With all the things we need to memorize in vet school – anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, stupid dental formulas – one thing veterinary students are notorious for forgetting is self-care. Arguably, lack of self-care can be a sure-fire way to lead yourself to burnout, apathy, dropping out, even depression. So in an attempt to get you thinking about some easy ways to tend to yourself here are my three top self-care tips for the veterinary student of today:
GET SWOL
No, you don’t really need to get swol, but finding a physical outlet is a great way to release some steam. There are so many ways to access places where you can get your sweat on. Take advantage of your campus gym or join a gym in the local area. If typical gyms are not your style, consider a rock climbing gym or even a boxing gym. Join an intramural sports team or a local adult league. If you’re pinching pennies, no worries. Just getting outside to walk for half an hour does the trick, too. And please don’t take your notes with you! This is meant to be a break in the action of vet school – time for your brain to get a rest. Did you know it’s known that physical activity can help your brain retain information and learn more efficiently? So there you go – you’re killing two birds with one stone!
GET A HOBBY
Doing something that doesn’t involve veterinary medicine is a great way to take a break. And this can be anything! Take up cooking – you can throw chill dinner parties for your friends. Bring out your artistic side and draw or paint. Get into Cosplay and try to one-up your friends for the best costume. Start a blog. Plant a garden. Really, the possibilities are endless. Just get out there and do something you enjoy!
SLEEP
There’s not much to say here, other than naps are a gift from the Gods. If you’re in vet school, you’re probably sleep deprived. So if you get a chance to take an hour, even thirty minutes, to close your eyes and take a power-nap, do it. It’s also been said that taking naps can help with memory and learning. And as we get older, have a job, have kids, there will be less and less time to nap. Take it from me. Nap now. You won’t regret it.
