How To Avoid Burn Out (3 Tips For Medical School Applicants)

How to avoid burn out (3 tips)

Being a student is not easy, being a Medical School applicant is even more challenging. There are many competing demands and the pressure of getting the top grades due to the strict medical schools entry requirements. These requirements can get to the best of us. For the budding medical  school applicants, this pressure can be more so, because of what is at stake: a coveted place at medical school. It’s cut-throat, which means that a lot of work is needed to stand out from your peers. What must be realised, is that this quest can lead to burn out if one is not careful. The consequences of burnout can be quite severe, but what is probably the most severe is poor exam performance, which could make or break your chance of a place in medical school!

Burnout can be defined as emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress. For the medical applicant, the stakes are high, but it is important to not exceed your limits to keep you from getting overwhelmed and drained. Here are 3 tips to keep your stress levels in check during your journey to medical school.

Break studying down into chunks

A-Level and University students are notorious for leaving assignments late and cramming for exams. This can be a recipe for disaster, especially if you are very sensitive to stress. Start preparing for exams early and break your studying into manageable chunks over a few months. This will make you feel better and you will learn and consolidate information better in the long run, meaning active recall will be better in exams.

Make time for socialising

Social life doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can find a good balance between study and relaxation. It is important that you recharge often to maintain your energy levels and stay productive. Spending time with family and friends will help you feel more motivated and help you pace yourself, so you can finish the marathon in one piece. Make time in your schedule for quality downtime, you’ll thank yourself later.

Manage stress with exercise

Regular exercise will help you manage stress. It produces chemicals called endorphins that act as natural painkillers and improves your ability to sleep and store information in your long-term memory. Try exercising 3 times a week; it doesn’t have to be anything too intense. It could be walking the dog, cycling, swimming or training at the gym.