4 answers
Kyla
Student
Maurepas, Louisiana
1
Question
Updated
424 views
How do you all balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle with friends, family, and nursing school all at once #fall25?
I am a sophomore in college currently taking pre reqs. I apply for nursing school in the fall of 26. Feeling a little anxious and nervous about it. I’m scared I’m not doing enough.
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4 answers
Andrew Dinh
Consultant
12
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Totally normal to feel anxious. A few things that helped me find balance:
Keep a simple weekly routine. Not a strict schedule, just a loose plan so school, friends, and downtime all have a place. It makes everything feel way less chaotic.
Stay on top of pre reqs, but don’t overwork yourself. Consistent studying beats marathon cramming. If you are passing classes and actually learning the material, you are already doing enough.
Set small non school goals. Stuff like going to the gym twice a week, calling family on Sundays, or grabbing dinner with a friend once a week. Those tiny habits add up to a healthy balance.
Tell people when you are busy. Friends and family usually understand when you have exams or labs. Communicating early keeps everyone on the same page.
Take breaks without guilt. Burnout hits nursing students fast. Rest literally helps you perform better.
You are only a sophomore and already planning ahead, which is a huge sign that you are doing great. You do not have to have everything figured out right now. You are building the foundation piece by piece, and that is exactly what you should be doing.
Keep a simple weekly routine. Not a strict schedule, just a loose plan so school, friends, and downtime all have a place. It makes everything feel way less chaotic.
Stay on top of pre reqs, but don’t overwork yourself. Consistent studying beats marathon cramming. If you are passing classes and actually learning the material, you are already doing enough.
Set small non school goals. Stuff like going to the gym twice a week, calling family on Sundays, or grabbing dinner with a friend once a week. Those tiny habits add up to a healthy balance.
Tell people when you are busy. Friends and family usually understand when you have exams or labs. Communicating early keeps everyone on the same page.
Take breaks without guilt. Burnout hits nursing students fast. Rest literally helps you perform better.
You are only a sophomore and already planning ahead, which is a huge sign that you are doing great. You do not have to have everything figured out right now. You are building the foundation piece by piece, and that is exactly what you should be doing.
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
66
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Kyla,
I love this question, so I'm chiming in a few months late to the game. I want to start by saying that what you’re feeling is completely normal. A lot of people hit this stage and start wondering if they’re doing “enough.”
One thing that’s helped me is reframing the idea of balance. It’s easy to think it means splitting your time perfectly between school, friends, family, and taking care of yourself, but in reality, it doesn’t work that way. Instead, think of it as a series of trade-offs and constant realignment. Your priorities will shift depending on what season you’re in. Right now, you’re laying the foundation for nursing school, so there may be times when school takes more of your energy. Other times, you’ll need to step back and prioritize rest, friends, or family.
The goal isn’t to do everything perfectly, it’s to be intentional with your time and give yourself flexibility.
Also, try not to let the “I’m not doing enough” feeling take over. If you’re showing up, staying consistent, and working toward your goal, you’re doing more than you think. Nursing school (as well as healthcare in general and other careers) is a long game, not something you have to perfect all at once.
Give yourself some credit! You’re already thinking ahead, and that matters a lot.
I love this question, so I'm chiming in a few months late to the game. I want to start by saying that what you’re feeling is completely normal. A lot of people hit this stage and start wondering if they’re doing “enough.”
One thing that’s helped me is reframing the idea of balance. It’s easy to think it means splitting your time perfectly between school, friends, family, and taking care of yourself, but in reality, it doesn’t work that way. Instead, think of it as a series of trade-offs and constant realignment. Your priorities will shift depending on what season you’re in. Right now, you’re laying the foundation for nursing school, so there may be times when school takes more of your energy. Other times, you’ll need to step back and prioritize rest, friends, or family.
The goal isn’t to do everything perfectly, it’s to be intentional with your time and give yourself flexibility.
Also, try not to let the “I’m not doing enough” feeling take over. If you’re showing up, staying consistent, and working toward your goal, you’re doing more than you think. Nursing school (as well as healthcare in general and other careers) is a long game, not something you have to perfect all at once.
Give yourself some credit! You’re already thinking ahead, and that matters a lot.
Bianca Zavala
Humans Resource Manager
9
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Bianca’s Answer
Balancing nursing school, friends, family, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can definitely feel overwhelming! Finding balance is so important because taking care of yourself helps you stay focused and energized. Setting aside time just for you, whether it’s in the morning before your day starts or in the evening to wind down, can make a big difference. Planning and staying organized through calendars or planners will help you manage your time more effectively. It’s also important to accept that things might get tough sometimes, but remember to take a deep breath and give yourself small breaks to recharge. Establishing a routine that includes time for studies, social life, and self-care can create a sense of normalcy and keep everything manageable.
Siva Kann
VP of Products & Technology
64
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Siva’s Answer
Hello Kyla,
Andrew’s answer is really solid and very practical, especially the idea of simple routines, small goals, and taking breaks without guilt. I want to add one thing that has helped me stay sane during busy, chaotic seasons of life.
It helps to have a TRUE NORTH.
By that, I mean being clear on why you are doing what you are doing in the first place -- your values, your purpose, and what this phase of life is leading toward. Life will get chaotic, especially in healthcare paths like nursing. Routines break. Plans shift. Energy goes up and down.
During those times, your true north acts like a reference point. It helps you ask:
- Why am I doing this?
- Does what I’m doing today still align with what matters to me?
That perspective makes it easier to keep going when you feel tired, anxious, or when it feels like you’re falling behind.
Wish you the best.
Andrew’s answer is really solid and very practical, especially the idea of simple routines, small goals, and taking breaks without guilt. I want to add one thing that has helped me stay sane during busy, chaotic seasons of life.
It helps to have a TRUE NORTH.
By that, I mean being clear on why you are doing what you are doing in the first place -- your values, your purpose, and what this phase of life is leading toward. Life will get chaotic, especially in healthcare paths like nursing. Routines break. Plans shift. Energy goes up and down.
During those times, your true north acts like a reference point. It helps you ask:
- Why am I doing this?
- Does what I’m doing today still align with what matters to me?
That perspective makes it easier to keep going when you feel tired, anxious, or when it feels like you’re falling behind.
Wish you the best.