How to Practice Self-Care During Your LPN Journey

Licensed practical nurses, or LPNs, are no strangers to hard work. From your schooling journey to your career, this rewarding healthcare path will keep your days busy and your plate full. 

As you make your way toward an LPN career, there will be plenty of studying in your weeks; however, self-care is just as important. Investing in healthy physical, mental, and social outlets helps you to prioritize your well-being so you can thrive on your way to becoming an LPN.

Why is Self-Care Important As An LPN Student? 

Self-care during LPN school helps you to maintain your well-being, even during more demanding weeks. Although you might find that your schedule is pretty full, taking just twenty minutes a day for yourself can make a major difference. 

Sometimes, your mind just needs a break from studying. Healthy outlets give you structured time away from studying so you can focus on your health, friendships, fun, and rest, even if you have to do so in small increments. 

These outlets also teach you a lot about balance and time management. You might be motivated to work faster knowing that a break is ahead of you. Best of all, when you’re taking care of yourself, you may find that you come back to your studies feeling recharged and ready to retain more. 

What Are Examples of Physical Outlets?

Healthy physical outlets include walking, running, strength training, Pilates, and more. These activities are a wonderful way to take care of yourself. 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to exercise and self-care. Try to find the activities that make you feel like your best self, such as:

• Walking: From a long power walk to a short mental-health stroll, walking can be easily incorporated into your days.

• Running: Running is a great way to release endorphins, as well as create a sense of achievement. 

• Yoga: You can clear your mind and practice mindfulness while trying different yoga stretches. 

• Pilates: Pilates is fantastic for your brain and your body, helping you build strength in a relaxing way.

• Strength training: Strength training offers numerous mental and physical health benefits and helps you to practice discipline. 

• Stretching: Stretching, while not physically demanding, can help you recover and relax for a moment, whether before or after exercise or as a break from studying.

What Are Examples of Mental Outlets?

Nursing school takes a lot of mental energy, and it can be therapeutic to set aside time for some healthy mental outlets when you can. 

Positive mental outlets might look like: 

• Reading: Escaping into a fiction novel or diving into nonfiction can be a nice change of pace after studying.

• Journaling: Many people find that journaling helps them to express their feelings, record progress in their lives, or articulate their thoughts in a way that makes sense to them. 

• Watching a movie: Movies are a wonderful and enjoyable way to rest your brain as you dive into an alternate reality.

• Practicing a hobby: Whether you try a well-known hobby like cooking or a more niche one like juggling, it can be nice to invest your mental energy into something that feels rewarding to you. 

• Trying creative activities: Activities like painting, drawing, and crafting allow you to rest your brain as you focus on the creative process.

• Listening to music: Some people enjoy listening to music as a mental break, whether at home, on a walk, or even on a drive.

• Meditating: Meditating is a great mental outlet that helps you find your way to a relaxed, calm headspace.

• Completing productive tasks: Some people enjoy accomplishing certain tasks, as it gives them something mindless to do that also promotes a sense of achievement. 

What Are Examples of Social Outlets?

Social outlets look different for everyone, but common examples include spending time with your friends, participating in a club, attending events, and meeting new people. These activities help you to practice self-care and invest in others at the same time.

• Spending time with friends: Sometimes, it’s nice to spend time with the familiar people who know you well and make everything more fun. 

• Meeting new people: Other times, it can be enjoyable to branch out and expand your circles, spending time with new people and possibly making new friends along the way. 

• Attending events: From trivia nights to dances to charitable opportunities, there are endless events you can enjoy in between your studies. 

• Participating in a club: Some people find that clubs are a great way to socialize while practicing a hobby at the same time. 

• Playing a group sport: Sports combine community and exercise, allowing you to burn off some steam while having fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is self-care important for aspiring LPNs?

Self-care is key as an aspiring LPN because it helps you prioritize your mental and physical health even on busier days.

What are the signs of burnout in LPN students?

Common signs of burnout among LPN students include exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, and reduced motivation. 

What are quick ways to practice self-care during LPN school?

Walking, reading, or talking to a friend for 20 minutes per day are examples of ways you can practice self-care during LPN school.

How do you manage stress as an LPN student? 

LPN students can manage stress through mental, physical, and social outlets that encourage balance, rest, and wellness.

LPN Resources from Idaho Healthcare Institute 

At Idaho Healthcare Institute (IHI), we collaborate with the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) to support healthcare students with the resources they need. 

We’re proud to offer a scholarship for students in CEI’s LPN program. It’s our hope to help make your nursing journey a little bit easier so you have more time to focus on your studies and your passions. 

We’d love to contribute to your scholarly path. Contact our team for more information on available resources for aspiring LPNs.