Self-Care in Medical School
Written by Summer Bailey, MD
I want to talk about a topic that we don't discuss very much: self-care. A couple of definitions define self-care as the practice of taking action to preserve or improve one's health or the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress. It would be an understatement to say that medical school is a stressful time. It is a time where many transitions and learning experiences occur, and I found myself losing sight of who I was during medical school which transitions into my medical residency program. The less a physician takes care of themselves, the less able they are to take care of their residents and others around them. While taking time away from residency, one of the things I wanted to focus on was self-care so that I could take my new and improved self into a new residency program. Here are some of the lessons I've learned about self-care that I wanted to share in case it could help anyone else with their journey:
1. Yes, you do have time to take care of yourself: it may seem impossible with multiple tests as a student or working long hours as a resident, but there is time in your day to take care of yourself. Self-care does not have to last for a long time; if you can take 30 minutes (or even 5 minutes) that is more than enough. Finding the time is most of the battle but once you set out time for yourself each day, it becomes easier to do. Each day may not give you the same amount of time either, but taking whatever time you can is better than no time at all.
2. Find a way to take care of yourself that fits your schedule and your personality: self-care looks different for everyone. Some people lean on religion/meditation, while others lean on fitness, and there is not a single picture of self-care. If you like to binge reality shows or Netflix specials, let that be your self-care. Have a favorite podcast that you like to listen to? let that be your self-care. I think that trying to make your self-care look like what you think the picture of self-care to be, can be detrimental, and self-care should be something that gives you energy and allows you to recharge. Choose a way that works for you.
3. Try to check in on your loved ones to make sure they are taking care of themselves as well: whether it's a family member you know, a medical school classmate or resident coworker, or even an attending or superior, making sure that everyone is filling their cup is important. It is easy to get swept up in taking care of ourselves that we do need to make sure that those around us, especially those we are working with, are taking care of themselves too. Sometimes, self-care for another person can be talking out their feelings with someone else, so being that emotional pillar for someone is sometimes self-care for them and you.
4. The self-care you put into yourself ultimately will help benefit your patients: as healthcare providers, if we are not our best selves, we cannot expect our patients to be. Moreover, there have been studies that have shown that a well-rested and emotionally stable physician is more effective and healthier for a patient than the alternative. Not only are you taking care of yourself when you participate in self-care, but you are also helping to benefit your patients.
How will you take care of yourself today?
