October has been a month unlike any other. Is it just me, or does it appear that the closer you get to the end of the semester, the more tests and examinations professors choose to schedule? This is exactly what I have been struggling with for the past few weeks.
I have at least one quiz or exam per week. Last week, there was an S&F quiz. This week’s tests include a Micro/Imuno exam and an S&F quiz. Next week, there will be two quizzes and a module exam.
In addition to those quizzes, the workload in my ECR and HIPS classes has increased. My saving grace for this module was that there was not a lot of anatomy, so I could devote the time I would normally spend studying anatomy to other topics.
This module is cardiovascular, thus I’ve spent most of my time studying S&F or Biochem. I’ve learned to interpret ECGs and comprehend the events that occur during the cardiac cycle, as well as the mechanics of blood vessels.
How I’m getting through it
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with this much happening, but I’ve really made it a point to take one day at a time. Here are a few improvements that I have made that helped me:
- Making time for family and friends
- Studying in different places
- Scheduled admin time
- Being honest with myself
- Daily check-in with self
I felt overwhelmed more than once, but changing my routine helped me get through it. It sounds simple, but small adjustments—like studying in new places, changing my music, or adding quiet time to my mornings—shifted my mindset and eased my stress.
Setting aside admin time made a huge difference. I used it to plan study sessions, reply to emails, and schedule office hours or tutoring. Taking care of those little tasks early in the week helped me stay on track.
I also had to be honest with myself. I was expecting too much and not meeting myself where I was. It’s funny how the advice you give others can circle back when you need it most. I’m training to be a doctor, but I’m still human. I can’t do everything—and that’s okay.
If you ever find yourself stuck in a funk like I was, remember—you’re human. Bad days happen, and that’s okay. My challenge to you is simple: don’t let those moments take over your life. Every rainstorm passes eventually.