Page 83 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

Positive Pampering

Positive pampering means that you must continue to care for yourself holistically.
Positive momentum can be maintained only if you are properly balanced. Proper
exercise, diet, and positive mental stimulation are crucial to achieving your goal of
becoming a registered nurse. Just as you have developed a schedule for study, you
should have a schedule that includes fun and physical activity. It is your choice—
aerobics, walking, weight lifting, bowling, or whatever makes you feel good about
yourself. Time spent away from the hard study schedule and devoted to some fun
and physical exercise pays you back a hundredfold. You will be more energetic with
a schedule that includes these activities.
Establish healthy eating habits. Be sure to drink plenty of water, which will flush
and clean your body cells. Stay away from fatty foods because they slow you down.
Eat lighter meals and eat more frequently. Include complex carbohydrates such as
oatmeal or whole grain foods in your diet for energy, and be careful not to include
too much caffeine in your daily diet.
Take the time to pamper yourself with activities that make you feel even better
about who you are. Make dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant with
someone who is special and is supporting your goal. Take walks in a place that has a
particular tranquility that enables you to reflect on the positive momentum that you
have achieved and maintained. Whatever it is, wherever it takes you, allow yourself
the time to do some positive pampering.

Final Preparation

You have established the foundation of your Pyramid to Success. You have
developed your list of goals and your study plan, and you have maintained your
positive momentum. You are moving forward, and in control. When you receive
your date and time for the NCLEX-RN examination, you may immediately think, “I
am not ready!” Stop! Reflect on all you have achieved. Think about your goal
achievement and the organization of the positive life momentum with which you
have surrounded yourself. Think about all of the people who love and support your
effort to become a registered nurse. Believe that the challenge that awaits you is one
that you have successfully prepared for and will lead you to your goal of becoming a
registered nurse.
Take a deep breath and organize the remaining days so that they support your
educational and personal needs. Support your positive momentum with a visual
technique. Write your name in large letters, and write the letters “RN” after it. Post 1
or more of these visual reinforcements in areas that you frequent. This is a visual
motivational technique that works for many nursing graduates preparing for this
examination.
It is imperative that you not fall into the trap of expecting too much of yourself.
The idea of perfection must not drive you to a point that causes your positive
momentum to falter. You must believe and stay focused on your goal. The date and
time are at hand. Write the date and time, and underneath write the word “YES!”
Post this next to your name plus “RN.”
Ensure that you have command over how to get to the testing center. A test run is
a must. Time the drive, and allow for road construction or other factors that might

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