Stress

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braindoc2016

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So I am highly motivated freshman in undergraduate. I got rejected from my dream school for undergraduate studies and now I am determined to make sure that I get into my dream medical school. I don't sleep much bc I am constantly studying or doing research and lately my stress level is really high.

I'm just curious to to know what you guys do to destress.

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I make the best of what I have and do what makes me happy. I didn't get into my dream school either, but my situation made me realize (a year later) what a mistake I would have made. I don't know your situation and what school you wanted versus what school you ended up at, but if you make the most of wherever you are, you'll be satisfied.

Don't make too much of the most though. If you enjoy the research you do, keep doing it. If not, find a lab you like. Do the ECs you like and focus on a small handful to not spread yourself so thin. And if you're studying non-stop in undergrad, you're not studying effectively. I've taken heavy courseloads and still find time in a semester to relax and enjoy my life.
 
The only reason why you shouldn't be sleeping is if you simply don't have enough time. Your at a critical point in your physiological development state- you're only inhibiting yourself from reaching maximum potential by not giving your brain and body the rest they need. Evolution will and always will beat out human manufactured mechanisms. Anyway if you need to destress play video games, get a girlfriend and watch tv
 
If you are already getting little sleep as a freshman because of studying and research, you may want to relax a bit. Many a "highly motivated freshman" has not followed through with premed because of stress and burnout. Make time to do stuff you enjoy, have a life. If you can't take care of yourself now you'll be doomed later on.
 
So I am highly motivated freshman in undergraduate. I got rejected from my dream school for undergraduate studies and now I am determined to make sure that I get into my dream medical school. I don't sleep much bc I am constantly studying or doing research and lately my stress level is really high.

I'm just curious to to know what you guys do to destress.

Sent from my R800x using SDN Mobile

I don't know what your worldview is, but prayer is powerful and effective. For me, it settles me down cuz I know I have a purpose in life and if I abide in Christ then he will guide me through the obstacles. In other words, keeping your eyes on what motivates you and drawing strength from that is important. In terms of physical routines, I would recommend going to the gym to lift weights, preferably alone so you can just relax and enjoy some solitude. Not only does it help you blow off steam, but you can build self-esteem and confidence when you get physical results from exercise.
 
Don't drive yourself crazy worrying about a "dream school." School is simply the vehicle that gets you where you want to go. Sure, your dream school might be more impressive to some or give you a thrill, but your life is so much more than that. If you ultimately want to be a physician, that is the bigger dream and there are about 200 ways to get there.
 
I have always found the best way to release some stress was doing exercise. Whether it is lifting weights or going for a run, this exercise helps to give off some energy and helps your muscles relax after the workout. Because you are pushing your body, further you are stressing your muscles. Your body will get used to this stress as you continue to exercise, and when school and other stressors come up, you will be less affected and handle the stress better. Take 30 minutes to an hour almost everyday to get some exercise in, and I assure you your stress will decrease. A run is a good way to let off some frustration energy and clear your head for a little before jumping back into the swing of things.

Also, try to make sure you are utilizing your time well in terms of studying. Study properly for your learning style (visual, auditory, read/write, etc.) because this will help you maximize your time studying and give you more free time later to relieve stress. It will get better as you learn to better manage your time. Just keep at it.
 
So I am highly motivated freshman in undergraduate. I got rejected from my dream school for undergraduate studies and now I am determined to make sure that I get into my dream medical school. I don't sleep much bc I am constantly studying or doing research and lately my stress level is really high.

I'm just curious to to know what you guys do to destress.

Sent from my R800x using SDN Mobile

1. By fixing/making progress on whatever is bothering me.
2. Working out with music.
3. Going on a walk.
4. Complaining about it.
 
So I am highly motivated freshman in undergraduate. I got rejected from my dream school for undergraduate studies and now I am determined to make sure that I get into my dream medical school. I don't sleep much bc I am constantly studying or doing research and lately my stress level is really high.

I'm just curious to to know what you guys do to destress.

Sent from my R800x using SDN Mobile

Mediocre grades and go DO.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN Mobile app please excuse punctuation and spelling
 
. And if you're studying non-stop in undergrad, you're not studying effectively.

Seconding this. Quality over quantity is hugely important for studying, and this will become even more important later on in your education.

Find more efficient study methods, study less, and go party. Save the 24/7 studying for med school.
 
I make the best of what I have and do what makes me happy. I didn't get into my dream school either, but my situation made me realize (a year later) what a mistake I would have made. I don't know your situation and what school you wanted versus what school you ended up at, but if you make the most of wherever you are, you'll be satisfied.

Don't make too much of the most though. If you enjoy the research you do, keep doing it. If not, find a lab you like. Do the ECs you like and focus on a small handful to not spread yourself so thin. And if you're studying non-stop in undergrad, you're not studying effectively. I've taken heavy courseloads and still find time in a semester to relax and enjoy my life.

Let me clarify. DO NOT SPREAD YOURSELF THIN. 5 Honor Societies, 3 Clubs, 2 Volunteer places, 14 credit hours, and studying for the MCAT and im pooped. I believe the best thing to do is to get a little bit of everything done, although not every thing, find a hobby you love and stick with it and make sure you make some free time for yourself and your stress levels will go way down.
 
Get involved in productive things that you find fun. You're shooting for the top right? So you're going to have to do a lot of things and keep those stats high, but keep busy in pre-med related activities (and some activities that aren't related at all) that don't seem like a chore.

In the end, you can get a perfect GPA, great MCAT, and do a load of ECs and still have time to sleep 8 hours, waste several days a month on Youtube, and hang out a lot with friends. Stressing out is the best way to waste time, and not get anything done. Hope you find things you love doing and get into that dream school!
 
Try and find an activity to de-stress yourself every day. That might be going for a run or it might be going out for some drinks with your friends. Don't put that much pressure on yourself because you'll burn out. Do well in Wilmington and I'm sure you can transfer into Chapel Hill.
 
Let me clarify. DO NOT SPREAD YOURSELF THIN. 5 Honor Societies, 3 Clubs, 2 Volunteer places, 14 credit hours, and studying for the MCAT and im pooped. I believe the best thing to do is to get a little bit of everything done, although not every thing, find a hobby you love and stick with it and make sure you make some free time for yourself and your stress levels will go way down.

5 honor societies?? You guys go to some wacky undergrads! 🙂
 
I'm a freshman too. So yay! We're going to be on the same journey!

What I do to destress is definitely hang out with friends at least one day of the week (not during midterms or finals, though). That day, completely dedicate it to relax.

These frequent, but short "chill days" will help keep your stress level low, so you don't burn out. You want to feel good and confident throughout the rest of your undergrad career.

Needless to say, for a "chill day" to work once a week, you really need to be on top of your time management. Do not fool around and make sure you stay on top of your priorities. I recommend using "To Do Lists", as I'm not the best with remembering commitments unless I have it written/typed out.

Just remember though: You're only in undergrad ONCE. Enjoy it. The journey is always more fun than the destination, in my eyes.
 
The only reason why you shouldn't be sleeping is if you simply don't have enough time. Your at a critical point in your physiological development state- you're only inhibiting yourself from reaching maximum potential by not giving your brain and body the rest they need. Evolution will and always will beat out human manufactured mechanisms. Anyway if you need to destress play video games, get a girlfriend and watch tv

Do not get a girlfriend to destress. Just find some nice one night stands.
 
i share everyone's sentiment...sleep! or at least take some power naps!
 
1) Chillax and enjoy it a bit. You are in college. The real world is nothing like it.
2) Exercise became a great de-stressor over the past 1-2 years.
 
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