Prioritizing Your Health Throughout Your RN Program
RN’s, or registered nurses, are a fundamental part of the healthcare system. Due to their wide range of responsibilities and extensive expertise, RNs must complete a program to prepare for the realities of being a nurse and the situations they may face on the job.
RN programs demand a great deal of time and dedication, and it is important to take care of your health throughout so you can be the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally. There are several steps you can take to make sure you are taking care of yourself throughout the course of your RN program.
Stick to a Sleep Schedule
Getting enough sleep is one of the most crucial parts of maintaining your well-being, and it affects both your mental and physical health.
Getting enough sleep can repair and heal your blood vessels and heart, support hormone balance, help your body fight off sickness, and decrease your risk of health problems. Adults who are able to regularly sleep for 7-8 hours every night face a lower risk for high blood pressure and obesity.
In terms of your mental health, sleep is what allows your brain to function normally. When you fall asleep, your brain forms new pathways that allow you to learn and remember new information when you wake up the next day. Sleeping well can lead to improvement in problem-solving skills and learning, and it helps with creativity, attention span, and decision-making.
Studies prove that sleep deficiency changes the activity in certain parts of your brain, often leading to problems with decision making, problem-solving, controlling emotions or behavior, and having the ability to deal with change. It is also connected to mental health issues such as depression.
Establishing consistency in your routine can help you stick to a set sleep schedule even on busier weeks. By waking up and going to sleep at consistent times and making sure to get a proper amount of sleep whenever possible, you can help yourself with studying, focus, mood, and energy levels.
Meal Prep
Staying on top of nutrition is another important part of maintaining your health. Because RN programs can bring about busy schedules, it can be challenging to find the time to cook meals every day. The urge to buy food out or grab easy snacks can be strong, but learning how to set aside time to meal prep before each week will set you up for success.
Find a day where you have some free time and make that your set meal prepping time. For example, you could decide that at 7:00 p.m. every Sunday, you are going to cook or prepare meals that you can grab on the go. In just an hour, you can cook and pack meals for the whole week, saving yourself time and money later.
Further, choosing whole foods is a great way to help yourself feel your best mentally and physically. Try to prioritize high-protein options, fruits and vegetables, and nutrient-dense foods that make you feel your best so you can properly fuel yourself through the week.
Exercise
Exercise is another key part of your health. Moving your body is a great way to clear your head, get out energy or frustration in a healthy way, build strength and endurance, and practice self-discipline.
Exercise can and should be enjoyable. What works best for others might not be what works best for you, so try to find outlets that you enjoy. Walking, lifting weights, biking, running, or playing sports are just a few of the ways you can move your body.
With a busy schedule, it is important to give yourself grace and do what you can when you can. Some weeks, you may not have as much time to move your body. During these times, the little things can go a long way.
For example, you could simply take a 20-minute walk as a break from studying, giving your mind a rest and getting in some good movement. While every day and week will look different with exercise, the most important part is learning how to be consistent.
Practice Self-Care
Slowing down and doing things for yourself when you can is more crucial than ever when you have a demanding schedule. Establishing a self-care routine, having downtime, and practicing calming techniques are great ways to take care of yourself.
Whether you like to read, invest in a personal hobby, practice mindfulness, or relax by watching a movie, rest is just as important as productivity. As you settle into a routine, you can make time to do the things that make you happy and find balance in your weeks.
Build a Support System
Having a solid support system is another important part of putting your mental well-being first. It is necessary to have people around you who can offer support and perspective as you work your way through the program.
Talking things through things with your nursing peers, friends, and family can help you during busy or stressful times. They can remind you that you are not alone, reduce your stress levels, and encourage you when you face challenges.
RN Program Support
Support is everything for aspiring RNS, and Idaho Healthcare Institute is here to help wherever we can. We partner with the College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) to support people on the road to becoming RNS, offering scholarship opportunities and other resources to students pursuing a CEI nursing program.
Our LPN to RN Bridge Program scholarship offers financial assistance to current Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) who want to take the next step and become an RN through CEI.
Idaho Healthcare Institute Support
Taking care of yourself and using available resources is important when navigating your RN program, and we will be here to support you through each step.
Reach out today for more information on how we can help you through your RN journey.