In the U.S. this weekend is Labor Day weekend. Many people like to think of it as the end of the Summer and a time to join family members in something fun. As a nursing student or someone preparing for the NCLEX it is hard to find a way to enjoy time off, without feeling guilty. Here are some tips (note we’ll continue with the medication tips next week).
- Understand that taking time off is important. This gives your mind some time to rest. Your brain is a muscle and just like a muscle taking time off allows it to get stronger.
- In our courses we don’t believe in cramming for a test, it can do more harm than good. You should be scheduling at least one day a week when you don’t study but do something that you enjoy. I love playing video games, when I was in nursing school I would use this as a reward. If I studied hard all week, on Sunday afternoons I could play as much as I wanted.
- If you still are feeling guilty – study some flash cards or do your memorization exercises (or read or whatever), in the morning when you get up for an hour or so, and an hour before you go to bed. Then you can enjoy your whole day.
I hope you take at least half a day off this weekend. It can help to remind you why you’re working so hard.
