5 Ways To Maintain Your Health
Medical students are [unfortunately] notorious for rather unhealthy lifestyle habits, but don’t forget to take care of yourself! Although it’s easy to let taking care of yourself fall to the wayside while you’re working hard on doing well on your rotations, try your best not to!
It’s one of those “easier said than done” pieces of advice, but realize that you can’t really help others until you help yourself, so today, I’m sharing 5 ways for you to maintain your health!
Diet
Being too strict with yourself may lead to a whole lot of frustration, so practice moderation. Try to avoid processed foods, incorporate more lean proteins and leafy greens into your diet, but also allow for occasional indulgences! If you cook your own meals, shop the perimeter of the grocery store, and if you’re going out to eat, try to opt for the healthier options!
Exercise
As future physicians, we’ve probably harped on many a patient to start exercising and adding some form of physical activity to his or her life. If you aren’t already, try to do the same in your own life!
Hydration
This one will likely be more difficult on a surgery rotation (or any rotation that may require you to stand for long hours without a break), but whenever possible, try to make sure that you’re drinking enough water! If possible, try to limit your intake on sugary beverages and alcohol.
Social Support
Make time for your family and your friends when you can, and let them know that you’re still alive and well! The medical school that I attend is across the country from my family and most of my closest friends, so I use the time that I take driving to and from rotations to catch up on life with them.
A Life Outside of Medicine
Please be aware that I’m definitely not advocating that you frolic through your clinical rotations without reading, studying, or caring about the service that you are on. However, it is important to take a break sometimes! What are your hobbies and interests? Remember that once upon a time, you did in fact have a life outside of medical school, and try to make some time each week to de-stress and engage in an activity that you enjoy that has nothing to do with medicine!
