Way too burned out period.

[shrey]

I've just got back from a short vacation and it's just been a week since school started and I'm already so burned out. I'm sure a lot of you guys might have experienced this problem...my question: How do you deal with this? I think part of this burn out also has to do with my lack of interest to start studying..this year, we have 10 subjects (8 this semester) and all are quite rigorous (except for Czech, Ethics and Psychology). Sometimes, med school really sucks...

P.S. I did take a day-off (which is the common advice) and now I'm addicted to watching movies/shows and have become lazier than ever :(

[devildoc8404]

I feel your pain, shrey. It's a long, hard slog.

Yeah, I am in a different place than you, but here are a few things that actively help me through the doldrums of medical school in the former East Bloc.

1) I do some volunteer work at an orphanage or other place where I can make a difference. This has been one of the most rewarding things that I have done here, and it completely shifts my mindset away from how bad my life sucks (because in the grand scheme, it really doesn't), and reframes it as how I can make a difference as a physician-in-training. I highly recommend volunteer service on a weekend, or an evening, or something...

2) I play with my kid. Granted, I am fortunate enough to have a 4-year-old here in the home. But there may be others around who have a little kid that you can play with. I don't know why, but it is cathartic for me to play marbles or swordfights or even just dance around like an idiot for an hour or two.

3) I exercise. Not enough, mind, but I have noticed that I am better at studying, better at retaining material, and in a much better mood when I exercise.

Hang in there! I know it sucks. Rotations are a lot better than classroom, and you are almost there.

[shrey]

Hello devildoc,

Yes, you're right about the exercise part. I'm planning on joining a gym next month (coz they're opening up a new one that's just a few blocks away from my apartment.)

Regarding the kids, I think that's very hard, especially in a country where everyone is so reserved, to the extent that saying "hello, how are you?" is considered abnormal (but apparently a greeting with just "hello" is completely fine :confused:)

I just found out this place which gives free czech lessons (for foreigners trying to integrate into the society). So, I might give that a go if I have free time.

But yeah, I never realized that studying in a 6 year program would be this painful (3 more loooong, painful years to go :() When some of the other upperclassmen told me how frustrating it gets later in the years, I thought they were just saying that to discourage me or because they didn't perform well in school. But now I realize that they were quite right. 6 years is no joke. Btw how is medical school treating you?