The stereotype of the average pre-med is one who is overworked and overcommitted, and the requirements of medicine only seem to perpetuate that stereotype. Not to mention the constant feeling that whatever you are doing is not enough to get you anywhere in life. As we go through the emotional roller coaster of daily life, we are assailed by commitments, concerns and fears that pile up day by day. It is incredibly easy to think that your life revolves around your grades and your professional aspirations, and it is so easy to feel like you are falling short. And eventually, you are so driven by this that the stress piles up and you find yourself anxious about every little thing.
I think finding an escape from all this– the stress, the bottled emotions– is absolutely essential. Whenever I need an escape, I plug in my headphones and shut out all worldly distractions with my favorite pieces of music. I remind myself that there is something beautiful in life that is far more important than whatever is bothering me that day. Check out my favorite recording below.
I have a friend who, in times of stress, drops everything and turns over to putting together a massive jigsaw puzzle spread out over her coffee table. It might seem counterproductive to drop committments to do something you enjoy doing, but the therapeutic effects of having a clear head far outweigh the prospect of working maniacally for the next few hours. Of course, finding an escape doesn’t make responsibilities go away, but it allows you to return to tasks with a renewed sense of purpose.
For some, an escape might come in the form of a good book, a penciled drawing or an episode of The Office. The important thing is to find something that can let you clear your mind of craziness. And take escapes often– plan them into five minute blocks in your day, and as often as you can without losing all sense of responsibility.