Beating Med School Stress

There is no doubt about it - medical school is STRESSFUL. It is always going to be and there is no way around that. We are expected to learn an insane amount of material a relatively very short amount of time! On top of that, while going to school in the Caribbean, we deal with the stresses of being away from everything that is familiar: the comforts of home and our friends and family. Additionally, there are financial stessors and thoughts of what is to come such as finding a residency placement. As one of my favourite motivational speakers, Brian Tracy says "Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals, and values are in balance”. I couldn’t agree with him more. It is so important to be aware of your stress level while in school, and learn how to manage this stress. It is no secret that stress is a very powerful motivator to get things done, but letting your stress get out of control can be unhealthy. If you spiral too much, you won’t be productive and you won’t be thinking clearly. 

As the semester is wrapping up, I am watching people start to spin out of control around me. The drama, the stress, and the burnout caused by this program and island life definitely take a toll after four long months of studying all day long - day in and day out. I remember trying to adapt to the medical program, and feeling absolutely helpless when I felt there was just too much to learn and not enough time. I thought I would share with you some of the techniques that I use to manage my stress and maintain a healthy lifestyle which allows me to be successful in the medical program.

1. SLEEP : Make sure you get enough sleep. Trying to function on too little sleep is not healthy, you won’t retain important information during lectures, and you won’t be able to study as effectively. You also need sleep to solidify the information that you’ve been learning. Try to get at least 5-6 solid hours of sleep every night and try to have a routine schedule.
2. STAY CONNECTED TO FRIENDS/FAMILY AT HOME: Your relationships at home are so important! Your friends and family provide support in ways that your friends at school can’t and provide good reminders as to why you are going through all of this in the first place. When you are feeling down, call or text home for a quick pick me up. They may not totally understand what you are going through, but may provide the motivation to keep pushing forward.
3. EAT WELL: Eating healthy and often is important for adequate energy in order to learn effectively.
4. EXERCISE: Regular exercise has so many healthy benefits. As medical students, we sit on our butts all day long. Exercise sends “feel good” hormones to your brain, helps with memory, helps with posture, and just helps relieve tension over all. There are so many ways to do this in the Caribbean. Go for a walk, a swim, a jog, go to the gym, work out in your living room, or do some yoga. Mix it up!
5. VENT TO A FRIEND, BUT STAY AWAY FROM NEGATIVE NELLIES! Medical school comes with lots of frustrations. Surround yourself with positive people that will let you talk about things that are making you upset and frustrated, but will remind you of the positive. Stay away from the people that can’t see the good in anything, because that will only rub off on you.
6. FIND YOURSELF A MENTOR: Having someone a semester or two ahead of you that has been through what you are doing currently that you can talk to can be very helpful. Ask them questions, pick their brain. Other students understand how tough it is and most of them are probably more than willing to help you!
7. MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR DAY, EVERYDAY: Try your best to be regimented. If you can learn to work like a well oiled machine, you will be well on your way. Find what works for you and stick with it. Make the most of your school day. Pay attention in lectures so you don’t have to learn the material later!
8. MAKE TIME FOR YOU AND THE THINGS YOU ENJOY! Your whole life CAN NOT be school! Set aside some time for fun each week, whether it is a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon or whatever you choose, to do something fun with your friends or on your own. Whatever you really enjoy doing - do it. Make it a priority to do something you really enjoy so you don’t feel like a prisoner to school and reward yourself for all of your hard work!