20, 2014

I am half way through the third semester of a five semester program. The first half of the semester was way over the top as far as the workload. I made it through that rotation somehow and then we had no break before the next one began. I was and am burned out. Spring break was no break. I sat for hours reading the upcoming chapters and making notes to study from. To say I don't feel like studying anymore would be an understatement. I am so over nursing school right now. And the only way I study anymore is to force myself. That's right. I just force myself to sit and do it. It used to be that I could take some time off and do something enjoyable and feel revitalized. Not anymore. That just makes me want to take more time off. So each day I set a goal for myself on how much reading/studying I will do and I work hard to accomplish it. It's not easy, but if I wait to "feel like it" or wait for some motivation, I will not get anything done. There is no groove to be had at this point. It's do or die.

dt70 · Mar 21, 2014

Go to Vegas and ride the X Scream 50 times!

Leave credit cards at home.

Baubo516, RN · Mar 21, 2014

Everline - I definitely feel you! You are right, I cannot just sit around and wait until I "feel" like studying. It is not gonna' happen. I am forcing myself to sit at a desk with my book and read... it just goes a lot slower when I don't want to do it! I got a C+ on a test recently and did not enjoy that feeling, so I guess if my grades slip enough that will add some fuel to my fire. Until then, I will just keep making myself do it. I think I need to hide my laptop while trying to read because the internet is a great homework avoidance tactic.

dt70 - LOL! I actually went to Vegas in July 2013, and while I did NOT ride the X Scream, I DID have a lot of fun. Probably can't afford to go again until I am done with school... but maybe I should look back at my pics and reminisce! One of my favorite things was going to Machine Guns Vegas and getting to shoot an Uzi, a Ruger and a Glock handgun. I felt like a badass action hero babe! Lots of fun!

Baubo516, RN · Mar 21, 2014

SopranoKris - thanks for the great suggestions! I have not taken a relaxing bath in a while... sadly I usually only think of that when I have killer cramps! LOL! Maybe I am overdue. I will also check out your suggestion about comedy. When I watch a TV show or movie, I often opt for cop or crime dramas, action, sci fi or supernatural thrillers.... they are more engaging for me, but maybe I need to try to laugh more! Thanks for the ideas!

(I guess I DID watch "Frozen" recently... I cried more than I laughed, but it was good!)

Stacilator · Mar 21, 2014

I agree with all of the above-plus, when I'm burnt out (I'm a second semester student just off of spring break-I had a HARD time getting back in the groove) I break down my study sections from chapters, to subsections. For some reason, it gives me a sense of accomplishment (much sooner then finishing the chapter would) which helps me feel better about studying. I think of it like paying off bills; start with the smallest, and seeing each small accomplishment keeps up the momentum and helps you tackle the big stuff. Worked for me :) Good luck!

Summer Days · Mar 21, 2014

I agree with all of the above-plus, when I'm burnt out (I'm a second semester student just off of spring break-I had a HARD time getting back in the groove) I break down my study sections from chapters, to subsections. For some reason, it gives me a sense of accomplishment (much sooner then finishing the chapter would) which helps me feel better about studying. I think of it like paying off bills; start with the smallest, and seeing each small accomplishment keeps up the momentum and helps you tackle the big stuff. Worked for me :) Good luck!

I was going to say exactly what this poster said. Breakdown your studying assignments into small tasks. This will help you focus on accomplishing the task at hand rather than looking at the whole picture. Then begin studying a topic that is of most interest to you as a bait to get your back into the study mode.

intothecosmos · Mar 21, 2014

Definitely, as someone said, making a bad grade on a test will light a fire beneath you. :)

A. Boogie, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2014

I'm with you Everline. I'm 5 months out from graduation and I just want it all to go away... Everytime I open a book or look at an assignment I want to :banghead: ... I'm sooooo tired.. But we have to keep pushing.. There is an end to the madness....

Jaykalkyn, BSN, RN · Mar 22, 2014

I really like the suggestion by Stacilator. I will have to try that going forward. I'm a level 1 nursing student on the last day of my spring break. And while I did "break" some, I continued to do some nursing related studying the entire time. I have two exams waiting for me on next Wednesday so I had no choice but to do my study guides and practice questions the entire time. I know its early on in my nursing school career (only half a semester down with 3 and a half to go) but the pace is so intense its hard to not burn out quickly.

SapranoKris, your situation is a lot like mine, only I have a husband and two young kids at home, who were with me the entire spring break as their school was out at the same time. I started nursing school all gung-ho but quickly realized that my pace was not sustainable. I finally had to let some things go, stop reading every word of every chapter and take my behind to bed no later than 12:30 every night. Having accepted that I cannot do all and know all, I feel much better with he pace that I have set for myself and hope that it keeps me from feeling the same way you do when I get to the same level you are at. Good luck and I hope you get some more awesome advice that I can look back on in the future.

Baubo516, RN · Mar 27, 2014

Right now I am too behind on work to do too much "extended" relaxing, but I have recently tried another tactic - choosing a new location in which to study. I usually sit at a desk in our guest room - my designated "study room" - to do homework or read. I can't sit on the couch in the living room - I will fall asleep. I have discovered that I CAN, however, sit on my bed and read or do homework! I am not sure why this does not cause me to fall asleep... probably because sitting up in bed is not quite as comfortable as sitting on the couch. I have to switch positions every once in a while, but for some reason studying seems a little bit more like "fun" when I do it in bed, in comfy clothes. Maybe it makes me feel like a teenager again? I can only do this when it is NOT time for my hubby to be in bed....

I know some folks say the bed should only be for resting and lovin', and we usually keep it that way, but for now this is helping me do the homework I really want to avoid!