So, as a nursing student, I'm also challenged with balancing marriage, school, and self-care. Half of my week alone are appointments and the other half is divided into managing my school priorities and marriage. The question each semester is always: how do I fit in self care with my busy schedule? However, with a little reframing, the question becomes: When do I fit in my school work after my self care is done first?
Prioritising your self care and school, is an important mindset that needs to be adopted. When you focus on optimizing your self care, you're also sayign to yourself "I'm important and its smart for me to take care of me so I can regroup, refocus on what's important to me, and restore myself daily."
Here is a great video that explains the "whys" of why to self care and a little more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0iVTQS8ftg
Drumroll, this is the part we've been awaiting:
- Soak your aching muscles in a bath for 30 mins or more.
- Sing in the shower, it has a great natural amplifier.
- Do your favorite hobby with a friend if possible in person or via zoom. ie; I sing to regulars on the weekend because Im good at it and everyone enjoys it including me!
- Walk in between classes or take the stairs in between classes instead of the elevator. Walk to complete errands if they are a reasonable distance and can be done in a short period of time if you want a short break.
- Walk in place for 5 mins. Youtube videos have walk in place exercises for 5 minutes.
- Swim at the local YMCA or your school's pool.
- Join a gym for free and workout for 20 mins. Gradually, you can increase it. See below for how to join a gym for free.
- Yoga in the morning for 3 minutes, then gradually increase it.
- Make yourself breakfast in the morning, especially before a test.
- Take your clothes out the night before.
- Watch your favorite TV show or play a game with your roommate/spouse/partner to unwind before bed.
Recommendations:
-Find the activities you enjoy doing the most and try to do them daily.
-To join a gym for free, call your insurance and ask if they have the "silver sneakers" program. It will cover a basic membership plan at eligible gyms in your area.
