Nursing School Survival Guide: Excerpt from You & The Pendulum

By, Acacia Cameron RN

Achieving balance while in Nursing School

Link to full book HERE

Let's talk about what I call the Pendulum Principle and how it relates to achieving balance in life. This is something that I have put into practice in my own life, and it has helped me to stay grounded. The pendulum serves as a representation of your current position in the space of your life. The goal is to find a balance near the center and minimize extreme swings to the left and right.

When the pendulum swings to the left, let’s say it signifies a state of chaos. This happens when we neglect self-care, such as not getting enough sleep, indulging in unhealthy habits, or prioritizing short-term enjoyment over our long-term goals. This imbalance can negatively impact our academic performance and hinder our ability to implement effective study strategies.

On the other hand, when the pendulum swings to the right, we can say it represents excessive order. We create rigid schedules that lack room for relaxation, recreation, and social or physical connection. Adhering too strictly to our academic commitments can isolate us from the things and people we enjoy.

It's important to recognize that maintaining the exact same schedule every semester or week is impossible. Life throws unexpected challenges our way, such as drama, illness, or unforeseen events, which can disrupt even the most well-planned routines. No matter what our goals are, it's not worth sacrificing all the things that bring us joy.