Burnout in medical school – 3 simple tips to avoid it

Medical school is challenging. There’s a lot to do in a very limited time. Plus, it’s a long journey. We need to perform at a high level over a long period, which is taxing on our mind and body. So having a sustainable study routine is key. Here are 3 simple tips to avoid burnout in medical school.

1. Schedule in your life first, studying second

Medical school is a big commitment but that doesn’t mean our entire lives should centre around it. That’s a sure track to burning out. Which is why it’s so important to have things to look forward to. Whether it’s going to a party, meeting up with family for lunch, or having a relaxing night in. But what’s key is scheduling these events first to make them a priority. Then schedule in your studying to have it completed by the event.

This strategy helps in 2 ways. You’ll feel motivated. And more importantly, you’ll use your limited study time more efficiently. After all, you know that you can’t use any of the time scheduled for your event to study. Earlier in the term, I looked forward to the few days off leading up to an exam. I was usually caught up with the material so I knew I could relax a little on those days. Those mini breaks really kept me motivated. But, this wasn’t my doing – our course schedule had those days built in.

Towards the end of the term, I proactively used this strategy. I scheduled to take Eid off. And when the NBA playoffs started, I really looked forward to certain games. So I’d make sure to get everything done during the day so I could enjoy the game in the evening. I’m going to use this strategy more next term to try taking weekends off (which is definitely doable).

2. Workout to prevent burnout in medical school

It’s important to recharge our physical and mental energy to stave off burnout. And working out is a great way to do that. I truly believe that exercise is a big reason why I did well this term without burning out. I didn’t feel overly stressed or overwhelmed at any point, like I often did in undergrad. Furthermore, I had clarity and focus which helped me get things done. And it makes sense.

Research shows that exercise improves both memory and learning. This talk by Dr. Wendy Suzuki was, and remains, my motivation for exercising regularly. And as Dr. Barbara Oakley describes in her course Learning How to Learn, exercise is one of the times we experience “diffuse mode” learning. Essentially, our brain works in the background to make connections between ideas. Which is exactly what we need when learning a new or challenging concept. In this way, exercise helps with learning while providing a much needed break from studying. We get the best of both worlds.

Summer break is a great time to get in the habit of exercising regularly. Then carry that routine into the school year by scheduling in your workouts. These simple tips really helped me start and maintain a workout routine.

3. Do a little each day

On days we feel unmotivated, studying just a little bit can make all the difference. Especially since this will happen quite often. If you use Anki, just aim to get through your reviews. Which is what I did on those days. If you have lectures the day after an exam and you’re still tired, just review the slides so at least you know the topic. Chances are, studying just that little bit will get you in the flow and help you get through more than you expected. And if not, then you can take the rest of the day off.

But at least you did a little bit, which adds up over a few days. Especially if you’re going to see that material again. Research shows that we better retain material reviewed repeatedly over a few days than when it’s crammed close together. And, this approach helps you keep up with day to day material which will save you from stress studying before exams. This was really key in helping me stay energized throughout the term.

What strategies help you avoid burnout?

-M

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