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 It Feels Like Forever
You've been staring at the same page in your textbook for
the last fifteen minutes. The clock is mocking you. The
walls feel like they're closing in. And you can't remember
a more stressful time in your life.
Maybe you want to rip your hair out or set your
textbooks on fire. There's a test coming up, you've got an
assignment due in the morning, and you're three labs
behind... you feel like screaming, but you're in the
library.
Stay focused. It's not worth the time or the trouble.
Keep this in mind: most stress is self-imposed.
Be social
It's Saturday night. Why are you studying? Sure, there will
be weekends when you'll need to use your time effectively
and get some work done. But not every weekend. Maintain a
healthy social life; eat meals with your friends, go to a
movie, maybe go dancing. Remember, you're young. And before
you know it, you'll be in med school—where the work-load
won't get any lighter.
Watch caffeine and
alcohol
And we don't mean watch it go down your throat. Moderation
is the key to anything. Underage drinking is illegal—and
even if you're 21+, why put a depressant in your body?
Caffeine may be a great pick-me-up every now and again, but
its effects on your body and sleep cycle can cause damage
in the long run. Instead, drink lots of water.
Get exercise
No, dragging yourself out of bed is not considered a
workout... collectively, college students tend to be an
exercise-conscious group, but it's easy to let workouts go
by the wayside when life gets busy. Even if you don't spend
your afternoons sweatin' in the gym, you can find plenty of
active things to do on your campus. We recommend checking
out intramurals, hijack a friend to go to the gym with you,
and walk as often as possible. Stay fit—you'll set a role
model for others around you. After all, you're the future
doctor.
Yoga
Even if you're not the most spiritual person, try to
concentrate on your breathing. Yoga combines meditation and
exercise; it makes you aware of what ails both your body
and mind. Whether you're having a hard time trying to
sleep, or riddled with anxiety, stretching and flexing is a
great, physical cure. Plus, it'll take your mind off all
the work that's due.
Addiction
Too much of a good (or bad) thing never ends up actually
being good for you. Be careful about your dependencies.
Just because you're entering the medical profession doesn't
mean it's acceptable to use illegal drugs. The last thing
you want to do is screw up your body, or be caught with
illegal substances. Medical school admissions boards
generally aren't inclined to admit students with a serious
criminal record.
You're pre-med, not pre-dead. Live a little. You'll
thank yourself later.
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