Suggestions For Energy

Mami.RN, MSN, RN · Feb 20, 2015

I would definitely get more sleep. I could never study till that night every night. After 10, my brain does not function. Lol

mirandaaa · Feb 20, 2015

MamiLuv, I wish I could!

My Anatomy and Physiology II, English Composition, and Communications classes are all online so it requires a lot of work and reading plus my Math class/homework every week. I also can't study or do homework on Sunday or Monday because I have other things I'm required to do, and Saturday is the day I study for the TEAS V and Tuesday I have Math from 6p-9:45. So Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights are the only nights I have to get all my homework done so my evenings have to be a little longer :/

krrbrr, ADN · Feb 20, 2015

I do all of the ideas you mentioned above and anything else I can think of to help with my energy!

For me personally I try to 1. sleep more 2. eat healthier 3. drink water 4. EXERCISE (even if I'm really tired, just do it!) 5. peppermint tea 6. NO caffeine after 1pm (otherwise I'm up all night!)

There are tons of ideas for increasing energy all over the internet, but finding what works best for YOU is what matters! Experiment around and keep trying things until you find what works. You sound really busy, but just think of the end reward from all your hard work!

studentbear, CNA · Feb 21, 2015

I totally hear you on this one, I work full time and am taking two classes (but am on a quarter, not semester, system-- maybe our course load is the same then?) I get up around 4:30-5am and then try to be in bed by 10pm. I struggle with iron levels myself, so I take Garden of Life's Raw Iron supplement. I find this is the only supplement that truly helps my iron-related energy levels, or else I get that energy-knocked-out-of-me feeling. Maybe you need to find a supplement that works better with your body?

What types of food are you eating? Are you getting enough protein/carbs/fat/veggies/etc? Are you drinking enough water, especially to compensate for any caffeinated beverages? I try and drink 1-2 litres of water per day, as I drink at least 32oz (I know!) of coffee per day. As far as sleep, I've accepted the fact that with working so much and taking multiple classes, I won't get adequate rest on a regular basis during the week. I get 7hrs at most or as little as 5hrs, but I try to make sure I get at least 7 on the weekends. Ultimately, you've just gotta find your groove.

mirandaaa · Feb 21, 2015

What types of food are you eating? Are you getting enough protein/carbs/fat/veggies/etc? Are you drinking enough water, especially to compensate for any caffeinated beverages? I try and drink 1-2 litres of water per day, as I drink at least 32oz (I know!) of coffee per day.

Emyaj, I eat pretty healthy! I have a pretty healthy lifestyle considering I work in an office. I eat a good breakfast of oatmeal and granola (eggs if I have enough time), lunch usually consists of a salad or some sort of chicken dish, and dinner varies depending on what's in my kitchen to make (and sometimes I get lazy and call Jimmy Johns ). Throughout the day I have small snacks such as fruits/veggies, nuts, or some hummus. I hit the gym from 1-1.5 hours a day after work. I drink no less than 2 liters of water per day and I rarely drink anything but water aside from a glass of OJ to take my medications with and sometimes a cup of coffee in the evening to give me a boost if I really need it (And OMG 32 OZ OF COFFEE!?).

I will definitely look into the Garden of Life iron supplement because the one I have now has been helping with my iron levels, but hasn't seemed to improve my exhaustion much. Thank you for that suggestion!

HTCC · Feb 21, 2015

I know how you feel, and I'm only taking 2 classes on top of my full time job. I require quite a bit more sleep than you, so I'm usually getting 9 hours but I'm pretty much always still tired. For me, I think it's thyroid related. I try to eat really well and take a multivitamin. I can't do caffeine. I wish there was a magic answer.

mirandaaa · Feb 21, 2015

I know how you feel, and I'm only taking 2 classes on top of my full time job. I require quite a bit more sleep than you, so I'm usually getting 9 hours but I'm pretty much always still tired. For me, I think it's thyroid related. I try to eat really well and take a multivitamin. I can't do caffeine. I wish there was a magic answer.

Oh I would KILL for 9 hours of sleep a night. Saturday's and Sunday's are my saving-grace because those are the two days I can sleep in (and I definitely do). As far as your thyroid goes, have you seen a doctor? I thought I had hyperthyroidism at first because I had a lot of the symptoms. But when I went to the doctor and had the blood tests, it showed that I am just super anemic.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Feb 22, 2015

I hear you with the energy thing. Balancing school, work, and family can be a real challenge where you feel chronically exhausted and feel like you are hitting a concrete wall when it comes to remembering some of the information. One thing that has helped with remembering the information (and thus reducing number of hours needed for studying) was taking a break at least each hour or between looking at one class and then the next. It doesn't have to be a long break, it could be just 10-15 minutes, but this time will allow you to clear your head for just a few before digging in for another hour. Studies have shown that the information most remembered is that presented the first or last 15 minutes in a study session. Taking the breaks will make your study sessions more successful.

I personally find the prerequisites more time consuming than the actual core coursework, this may just be me though. I completed all the co requisites before beginning the nursing courses so that I would have one less thing to focus on during nursing school.

Stay away from energy drinks! I learned this the hard way. Nothing worse than feeling tired AND anxious because you drugged yourself before going in to take a test!

Continue the exercise program. It's a great stress reducer and, ironically, seems to provide more energy.

And, as you already know, stay hydrated and eat healthy. Good luck!

AnchoredRN · Feb 23, 2015

Get more sleep!!! I drink Shakeology (by beachbody) and it's amazing! It's 100% all natural and gives me the nutrients that I'm missing throughout the day and really helps with my R every, without caffeine! And I used to drink 6-10 cups of coffee a day

mirandaaa · Feb 23, 2015

It doesn't have to be a long break, it could be just 10-15 minutes, but this time will allow you to clear your head for just a few before digging in for another hour. Studies have shown that the information most remembered is that presented the first or last 15 minutes in a study session. Taking the breaks will make your study sessions more successful.

Huh, that's one I haven't heard before but I'm definitely willing to give it a try! That may not help with being tired but it will help me retain more, which would definitely be helpful.

I'm not a huge fan of energy drinks anyways just because it gives me the shakes and makes me anxious :no:

But thank you for your help! I'll try this out tonight when I get started on my homework.

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Feb 23, 2015

Huh, that's one I haven't heard before but I'm definitely willing to give it a try! That may not help with being tired but it will help me retain more, which would definitely be helpful.
But thank you for your help! I'll try this out tonight when I get started on my homework.

It's something an instructor told my class years ago so I tried it and it helped me. By retaining more each time studying it allowed for that time to be used for something else (like a little more sleep to help with feeling so tired). Also, by remembering the information it decreased the overall stress, which reduced the fatigue.