While Nursing school offers excitement, it also brings a significant amount of stress. Long hours of study, clinical practice, and personal responsibilities. All of which contribute to this pressure. Ignoring self care in this vital time leads to stress and burnout.
In this article, we will explore the strategies to manage both. So, let’s get into it!
What Is Meant By Stress And Burnout?
Stress refers to a feeling of pressure or worry. It can stem from a lot of different things like exams, assignments or balancing personal and study life. Taking a little stress is good as it helps you stay focused and motivated. However, taking too much stress is a problem and can lead to burnout.
Burnout is when you feel exhausted both physically and mentally and lose interest completely in whatever you are doing.
Signs Of Stress And Burnout
Before diving into ways of managing stress and burnout, it becomes important to recognize its signs. Some of the common signs of stress and burnout are:
- difficulty in sleeping
- trouble concentrating
- mood swings or irritability
- constant tiredness
- feeling overwhelmed
- loss of interest in school/activities you enjoyed
If you notice these signs in yourself, then it would be time for you to take steps to manage your stress.
Ways Of Managing Stress And Burnout In Nursing School
Here is a list of steps you can follow for managing stress and burnout in a Nursing school:
1. Curate A Study Schedule
A great way of reducing stress is by remaining organized. You need to create a study schedule that includes:
- study blocks
- class times
- breaks and relaxation time
- time for projects and assignments
By having a clear plan you can feel more in control and less overwhelmed. Rather than doing so in the middle of a semester, chart out a schedule right at the beginning of your course. This will be more effective than creating one after your course has already progressed a bit.
2. Take Breaks At Regular Intervals
Studying continuously for longer hours without any breaks leads to burnout. You can use the Pomodoro technique instead. Study for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break.
After four complete cycles, take a longer break of 20-30 minutes. During your breaks, stretch, walk around and do something which you enjoy.
3. Practice Self-Care
Self-care is very important for both your physical and mental health. Make sure that you eat healthy, stay hydrated, get proper sleep and exercise well. Doing these things is going to make you feel practiced and focussed.
4. Have Time Management
Time Management is also very crucial when in Nursing school. You can use To-do lists and calendars. They will help you keep track of the tasks that you need to complete each day. This will make you stay organized and focused.
5. Set Realistic Goals
It is very easy to feel overwhelmed when you set unrealistic goals. You need to break large tasks into smaller and manageable steps. Celebrate all of the small achievements that you get. This will help boost your confidence and keep you motivated all the while.
6. Know When To Seek Help
If you see that stress and burnout are overwhelming, then do not hesitate to seek professional help. There are a lot of schools which offer counseling services for the students. By talking to a mental health professional you can get support and help to develop coping strategies.
7. Stay Positive
A positive mindset makes a whole lot of difference. Rather than just focusing on what is difficult, try to think about what you enjoy about being in a Nursing school. Try to surround yourself with positive influences and try to see challenges as opportunities to learn.
8. Limit Caffeine And Sugar
While sugar and caffeine can give you a quick boost of energy, they can also lead to increased anxiety and crashes. Try and limit your intake of caffeinated drinks and sugary snacks. Rather opt for healthier snacks like fruits, nuts and yogurt.
9. Get Support
You do not have to go through nursing school alone. Rather reach out to your near and dear ones for support. They could be your family, friends, instructors, or even classmates. Having support from these people will make you more motivated to do and perform better in your studies.
10. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Taking time to relax is very important to reduce stress. Consider trying meditation, yoga and deep breathing exercises. These will help you calm down and reduce your stress levels.
11. Get Exercising
Exercising can be a great way for you to get help with stress levels. They also work on improving your mental and physical health in a lot of different ways. For instance, regular physical activity can help you become more resilient to stressors.
In Conclusion,
Managing stress and preventing burnout in Nursing school is very important for overall well-being. By implementing the methods discussed in the article above, you can create a healthier balance between your studies and personal life.
In our Nursing school, stress and burnout don’t stand a chance! At Clara Barton School of Nursing, we create an environment that prioritizes your success and well-being. Our comprehensive support systems, vibrant community and engaging learning experiences ensure that you thrive both academically and personally.
Embrace this transformative journey with us and unlock your potential as a resilient and confident nurse!