As just an OMS-1, I can already tell the importance of maintaining work-life balance. It is extremely easy to find yourself burnt out coming into your final block exam of the semester (as I am), but it is highly important to finish strong. The following are tips I have included in order to keep the motivation going:
- Start a countdown. This is especially great right after Thanksgiving break as there is only a couple more weeks till school is over. Although the upcoming weeks are jam packed with block exams, practicals, and OSCE’s–at least I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
- Make vacation plans. During my gap year, I remember an established psychiatrist told the Corps members “always plan a vacation.” This actually works people! This doesn’t have to be an extravagant vacation, but even just getting out of town and experiencing another community can help you feel rejuvenated and ready to keep moving forward.
- Reconnect with old friends. If you’re like me and went to another state for medical school, you probably miss your friends A LOT! Well, this is a perfect time to reach out to old friends and let them know that you will definitely be able to make time for them while you’re on break. This allows you to have another event to look forward to as well reconnect with those that you value.
- Reflect. Every time I feel burnt out, I think about the process of even getting into medical school – how privileged I am to be able to be living out my dream. That is motivation enough.
What do you do to avoid burnout before the holidays?
