Starting a second career is not easy. It takes courage, it takes time, and it takes retraining. All three can increase your stress levels and that is even amongst those trying to make the most straightforward of career changes. For those looking to get into a specialized field like nursing it can be increasingly difficult, regardless of whether you take that BSN on a full-time or part-time basis.
There are several tips that can help ease the strain and effort of undertaking retraining. When you must earn a degree, for example, you can often accelerate your education by transferring your previously earned credits or even work experience. You could earn a ABSN online, for example, if you have a non-nursing degree, particularly if that degree was in one of the STEM fields.
While speeding up your retraining requirements can help you start your second career faster that does not necessarily mean that it will take any less effort – just time. You can feel stressed, untethered and anxious during this time. To help you feel more confident and to get the most out of any retraining effort you take on, you will want to use these top six health and wellness tips that will help you through the transition and into your thriving second career.
1. Improve Your Sleep Routine
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock. It is why when you put yourself on a consistent schedule you find yourself getting tired around the same time of day, or why you wake up in time for work on the weekends even when you don’t need to be up at all. Used correctly the circadian rhythm can actually be an invaluable tool in getting a consistent, restful night’s sleep.If there is one thing that will make a huge amount of difference when it comes to retraining or even just pushing through and hustling all in a bid to start a thriving second career it is a good night’s sleep. Get started today by setting a bedtime and wake-up time, and being consistent with that routine, even on weekends. The goal is to sleep more deeply, more consistently, so that you are more energized throughout the day.
2. Why Exercise, And How
Exercise is an important part of health and stress management, but it can also be a huge part of your retraining and further education. Exercising increases circulation through the body. Add proper hydration and healthy eating to the mix, and this increased circulation means that oxygen and nutrients can more efficiently be distributed throughout the body – including the brain.Exercise therefore works to improve your cognitive ability, your memory and can also give you a healthy outlet for stress that can help you manage the difficulties of working towards your second career goals.
You don’t need to commit to a huge workout to get these benefits, either. You should aim to exercise at least 30 minutes per day, but you don’t need to do this all at once. One short, intensive workout and a walk around the park can do wonders alone.
3. Healthy Eating On A Consistent Schedule
Healthy eating is another no-brainer when it comes to healthy living, but what many underestimate is the importance of refueling and being consistent – especially when you are learning. You could see huge benefits, for example, if you eat a small, healthy snack when on a break from your education or job hunt. By eating foods high in nutrients and energy you can keep your energy and focus up, rather than your body trying to run on fumes during a particularly difficult or stressful task.
4. Daily Stress Management Tips
Starting a second career is very stressful. Without keeping that stress in check you could burn yourself out before you know it. That is why you need to commit to busting that stress as often as you can.
A good way to do this is by breaking down your goals into small, manageable steps and then taking productive breaks between. Productive breaks don’t mean you need to do anything towards your degree or training, but instead it means you do something for the good of your mind or body. This could mean going for a snack, it could mean stretching or going for a walk, or it could even mean spending time creating something.
5. Establish And Use Your Support Network
A problem shared is a problem halved, as the saying goes. Your support network will include friends and family, coworkers and work friends, your peers, and even professional mental health support services from therapists to support groups. What you personally need will depend on your mental health and your situation. For many all they need are their friends and family supporting them. For others, they need ongoing mental health guidance to keep them on track and, simply enough, to have a professional outlet to help them express and understand what they feel.
People don’t just switch careers for no reason. Changing careers can also come with a host of stressors on its own. By having a support network you can share any insecurities or even intrusive thoughts that would have otherwise put you on a path of self-sabotage.
6. Build A Routine
Once you have established what you need to progress through to your second career choice it is important to be consistent. It doesn’t matter how small those steps you take are so long as you are making progress.
This can help you make an accelerated, intensive nursing degree feel so much more manageable. It can mean that networking and job hunting isn’t quite as daunting. Not only will breaking up your requirements and building a consistent routine help make every task seem less stressful, it can also help you manage your energy more efficiently.
It is important to plan for the future but to always take it one day at a time. By using these tips you can get your body and mind on board with your retraining efforts and minimize stress all at once.
