Feeling less stressed things may be looking up for me

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

so i have to admit that last week was one of my most stressful weeks ever ! recently i've been suffering mentally, physicially, and emotionally, from the stress of working full-time while in nursing school. i found myself depressed, suffering from isomnia, anxiety, and mood changes. this is not me. usually i'm bubbly, and happy all the time and don't like to complain about " stress" nor let others know that i'm stressed.

but i could no longer ignore those feelings. so what did i do ? i prayed, i talked with my family and friends, and i've decided to cut back on work hours. i've also found ways to study smarter, and set up lists to help me stay on track. so far i feel much better. starting next week, i'll be working 28 hours a week instead of 35 hours a week. i'll have one full day off for me to study, work on papers, careplans, run errands( that i normally can't run), and just relax.

so far i'm feeling pretty good about my stress free plan. :zzzzz:wink2:

to all of you stressed students: know that your well being is crucial especially when taking care of others. if you can't take care of yourself you won't be able to care for others. so stop, take a deep breath, and evaluate how you can make your life or circumstances less stressful. for me is taking one day a week off from work but what about you ? how will you cope ? thanks for letting me share.

[BMXMom]

Your plan sounds great. I agree with you that we have to take care of ourselves. I take one day a week and I do no school work at all. So far it has worked great and I enjoy spending that day with my family and friends. Good luck on your stress free plan.

[sh1901]

Good for you!! I'm glad that you found a way to work things in your life to make the stress level less!

I've been making sure that I take 1 weekend day and don't even crack open a book. I spend time with my step-kids, clean up in the house, run errands, do laundry, etc. It's been a great way to make sure that I still feel "connected" to my "normal" life. I've also set up my school schedule so that I have summers off while in NS. This is very comforting because I know that I can still enjoy vacation with my family!

Keep up the good work!!!

[boe000]

How many hours are you working a week? I'm thinking about working 35ish hours a week while in school, but I think it'll be too hard

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

I am glad things are looking up for you, that is awesome, we have to remember to take care of us, we can't be good nurses, students, kids, parents, brothers, sisters and so on unless we are secure in ourselves and mentally healthy and physically healthy. To many times we tend to take care of everyone else and forget about ourselves.