Nursing is a demanding profession, one that requires stamina, focus and compassion in equal measure. At LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Nursing, faculty and students alike emphasize the vital role that physical wellness plays in maintaining that balance.
“Physical wellness is essential to any success, not just in nursing,” says Elizabeth Newell, a Junior II Traditional BSN student. “If we aren’t well physically, mentally or emotionally, we won’t be able to serve others effectively in the long run.”
For nursing students and practicing nurses, the capacity to care for others stems from how well they care for themselves. Through movement, mindfulness and self-awareness, physical wellness becomes more than exercise; it becomes a form of resilience.
Building Strength and Reducing Stress
Mark D. Lanpher, RN, PMH-BC, Instructor of Undergraduate Nursing, Psychiatric Mental Health, sees physical wellness as deeply connected to academic and emotional well-being.
“Exercise does great things to help improve memory and retention,” Lanpher explains. “It’s also a great way to decompress and reduce the anxiety that comes with nursing school and life in general.”
“Sometimes we may not have time to fully commit to a healthy lifestyle, but small steps add up.”
– Mark D. Lanpher, RN, PMH-BC, Instructor of Undergraduate Nursing
Lanpher introduces his students to simple relaxation techniques before lectures and exams and often reminds them of the connection between nourishment and performance. “What we put into our bodies affects how our bodies feel. It’s important that students understand that link early in their training.”
According to Kendra Barrier, PhD, MSN, RN, CNE, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing, physical wellness initiatives also play a critical role in student engagement and retention.
“Physical wellness programming creates a sense of belonging and community, foundational to student retention,” she says. “When students feel supported in their holistic and physical well-being, they are more likely to stay engaged academically and socially.”
Student organizations are a key part of that engagement.
“Our student nurses’ organizations offer healthy, community-building opportunities that promote physical health and collaboration,” Dr. Barrier says. “Activities like Powder Puff Flag Football, volleyball, Hero Workout, pickleball and Run Club all help students connect, manage stress and maintain motivation throughout their academic journey.”
Finding Time for Self-Care
Both Lanpher and Newell acknowledge that time, or the lack of it, is one of the biggest challenges nursing students face.
“Nursing school is stressful, and sometimes there don’t seem to be enough hours in the day,” Lanpher says. “Between classes, clinicals, studying and work, self-care can end up on the backburner.”
Newell agrees, noting that consistency and discipline can be difficult amid competing demands.
“If we can learn healthy habits and disciplines now, we’ll be setting ourselves up to healthily care for future patients and our future selves,” she says.
Lanpher encourages students to focus on small, sustainable actions. “Sometimes we may not have time to fully commit to a healthy lifestyle, but small steps add up. Take the stairs, make a quick lap during a class break. Those little choices matter.”
Movement as a Mind-Body Connection
For Newell, physical wellness has always been a source of strength and something that’s grounded her. From competing in Division I athletics to adapting her fitness routine after a serious car accident, she’s learned that physical activity can look different for everyone, and that’s what makes it empowering.
“Physical exercise at any level has always been a way for me to cope with life and enjoy the body I’ve been given,” she says. “It relieves stress and tension and, when done in community, provides an extra support system as well.”
Lanpher echoes that sentiment, highlighting the link between movement and emotional resilience.
“Exercise is one of the best ways to deal with unwanted feelings,” he says. “It’s a great way to channel those energies into something healthy and productive.”
Modeling Healthy Habits for Future Nurses
For nursing students, learning the importance of physical wellness goes beyond personal benefit; it’s foundational to their ability to provide compassionate, holistic care.
“Many health issues can be avoided or minimized through diet and exercise,” Lanpher says. “It’s always easier to educate patients about lifestyle modifications if they are things you practice yourself.”
Dr. Barrier agrees, emphasizing that physical wellness directly supports professional readiness.
“The School of Nursing emphasizes physical well-being, personally and professionally,” she says. “Knowing the potential of improving health, wellness and academic success of our students will positively impact patient outcomes.”
By prioritizing physical wellness now – even in small, intentional ways – today’s School of Nursing students are learning not just to endure the demands of nursing, but to thrive through them. Each step, stretch and healthy choice becomes part of the foundation for a lifetime of caring, both for their patients and for themselves.
