As a nursing student, you instinctively want to care for others. Having the opportunity to go on placement allows you to make your patients feel better and you gain real-life experiences in the field. You go to your classes and learn about evidence-based practice, ensuring you make yourself, your patients, and the Nursing and Midwifery Council proud. You know the best way to do all this …
And yet, you're running on 3 hours of sleep, six energy drinks and a breakfast bar you ate so quickly that you're not sure you swallowed it. Your back and feet hurt, and your brain feels like mush as you try to cope with placement, assignments and family.
Tips for keeping on track
So, take a breath and let's talk about looking after you. Here are some things that I and my fellow students do to keep our mental and physical health on track (somewhat):
Manage your time
I am neurodivergent and time seems to disappear without me realising, so I must manage my time effectively. I have devised a plan involving writing dates and notes in my diary for assignments and my social life. I also have a visual calendar on my wall to see when assignments are due and which days I am on placement, allowing me to plan effectively. I ensure I have time for work and play to try to stop that ADHD burnout. Work out what sort of time management plan works for you and stick to it.
Eat well
Don't get me wrong. There are days I don't want to cook, and all I can think about is a greasy cheeseburger and large chips, followed by enough sugar to make my mother cry. That is okay occasionally, but you feed your mind by feeding your body well. Make sure you take time to cook yourself a good meal. I also meal-prep dinners when I have the chance. Having a meal ready to go gives me time to decompress after a long shift, and is one less thing to worry about.
Look after your body
This means different things to different people. To some, it means getting up and going to the gym to release those good hormones; to others, it means staying in bed for an extra hour on your day off. But make sure you rest in a way that suits you. This is also your reminder to hydrate! Getting fluids into your body is vital and will make you feel better.
Enjoy some luxury
Again, different people see luxury differently. I like to get my hair done or have a back massage, whereas others want to go to the cinema or out with their friends. But some luxury in your life is all important. It reminds you that you are more than just the label of ‘student nurse’.
Talk to people
This is vital; a problem shared is a problem halved. Not everyone will always understand what we see, hear, and do, but you must ensure you speak to someone – a friend, family member, your tutor, or your supervisor or assessor on placement. Please do not keep it in. Look after your mental wellbeing.
Make time for hobbies
Fill your time with something else. Are you a reader or a writer like me? Do you dance, paint, sing, garden, or go to running clubs? Try to keep doing whatever you enjoy because it makes you who you are and gives your brain and body time to relax. And even if it's none of these things, find something that gives you joy and do it!
Look after your mental health
I find that, as the days get darker, my mood also begins to darken. I wake up at the crack of dawn and leave work when it's dark; sunlight doesn't seem to exist. So, I need to do things to lighten my mood and feelings. On days I'm not in placement or huddled behind my computer screen, I ensure I let light into my home; I go outside and see the world. But also, if needed, I speak with my therapist and review the world from a different perspective.
Take care this winter
These are just a few suggestions that my fellow students and I have used during placements or when we seem to be permanently in the library. Daylight doesn't exist as we sit for hours writing, reading, or debating whether we understand anything. At such times, it's best to step away, get a drink and return when your mind is refreshed. We can't be the best nurses if we don't look after ourselves. And if you see a classmate or a workmate struggling, please talk to them, let them know you understand, and try to point them in a direction that will help. But on the flip side, remember you cannot take on everyone's burden.
So, enjoy winter and warm, cosy evenings with your loved ones. Start getting ready for a new year by looking after you (and maybe make your house happy by putting up Christmas decorations and cheering yourself up by going to see Santa!).