3 ways I manage stress as a UC nursing student

I exercise regularly.

One major way I have learned to change my habits is by going to the gym. In high school, I ran cross country and track, but I had really bad anxiety during races. I still love running, but I found that I really love lifting. By going to the gym, I have started a healthy outlet for my stress and emotions. It also is really validating to see my progress and moving up in weight. Through going to the gym, I have also found another way to connect with my roommates because they enjoy going, too.

I care for myself so I can care for others.

Of course, the gym is not for everyone and that's okay! What I'm hoping you will take away from this is to put yourself first. If you cannot take care of yourself, how can you take care of others? That is something I constantly say to myself when I notice I have been piling too much on my plate.

Self-care is something I think that many nurses struggle with. They constantly try to do right by others and sometimes give so much of themselves that there’s nothing left for themselves. I also think self-care is important in discovering who you are. Life is a learning process. It’s okay to not have everything figured out and not know what you’re passionate about. The biggest takeaway I want whoever is reading this to have is that life is not all about school. Make it a priority to be happy and find what fuels you.