Being a premed student can be tough. Sometimes it feels like you’re constantly in grind mode, working yourself to death half the day and barely getting the time to squeeze in some rest. Your sleep schedule is completely flipped upside down, all your spare time is spent making sure your grades aren’t slipping down the drain, and most of the time your brain is so fried you can seem to forget your own name. Taking on a full class load while working nearly 30 hours per week in the midst of a pandemic was not part of the plan when I began my first fully remote semester. Not to mention election anxiety, being isolated from some of my closest friends, and being paranoid about someone I loved or myself falling ill with Covid-19. Even as a premed student—or whatever challenging major/courseload you’re undertaking—there are ways to take care of your brain and body. Here are some of my favorites.
- Headspace
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Headspace is literally a free meditation getaway—right in the comfort of your home, right in your cell phone. All you have to do is pick what you need at that moment. Rainforest sounds? Beach sounds? White noise? Ambient low-fi music? A guided meditation to ease your nerves before an online exam or before you start studying for finals? Whatever you want is right there, and the app is totally free.
- Exercise
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It can be tough to exercise when there’s so much work to be done. Especially now that it’s getting cold out, taking a jog or a run around the neighborhood doesn’t seem ideal. However, hit up your local gym—wear a mask if you do—or just do a quick at-home Chloe Ting workout. This will not only keep you in shape but give you a boost of endorphins and get you ready for the mental workout ahead.
- Keepin’ Connected
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Don’t forget about your loved ones! The semester may be fully remote, but there’s always the option to reach out and connect—that’s exactly what technology is for. This semester has led to a lot of burnout for me personally. It’s difficult to work 8 hours straight and then come back and immediately start studying for a class. Break up your tasks by scheduling some time to call or text a friend.
- Journal
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Sometimes I get home and I’m too exhausted to even change into my PJs, let alone journal. But make no mistake—journaling can help you get your thoughts in order. If you have something to vent about, let it out. Need to make a list of things you need to get done this week? Let it out. Want to write about something interesting that happens at work that you want to make sure you don’t forget? Write it down. Want to set goals for the future? Write it down. Journaling is a fun and stress-free way to organize your thoughts and warm you up to get productive.
- Sleep
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Sleep is so necessary. A nice cup of tea with milk and honey, a homemade facemask, a relaxing low-fi playlist, and my cozy bed are the ways I like to unwind after a long, exhausting week. Try to get at least 7 hours of sleep a day. If you’re exhausted in the middle of the day, don’t be ashamed to take a nap. Your brain is trying to communicate with you—listen to it, and you’ll do all the better later on in the day.
Self-care is imperative, and remember that grind mode is just one facet of you. If your mind and body are exhausted, flip that switch, grab yourself a face mask, and get your mind off the things you need to do. The world is so much bigger than everything you’re cramming for in the moment. Take care of yourself—you’re going to do great things. Just make sure by the time that happens, you’re well-rested and ready for it.