How do you find the time to work out while in nursing school? Help i gained 10lbs!

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There is so much to do while in nursing school, wen you are not in class, you are studying or practicing skills which is very time consuming, and then you go home and go over the steps, and practice some more lol..not to mention you need to shower, eat, feed the dog, throw out trash, sleep lol..you get the point..I feel like nursing school is exhausting, especially on days that you have to be a clinical at 7am and you need to be up by 5am..when do you exercise, and how do you have the energy to do so? oo yeah and when you are not studying, you want some time to relax..who wants to exercise? i have gained 10lbs since i started nursing school and i just finished my first semester..part of it , its my fault because i chose to eat certain foods, because i like to eat..normally i would just exercise and burn off those calories, but now i feel like i have no time or energy to do that! but i also blame it on stress..wen im stressed i eat more, also for some reason studying makes me more hungry! lol i guess i have to start watching what i eat, and eat healthier..its not like im overweight or anything, i look fine like this, but im not very happy with the way i look .but i dont want to gain any more weight! any advice?

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Specializes in ICU.

I found that recording my flashcard Q&A and putting on my iPod was very motivating for me to work out. I could go for a run and "do my flashcards" while burning away calories and stress! I know how frustrating it can be to gain extra weight due to stress eating and a total lack of time...good luck!

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Specializes in CICU.

Personally, I get in more trouble from eating poorly as opposed to lack of exercise. I was able to control my eating during the semester, and so did not gain weight. I am not saying I ate like a health-nut, but did try to watch the calories =)

I don't have any idea how someone would find time/energy to exercise during school! I need to work on that, because aside from weight control I know it is great as a stress reliever.

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Specializes in Taking one day at a time....

I felt like throughout the semester, I would be way more hungry everyday. My anxiety and stress fueled my appetite, for sure... But its strange, because I ended up losing weight even though I was eating more!

The only exercise I did was yoga, frequently but not everyday... I did it more to just "relax" and relieve stress.

I think the best thing you can do is just watch what you eat. Make sure to always bring healthy snacks with you, like granola bars... whether you are going to clinical or class or whatever. I found that really helped me so Im not grabbing for poptarts in the vending machine!

I know you're not happy with your extra ten pounds, but I'm sure you look fine. Dont worry, when you're a nurse... you'll be running around like a nut everyday. And it should come right off. :chuckle:redpinkhe

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Ughhh this is so my struggle too!!! On top of work, school, house, husband I also have a 3 y/o and a 1 y/o. I've gained 7 lbs this past semester. I eat tons when I'm stressed and like to snack while studying! I'm hoping to get a gym membership right after xmas. It will be good to have that stress outlet!! I plan on making flashcards and note sheets so I can multi-task!! I'm also hoping to prepare better at night to have my lunch packed for the next day so that I'm not running for fast food in between classes and I'm going to try to ONLY keep healthy snacks in my home!! Good luck to you!!

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Specializes in Clinicals.

If you record your lectures you could listen to them while you work out.

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If working out was a priority before school, then you will make the time to do it. I wake up at 4:30 AM & workout. I record my lectures on my MP3 & listen to them. Also, I have a bike & stair stepper at home that I use when I read. Most important, get organized so you can pack lunches, snacks & plan for dinners.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

Oh boy, I have gained a lot since I started nursing college. I am at the moment trying to get a treadmil to help me to control my weight. The weight has caused me to feel very depressed. My clothe no longer fit well :cry:

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Specializes in NICU Level III.

i gained 10 lbs once i was licensed!

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Okay here are a few suggestion I have for you that have worked for me. I found it was very helpful to prepare healthy meals in advance, and eat throughout the day. I would practically starve myself all day and then get home and eat whatever was lying around. I feel that this helps with cravings too. If I wanted to eat something bad on the way home from school (I always pass a KFC and their biscuits are so tempting), I would say to myself, "No, don't eat the you have chicken and mushrooms waiting for you at home. My goal wasn't even to lose weight by doing this but when I first started it I did end up losing a few pounds because I was eating healthy, home cooked meals, as opposed to the fatty preservative meals (that sometimes taste so good haha).

The other thing I did was play my school schedule around times I know I will work out. I have one really long day of clinicals which is the day I don't work out because after clinical I go straight to work so I don't have time. On the other days I try to go to the gym in the morning and then go straight to school from there, and work afterwards. It can be tough to push yourself in the morning to get up and hit the gym, but I find once I'm there I'm really glad I went and I feel much better. Someone mentioned flashcards I'm going to have to start bringing mine when I'm on the elliptical or something that's a great idea! Hope this helps you! Hugs

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Specializes in LTC.
I found that recording my flashcard Q&A and putting on my iPod was very motivating for me to work out. I could go for a run and "do my flashcards" while burning away calories and stress! I know how frustrating it can be to gain extra weight due to stress eating and a total lack of time...good luck!

thank you for that suggestion because i also have put on 10lbs while i was in the first semester of nursing school. i will be sure to try this during my second semester!

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I had a hard time finding time as well. When I didn't have much going on I did the listen to the lecture on the treadmill thing. but the best thing that I could do for myself was just watching what I eat. I keep healthy snacks with me at all times. There in my bag, in my truck, in my purse. Some think its excessive but for me its eaiser than stopping at the bookstore and getitng some chips, or burgers. Weightwatchers is also another good idea. I started almost a year ago, and I have lost(and kept off) 37 lbs. I wasn't extremly over weight but I had gained in the couple of years since I had stopped working for school. They have an online version with a free one week trial right now.The reg price isn't too bad (cheeper than most gyms)( but I reccomend going to the meetings). (Just an idea) Its super easy and they recomend working out but for me I did it all without working out. And you eat whatever you want.....they have points for mcdonalds,candy bars, ice cream, everything. I think its a super easy way to loose thoes extra lbs and because you eat normal food its confidential.

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