↞Balance Before Breakdowns↠

           Balance. Balance is an equal distribution of something. As a nursing student it is very hard, at times seems impossible, to have balance in the material we are juggling. How can anyone manage to find a way to equalize classes, assignments, studying, labs, clinical, work, gym, family, friends, and so much more that our daily lives attend to. Personally, I prevent a lot of the stress that comes with a busy schedule by having a planner. A planner keeps me organized, however, just writing things down is not going to solve 100% of my anxiety toward my workload. Although, nursing students do not allow themselves to participate in the activities we enjoy because it takes away from studying time, it is the key to making the hefty load more bearable. At the end of the day, your choices are balance or breakdown. 

Breakdowns. Breakdowns are a period of intense mental distress. Breakdowns consume a majority of our time as we experience the sleepless nights, clinical rotations, and the anxiousness of taking tests that decide our future in the program. But would you rather use the extra free time you do not realize you have to breakdown and worry, or to feel confident and enjoy the things you are interested in? The meltdowns will not completely disappear as a struggling nursing student, but I would much rather have a meltdown while watching Grey’s Anatomy, instead of on my bedroom floor doubting my future. I always thought I was the only person in nursing school having rough days and doubting my own intelligence. I could fill my planner with more breakdowns than assignments for most weeks. The truth is every nursing student experiences the same stress and doubt as the next. It is very important to recognize you are normal and everyone is in the same boat as you. You are never alone.  

The one thing that I always give into for entrainment and to take a break from my busy life is Grey's Anatomy. My favorite line of dialogue from this series is "It's a beautiful day to save lives." Reflect on this quote and decide what is going to help you save lives, balance or breakdowns? Now step away from the keyboard and make your answer reality.