I apologize if this is in the wrong forum--long time lurker, first time poster. I've recently been accepted to medical school and I have a huge concern.
Throughout undergrad, I was fortunate enough to receive a full scholarship and used the money I earned from work to fuel my "lifestyle".
I eat extremely healthy, mainly focusing on organic food, high quality meats, gluten-free, no dairy, e.t.c. Therefore, I have the tendency to shop at Whole Foods and at local farmer markets, and it gets expensive. There's many reasons for this: 1) I care deeply about what I put in my body 2) when I can, I like supporting local suppliers 3) I have a GI condition that requires me to have a picky diet (gluten free, staying away from certain ingredients, no dairy, e.t.c) unless I want to go on medication
On top of that, I love attending pilates and yoga classes daily, and again, that can add up. This helps me de-stress as well as keep my sane while I'm studying. I hate gyms, I have no motivation to exercise unless someone is telling me to.
I also do a lot of facial treatments, go see my dermatologist, sometimes getting cosmetic procedures, buying top-shelf skin products, e.t.c. To me, it's very therapeutic. I know it's vain to some people, but I really enjoy looking my best and take pride in it.
I know to a lot of you this seems excessive/vain/waste of money, but it's honestly how I distress and I truly enjoy doing these things. Some people like playing video games to relax, I like getting my hair done.
I know medical school is going to be extremely stressful and I'm worried I won't have these "safety" blankets with me when I enter. Is there anyway I can go about doing all of these things with such a small budget? Is it worth getting extra loans to pay for some of this stuff? I really truly believe in investing in oneself, and I think it would personally be worth it, especially if it allows me to do my best in medical school.
Please, serious responders only. I know how ridiculous this may seem to many of you, but this is important to me. (and no my parents don't have a ton of money)