I decided to sign up for the gym. It wasn't for a new years resolution to loose weight; instead, it was for a source of stress relief for me. Sure, if I loose weight it would be great, but I wanted to know if anyone else has signed up for the gym as a source of stress releif from nursing school? I was told during orientation that we have to learn to take care of ourselves so we don't burn out or get over stressed and I figured that exercising would be a great outlet.
I think working out while in nursing school is a great idea. I loved it. When Im in the treadmill I read my notes about whatever we are studying and it helps me a lot. Also, I do some weightlifting and it feels good when I eat "green leafy vegetables" ( That answer on exams in every semester never fails)!
It is important that we do some kind of stress relief activity which is beneficial for us that we are studying a lot of material that we will be teaching to our soon to be patient in a near future.
I started my work out regimen and eating right last week. I lost 3 lbs so far and still have a long way to go ! Since nursing school, I've gained about 15 pounds on top of the 10 lbs I gained from having a desk job. I'm not focused on getting skinny, but I'm focused on my health. After learning how obesity can really affect your health, I was determined to work out and eat better. I feel alot better. I hate diets, so I don't diet. I just use common sense ! You know, eat an apple instead of a candy bar. I plan to keep losing weight, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I more stress free. I also read while on the elliptical or I'll listen to my recorder instead of music.
I am a former bodybuilder/powerlifter of over 20 years. I competed in both and felt good. The last semester, which was my first semester of the nursing program, I didn't work out at all. My Mistake.
I gained about 15lbs and lost about 25lbs of muscle. Not to mention that my stress level was very enhanced due to not training. Over the winter break I got back into the gym and feel myself again. I forgot why I did it, to relieve stress...not induce it.
Just glad I am back. If any of you need help in your training, feel free to PM me. I have done free lance work and training articles here and there for a long time. I am always willing to help and have been a trainer for 15 years or so.
I enjoy working out to relieve stress...my issue has been that between my work schedule and my class schedule, I'm on the treadmill either late at night or way early in the morning. I used to take a kickboxing class, but with my schedule now, I just can't make it there.
I got a Wii fit for Christmas too and let me tell you...it's far from just a game. My boyfriend has been using it too in addition to the running and lifting that he does.
My school has a great gym and I am so excited to go back there. I started using it during my prereqs and my goal is to use it every day I attend class. I don't ever study while I exercise. I tried listening to books on tape, but I realized that I am much happier if I focus on the workout instead of trying to multi-task.
I joined a gym the summer after my second semester and have tried to stick with exercising ever since. First semester (fall 2007) I was eating bad stuff all the time because of stress but now I'm doing much better. I've lost 13 pounds and plan on keeping it off and living healthy. Exercising is a great stress reliever and you can study too by taking notes, note cards, etc. I went to the gym earlier today and will probably go back tonight for a little extra; schools just starting and I'm a little nervous/yet excited about precepting.
That's so funny, I just did the very same thing for the very same reason. I started this past Monday. I am doing good in school, but I need a little "me" time. I am married with two kids, 6 and 4, and a full time nursing student, so yeah, I need some "relief". LOL Anyway, it's nice to have that time, hope it helps us both!!!
I make myself take a PE class each semester no matter what. I just feel better and can focus better if I exercise regularly. And if I'm taking a PE Class I have to do it so there's no skipping just because I had a long crappy day in classes and want to take a nap. I am also prone to stress eating and exercising helps me cut down on that and keeps me from gaining too much weight when I DO stress eat. I also go to the gym when I have a lot of down time between classes because it beats sitting around and waiting for an hour or so for class to start. :wink2:
If it wasnt for my gym membership, I don't know how I would have made it through nursing school.
I would take my powerpoints and study guides to the gym and do 45 minutes on the trendmill with a 2.5 incline and walk and study at the same time. Then I would hit the weights for 45 minutes.
I plan on doing the same thing when it comes time to study for boards. Working out has saved my sanity and lowered my stress level regarding school.
i love exercising! i like to keep it interesting. currently i hit the gym after school and then do ballroom dancing on the weekends! plus my baby girl is involved with "gymboree" which involves the parents :) lots of fun!
If you join the student nurses association at my school, you get a discount on the membership at one of our local gyms. I think that's cool, but can't afford ANY membership at this time. And they've just warned us all at "boot camp" about how swamped we're going to be for the next 6-8 weeks! How do they think we would even manage to go? LOL!
Oh well...I work out better at home, anyway. :chuckle
DLS_PMHNP, MSN, RN, NP
1,301 Posts
I am graduating soon, but I've always made enough time each semester to work out.
I do cardio 3x per week (running, elliptical), weight lift 2x per week, and practice martial arts.
Someone asked me once "How do you have time to work out?"
I replied back "How can you NOT find the time to work out?"
I'm a believer. It's helped me lose weight and keep it off, increase my mental awareness, improve
my stamina and energy, etc.
Rock on!