Medical school is notoriously challenging. Learning the complexities of the human body from head to toe, studying day in and day out, preparing for and going on rounds, and finally taking licensing exams takes time and perseverance to do successfully. It may be an overgeneralization that medical students don't have time for anything besides med school, but that doesn't mean it isn't at least partially true.
Maintaining mental health throughout the course of medical school plays a big role in the success of many physicians-to-be. Finding a balance between taking care of patients and taking care of oneself is essential. It is definitely possible, as proven by the thousands of medical students and doctors who are doing what they love and maintaining a balance. Cultivating good, sustainable habits starting in medical school (or even before) will put you on a path to minimum burnout and maximum success. Some of these habits include:
Developing and sticking to a routine
Managing your time should be a no-brainer... with all of the courses and content you'll need to learn and study, plus clinicals and taking time for you, developing and sticking to a routine will help keep you organized. From using block scheduling methods such as the Pomodoro Technique for studying, to waking up early in the morning to enjoy a nice breakfast and maybe some exercise before you start the mentally challenging part of your day, sticking to a routine will help internalize what you're doing and help you focus when it is time to study. If you're looking to (re)introduce exercise (endorphins!) into your day, making a walk, run, or quick gym session part of your regular routine will eventually help it be as normal as brushing your teeth or drinking your morning coffee.
Get organized - and stay organized
Build a few minutes every day into your routine to get organized, whether this means physically organizing your study space (perhaps at the end of the day) or creating a to-do list for what you need to review while you study (perhaps at the beginning of the day). Knowing where your study material is and making note of what you're learning will help you plan your time coming up. Spending even just a few minutes each day organizing your space and your thoughts will help eliminate stress before it happens. Organizing your study plan is also important - you can either create your own schedule or use/adapt a study schedule available online.
Take time completely for yourself
When you're not studying, in class, or in clinicals, it's natural to want to hang out with friends! However, spending time alone is also important. Sometimes your brain needs a break from all stimulation, including other people. Whether you spend this time exercising, experimenting in the kitchen, watching your favorite show, playing with a pet, or even taking a well-deserved nap, focusing on you and you alone will allow you to care for your needs. Do you need a massage? Schedule one. Do you need to catch up on paying bills? Take an hour to organize your personal life. Do you just want to veg out and watch some mindless television? Allow yourself to enjoy an episode... or a few.
Take time to reflect
This can be in addition to your personal time, or part of your personal time. One way to do this is by practicing mindful meditation. Clearing your mind and focusing on your breath, while allowing yourself to think (rather than clearing your mind, as many think), helps you to work through thoughts and stress rather than just pushing them to the side to continue studying. If meditation isn't for you, you can also journal, practice yoga, or do another activity that gives you space to refocus and come back to your study space refreshed and rejuvenated.
Spend time with friends and family
Spending time alone is certainly important and helpful, but so is spending time with the people you love. For some, studying alone then relaxing and recharging alone is too much alone time. Making plans to have dinner and drinks with friends or taking advantage of a home-cooked meal from a loving family member can also boost your spirits and help you relax. Your brain needs some time off too.
Medical school is time consuming, stressful, and hard. But it is doable, and for many people, completely worth it - just make sure you're taking care of yourself so you can best take care of your patients too.
