The Importance of Self Care and Managing College Stress
![](https://www.sumnercollege.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Wellbeing-iStock-1344781289-640x427.jpg)
Self-care has become a mental health buzzword in recent years, and for good reason: Healthcare professionals must learn to put on their own oxygen masks before assisting others. However, self-care is more than pedicures and cupcakes; it’s a deliberate, long-term practice to both help you feel better in the moment and have a better day tomorrow. We’ve curated some guidelines that can help you learn to care for yourself during nursing school and beyond.
- Live a healthy lifestyle.
It’s the key to keeping stress under control and avoiding burnout.
- Sleep: When you’re stressed you might think of rest as optional, however rest and sleep are the most important ways to help your body and mind. Your body is going to find a way to get the rest it needs, either by you prioritizing regular sleep or by your body crashing under the strain of your exhaustion.
- Exercise: Resting your body is important, and moving it is important, too. However, finding time for exercise can be difficult. Can you walk to classes instead of driving? Ride your bike to meet friends instead of taking a rideshare? Lift weights while listening to virtual lectures? These strategies will remain helpful once you’re working in the nursing field.
- Healthy diet: Eating a variety of nutritious foods is crucial to overall health. Treats are fine, but if you notice yourself relying on less nutrient-dense foods, take-out, or even skipping meals, stop and think about how to prepare healthy meals ahead of time. Band together with friends to do a meal swap—have each person make an entree, then divide it among the group so everyone gets a portion of each dish. It’s a great way to share the labor and try some new foods!
- Find activities that ground you.
When you feel like your thoughts are going a thousand miles an hour, it’s important to know which activities help ground you. Brainstorm quick activities you can do daily and bigger undertakings that you might do once a month. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Journaling is a great way to reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Consider which type of journaling feels most helpful, whether it’s using an app on your phone, a small paper journal that you keep with you, or a fancier journal that provides a sense of ritual when you write.
- Many students have heard of mindfulness, yet they mistakenly think that knowing about it yields the same benefits as practicing it. Lots of apps are available to help you start small, such as with a two-minute mindfulness session, and then build from there.
- Physical activity provides a great way to stay connected socially and get some exercise. Intramural sports leagues allow you to meet new people and practice working as a team.
- Take breaks.
Be intentional about carving out time for yourself; mental rest can be as important as physical rest. After a break you’ll be refreshed and ready to take on a new challenge.
- Learn good time-management and organization skills.
This might not seem like self-care, but it absolutely is because of the impact on your stress level and anxiety. While sorting through a backlog of emails will take longer today, after you’ve done it you’ll save yourself time and decrease the risk of losing a message or missing an important deadline. Ask yourself, “What can I do today that will make tomorrow 15% easier for me?” Then do it!
Be good to yourself!
BSN Info Sessions – July
In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend either of these informative hour long presentations to learn more about the program, the requirements…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Meet The RN Advocating For Disabled Candidates
Applying for a new job can be overwhelming and stressful. For candidates with disabilities, the hiring process can be a disheartening experience. According to the CDC,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
NCLEX Study Strategies
Expert Test-Taking Strategies One of the first things you should do when you begin preparing for the NCLEX is to determine your learning style to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College: an excellent choice for those wishing to pursue a career in the health care field
In a message from our College President, Joanna S. Russell, she touches on how one of the strengths Sumner has is student engagement; focussing on…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Specialty Quiz
Unsure of what nursing specialty suits you best? Take this quiz to see what options align with you best! Content shared from J&J Nursing …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Happy 4th of July! Office is closed
Sumner college is celebrating our nation's independence! Our offices will be closed Thursday 7/4 and Friday 7/5.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
BSN Info Sessions – Register for July
We've opened up a few more seats to the BSN Info Sessions in July. In preparation for the September classes, please plan to attend this…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing School Study Tips
Our Career Services Department has a number of great resources for students, including study tips for nursing school. Visit Career Services Study Tips …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
The Pulse | Summer 2024
Sumner College Newsletter | Summer 2024…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Dream It! Do It! @SumnerCollege
Are you dreaming of becoming a Registered Nurse, but worried about the hurdles of prerequisite courses? Look no further! Sumner College offers a unique and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Is nursing your passion?
If you've always dreamed of making a difference in people's lives through compassionate care, then it's time to take the next step! Enrollment is now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Students – June Classes Start Today!
Today is the day that our new BSN, LPN and RN to BSN June 10th students embark on their nursing career. They've dreamed about it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Bachelor of Science Nursing | Start June 10th
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Program at Sumner College is the only program in Oregon and Washington State that does not require students…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Practical Nursing | June 10th Classes Start
The Practical Nursing Program at Sumner College can fast-track you to a new career as an LPN in just 13 months. If you are compassionate…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Remember & Honor
On Memorial Day, we take a moment to remember and honor all who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs Advance your Nursing Career
If advancing your nursing education is part of your plans, you cannot miss this opportunity to meet Lois Hine, Sumner College RN to BSN Program…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
June BSN Info Sessions Now Open
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
How Much Do Oregon’s Registered Nurses Earn? 2023 Oregon Wage Study
According to the survey results, RNs in Oregon earn an average hourly wage of $55.14, equating to an annual salary of $114,694. The Oregon Center…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Caregivers & Trailblazers: Four Nurse Innovators Redefining Healthcare
Johnson & Johnson has proudly championed the nursing profession for over 125 years because we know that for healthcare to work, it takes nurses. This National…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN Self-Care RX
Graphic provided by OCN | Oregon Center for Nursing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Gift Ideas for Nurses
Whether it be a friend, family member, or acquaintance, you probably know a nurse or someone who works in healthcare. You could look at gifts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Best Nursing Shoes for Men and Women
As a nurse, finding the perfect pair of shoes is crucial for long shifts filled with constant movement. But with so many options available, it…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
National Nurse Week
National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6-12 ending on Florence Nightingale's birthday. The American Nurses Association (ANA) first recognized the week in 1990, and in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Psychiatric Nursing
While physical health is undoubtedly important, so is Mental Health. Millions of Americans are affected by mental illness each year. Psychiatric Nurses have the specialized…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Info Sessions – Register
The on-campus Information Session aims to offer valuable insights to individuals considering a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Reserve a Spot…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RNs ready to pursue more?
Are you a Registered Nurse wondering what the next step is in your career? Considered your BSN? Sumner College's RN to BSN program can get…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Influence the Health and Wellbeing of Patients Every Day
As individuals, nurses directly influence the health and wellbeing of patients every day. Through frequent contact, nurses are best placed to encourage lifestyle changes in…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Changes in Nursing
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Trades make a comeback with Gen Z Workers
America’s skilled trades — from nursing and plumbing to welding to construction — need more workers as boomers retire. Gen Z-ers are stepping up to fill…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations, Sumner College Graduates: Embracing New Beginnings
Congratulations to the new Sumner College nursing graduates. As the tassels are flipped and mortarboards soar into the sky, a chapter closes, and another begins.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn