Back-to-School Self-Care Tips for Nursing Students

Starting (or returning to) nursing school can feel like a lot. Between packed class schedules, early-morning clinicals and the pressure to keep up, it’s easy to let self-care slide. But taking care of yourself isn’t extra—it’s essential. With the right habits, mindset and even the right scrubs, you can set the tone for a school year that feels more balanced, focused and fulfilling.

Why Self-Care Is Essential for Nursing Students

Nursing school pushes you—physically, mentally and emotionally. Without a solid self-care routine, burnout in nursing becomes a real risk. Many students describe their days as “organized chaos” or “just surviving,” and say that simple structure and small rituals were what helped them stay grounded.

The good news? Self-care doesn’t have to mean hour-long routines. It’s about being intentional. Little things like staying hydrated, laying out your scrubs the night before or taking 30 seconds to breathe and reset can help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

Set Intentions with Daily Mindset Practices

Use Affirmations to Start Your Day Strong

The way you talk to yourself matters. Simple affirmations like “I am capable” or “I’m learning and growing every day” can help quiet self-doubt and ease pre-clinical nerves. They might seem small, but these quick mindset resets can build confidence and create space for more focus, compassion and resilience.

Need ideas? Explore more in our guide to Daily Nursing Affirmations.

Mindfulness Is More Than Meditation

You don’t have to sit cross-legged with your eyes closed to practice mindfulness. It’s really about being present—tuning in to what you're doing, how you're feeling and where your thoughts are. Try a 2-minute breathing pause before exams, or take a few intentional breaths as you wash your hands before seeing a patient.

If you're not sure where to start, check out Mindfulness in Nursing: How to Overcome Common Barriers for approachable, realistic ways to bring mindfulness into your day.

Create a Routine That Grounds You

Stick to Non-Negotiable Basics

When your days are packed with classes, clinicals and study sessions, it’s tempting to cut corners—skip a meal, stay up late, squeeze in “just one more thing.” But those basic habits like hydration, movement and sleep are the foundation of your energy, focus and mood.

Many students say that simply drinking enough water and setting out their scrubs the night before helps make mornings feel less chaotic and more in control.

Use Prep Time as Self-Care

Small rituals matter. Packing your lunch, laying out scrubs and checking your schedule for the next day can help you mentally shift from “go mode” to wind-down. Try reframing prep time as an act of care—not just another task on your to-do list, but a way of showing up for yourself.

Wear Scrubs That Help You Feel Calm and Capable

Look for Yoga-Style Scrubs

Comfort isn’t optional when you’re spending hours in class or on your feet during clinicals. Women’s scrubs or men’s scrubs with soft, yoga-style waistbands and flexible fabric can make a real difference. They move with you, whether you're taking vitals, sitting cross-legged to study or reaching for supplies on the med cart.

Many nursing students say jogger-style scrubs completely changed how they felt during long lectures or hands-on shifts—more comfortable, more focused and way less fidgeting.

Try Purple Label by Healing Hands

The Purple Label Collection from Healing Hands is made for movement, with premium stretch, buttery-soft fabric and a flattering fit that helps you feel both polished and comfortable. Thoughtfully designed and available in tons of student-loved styles including bestselling joggers, it’s no surprise they’re a favorite for clinical days and everything in between.

Shop Purple Label Yoga-Style Scrubs

Protect Your Peace During Clinicals

Learn to Say No

Your time and energy are valuable, and limited. It’s okay to say no to extra shifts, group plans or anything that drains you. Protect your bandwidth like you would any other clinical resource. Saying no sometimes means saying yes to rest, clarity and staying grounded.

Create a “Reset Ritual” After Long Shifts

After clinicals, give yourself a moment to come back to center. Change out of your scrubs, wash your face, stretch, journal or take a short walk. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, just something that helps you shift out of “nurse mode” and back into you. For many nursing students, this small ritual makes a big difference in separating work stress from personal time.

Nursing school will stretch you, but it shouldn’t consume you. With a few mindful habits and the right support (yes, even from your scrubs), you can protect your energy and stay connected to why you started.

Begin with one small shift: try a new affirmation, prep your scrubs the night before, or slip into something that helps you move and breathe—like Purple Label scrubs.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.