From Surviving to Thriving: Prioritizing Wellness in Medical School

Medical school can be overwhelming. Between the extensive amounts of information you're expected to know, preparing yourself for the transition to clinical rotations, and the pressure to constantly perform, it's easy to lose track of your own well-being. For me, it took reaching a breaking point to realize I wasn't taking care of myself. And I wasn't alone—so many of us hit this wall at some point.

My first ever PBL review week during first year was my wake-up call. I had never felt so disconnected from everything, including my friends, family, studies, and even myself. I was irritable and exhausted, and yet I kept telling myself to work harder and push through because this is just how medical school must be. But eventually, I started noticing things weren't adding up. The fatigue, frustration, and stress were constant. I was truly just surviving and definitely not thriving.

Admitting that I needed to make changes was tough. At first, I didn't know where to start. I thought if I just organized my time better, I could keep pushing forward. But it wasn't that simple. Here's what actually made a difference for me:

1. Finding Balance in My Schedule
   I had to stop micromanaging every second of my day. Before, I thought productivity meant working nonstop. Now, I break things down into focused study sessions and, just as important, I schedule breaks, meals, time for meal prep, and moments to breathe. Allowing myself time to rest became just as important as studying.
    
2. Letting Go of Perfectionism
   I always had this voice in my head insisting that I had to get everything just right and complete all the tasks I set for myself each day, no matter how ambitious they might be. But I've learned to let go of that. Medical school is hard enough without the pressure to be perfect. Now, I focus on doing my best and being flexible with myself.
    
3. Small Acts of Self-Care
   I used to think self-care was a luxury that I didn't have time for. But once I started making small changes—like going for walks outdoors, playing basketball with friends, creating some artwork, or cooking meals that actually nourished me—I noticed a huge difference. These little things added up and helped me feel more grounded and balanced.
    
4. Reaching Out for Support
   One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that I don't have to go through this alone. Whether it's leaning on friends and family or talking to a counselor, asking for help and having a different perspective have been key. Sometimes, just talking about the stress with someone who understands and who will remind you that they are there to support you can make a world of difference.

Once I started making wellness a priority, I saw improvements not just in how I felt but also in how I performed. I was more focused when I studied, more engaged with my community, and more present in my daily interactions. It was eye-opening to realize that taking care of myself made me a better student and future doctor.

I've come to see that wellness isn't something to be put off until after medical school—it's something to integrate now because it will carry over into residency and beyond. The more we learn to care for ourselves now, the more resilient we'll be throughout our careers.

If you're feeling burnt out or overwhelmed, know that you're not alone. Medical school is challenging, and it's okay to admit that you need a break. Start small—whether it's taking a short walk, breathing mindfully, starting a gratitude journal, or just talking to someone you trust. These small steps add up.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't optional. It's a key part of becoming the best physician you can be.

Back to the February 2025 issue of ACP IMpact