Liam Newlands
Despite how good your time management skills are, there will be times when life gets stressful. During these times, it is important to maintain self-care so you can be there for others and reach your personal and professional goals.. So, here are some tips and strategies to make sure you are keeping yourself healthy and optimizing your full potential.
1. Make exercise a priority.
As I’m sure you are aware, there is an abundance of research on the benefits of exercise. Make sure you keep this a high priority, even when life gets stressful and you lack time. Remember, while there are optimal levels of exercise, just doing something is better than nothing. Whether you’re able to go to the gym for an hour, or just go on a quick 10-minute run, can make a difference.
2. Take Breaks.
When time gets scarce, it is common to work straight for hours on end. While this may feel productive, it is not very efficient. By taking breaks, you are able to refresh your attention and focus, allowing your study time to be more effective. I recommend a 45:15 schedule for a work:rest ratio. Adding breaks, even for a brief time, to your work/study schedule will go a long way.
3. Plan your meals.
During long study or work periods, it’s common to opt for the quick and easy fast food meal. While the high calories in fast food will provide you with lots of energy in the short run, you may end up feeling worse in the long run. Make sure you plan your meals ahead to avoid this trap. By planning when you’re going to cook, or even cooking meals in advance, you can guarantee a healthy, nutritious meal to fuel your work.
4. Keep your sleep consistent.
Getting enough sleep at night is crucial to your performance during the day. When life gets stressful, a common strategy is to stay up late to get work done. However, this throws off your body’s natural sleep cycle. Sleeping regular, consistent hours will allow you to be more productive during the day. So, sacrifice your time during the day, rather than your sleeping time, to get work done.
5. Don’t be afraid to use support.
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. There are lots of support networks and resources available to help you, Don’t be afraid to use them. Check out your school’s counselling services or reach out to friends and colleagues.. When life gets stressful, remember that you are not alone, reach out for help.
While this list is not exhaustive, it encompasses top ways to keep your body and mind healthy during stressful times. It is important to take care of yourself during stressful times so you can achieve your goals as students and reach your full potential as clinicians.
