Health, Wellness, and Stress

Contrary to what you may think, or how you may feel, stress can be a good thing! It is when we have too much stress that we should worry.

Stress should not be seen as something to “get rid of” or “do away with.” Stress should be appropriately managed like many other things in our lives—moderation is key. 


Ultimately, during hard times, the degree to which you are successful in managing your stress will dictate how healthy you feel. In order to effectively manage your stress as a busy NYU student you must first be mindful of your health and wellness.

Here are some things to remember while managing stress: 

1. Remember that wellness is multifaceted. You should continually be mindful that your health is comprised of your physical, mental, and spiritual well being.  During stressful times it is easy to forget one or more of these components. 

2. Remember your diet! Often times we are not aware of the impact food has on our ability to carry out daily tasks with success. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient rich foods is essential to physical health.  Eating well helps you to maintain consistent energy levels, which is helpful when you feel like you have many things to do. 
3. Remember your “Me” time. Whether you meditate, do yoga, practice tai chi, or any variation of the above, you have to remember to take time to center yourself. Exercise can be useful for refreshing the body as well as the spirit.
4. Remember to breathe! Seems simple, right? Proper breathing is essential to

relaxation and wellness, especially when you are stressed out.  Take a  deep breath, exhale, and relax. 

And don't forget to ask for help if you need it! Utilize your network, your peer group, and your resources. For further information regarding health and wellness or to speak with a professional contact The NYU Wellness Exchange. 

-The NYUCN Advising Team

Tackle Test Anxiety With These Tips!

It's exam time again! So we're sharing some tips for tackling text anxiety. The key is to be prepared.

Here are a few tips that can help to alleviate some of the "butterflies" before an exam.



Use the acronym P-R-E-P-A-R-E!

P - Positive self-talk: In the moments before an exam, it is important to reassure yourself and to focus on positive thoughts. Here are some examples to help you get started: "I am prepared to the best of my ability" or "I am ready for this exam" or "I am capable of doing well."

R - Relax: Relax your body and clear your mind by breathing in deeply over several seconds and then slowly releasing your breath. Repeat this technique at least three times.

E - Exam day: Before exam day picture the physical space of the exam room in your head. Create an image of yourself at a desk, methodically going through the exam. 

P - Plan ahead: Before you enter the classroom, organize yourself by turning off your cell phone, putting away notes, and bring anything you need for the exam (e.g. #2 pencil).

A - Arrive early: Give yourself extra travel time on the day of exam. Anticipate traffic or delays on the subway.

R - Remember to focus: If your mind goes blank on a question and you feel a sense of panic coming over you, take a deep breath, focus, employ positive self-talk for a moment and then refocus your attention back to the exam.

E - Evaluate: In instances where your time may be limited, evaluate the questions and answer what you are confident in first, and then spend any remaining time on re-examining the more challenging questions. 

If you feel as though test anxiety is affecting your academic performance, contact your academic advisor. We are here to help and support you!

Lastly, whatever your level of anxiety, take advantage of the counseling services and stress-relief workshops offered by NYU's Student Health & Wellness Center.

Good luck!
The NYUCN Advising Team

Best Blogs for Nursing Students

In today's modern world utilizing the internet, various forms of social media, and technology are commonplace in almost every industry and facet of life. Coupled with this, blogging has become a great source of information sharing from one person to a larger audience. 

So why should this be any different for nurses and nursing students?  Nursing focused social media platforms and nursing blogs are a great way to stay informed, feel supported and inspired. RN Central has compiled a list of the 100 Best Blogs for Nursing Students. These blogs are "meant to inspire, motivate and educate nursing students in school and beyond." 

Some interesting (and informative) examples are highlighted below:

Personal Stories:  

·   Code Blog: Tales of a Nurse 

Professional Blogs:

·   The National Nurse Blog 

·    National Nurses United

Travel Nursing

·   Travel Nurse Aim

·    Ask Conrad!

We encourage you to check them out! For a complete list of the 100 Best Blogs for Nursing Students, feel free to visit the RN Central article: 100 Best Blogs for Nursing Students.

Enjoy!

-The NYUCN Advising Team

Scholarship Tips!

As the new academic year approaches, summer is a great time to research scholarships and apply. Scholarships are a practical funding resource, applying is not time consuming, and you may be surprised by what you get.

Why lose out on extra money that can lower your tuition costs?




Some tips on applying to NYUCN and outside scholarships:

1) Be proactive and self-advocate! Don’t be afraid to ask about scholarships.

2) Be your “own” researcher! For example, set up a Google alert on nursing scholarships.

3) Join a professional nursing group and apply to scholarships through the organization (examples include: NSNA - National Student Nurse Association or NAHN - National Association of Hispanic Nurses).

4) Update your resume frequently. Your resume helps to tell your professional story and should reflect your current accomplishments and past achievements.

5) Complete the FAFSA every year!

6) Visit the College of Nursing scholarships page for more information.

Don't miss out on these great funding opportunities!

-The NYUCN Advising Team