Being in med school means an often-hectic schedule. It's no secret that medical students spend countless hours studying for exams, reviewing lecture material, and attending intense residency programs.
As a doctor, you can best care for your patients if you first care for yourself. Maintaining a healthy school-life balance helps you avoid burnout.
With these tips to balance med school and create balance, you can enjoy a more relaxed state of mind and improved mental and emotional health as you pursue your medical degree here at SJSM.
Improve Your Time Management
Proper time management is essential for completing your coursework and having time for your personal life. This skill helps you hone in on the critical tasks, so you know what to prioritize. Tips for time management:-
- Create a weekly list of things to do
- Create smaller tasks out of the larger to-do items
- Create actionable deadlines and goals
- Take stock of how much time you spend on other activities
Rely on Your Classmates and Residents
Remember that your classmates and interns are going through the same thing as you, and you're not alone. If you're feeling overwhelmed, especially if you're enrolled in a dual program, like internal medicine and pediatrics, take a step back and identify what areas or skills you need help with. Check in with upper-level residents and ask for help on what you're struggling with. These third- and fourth-year students have been through it before, so they can offer resources and advice on specific techniques.Take a Break After Med School Before Residency
Residency may feel like your end goal, but it's a step in the process of building your skills as a doctor with hands-on training. One of the best ways to decompress and reduce stress while finishing med school is to make time for the things you enjoy doing before diving into your residency. Take a break, schedule a trip, spend time with family, and make time for your hobbies.Create a Study Cut-Off Time
In a medical school, studies can quickly take over every waking hour of our time, affecting the balance in your personal and work life. This is why it's best to create a study cut-off time for each day. Spend time reading, studying, and practicing hands-on skills like suturing, but when time's up, switch focus to your hobbies, family, or self-care.Take Steps to Reduce Stress
Reducing stress is essential to your health. Some steps you can take to improve your stress levels include:-
- Relaxation techniques like meditation, somatic breathing, and massage
- Talking to friends and family
- Maintaining a positive outlook
- Taking a walk in nature
- Exercising, yoga, or a restorative movement practice