Strategies for Pre-Dental Students to Achieve Balance and Success
As pre-dental students, balancing school and personal life can sometimes seem unachievable. If you are someone who makes it their whole life's mission to achieve academic success, it can be draining to find time for other hobbies and activities. We hope knowing you are not alone in this experience is comforting. While maintaining excellent academic records is critical for dental school acceptance, nurturing your mental health for future success is also essential. Here are some tips I have accumulated as a student with high standards for myself.
Set small attainable goals: It is the small victories that help us stay motivated throughout the day. The slightest bit of encouragement can make an enormous difference in our self-confidence and drive. This is why I set smaller goals throughout the day. While I have larger goals, writing out what I want to accomplish within my day is immensely helpful. For this, I use websites such as Notion, and each check mark made on my agenda is a small victory. Whether I am watching a lecture or making flashcards for a quiz, I feel encouraged as I check off the task from my list.
Make relationships a priority: Healthy friendships, romantic relationships, and familial relationships are extremely important for overall happiness. Not only do relationships provide emotional support, but they are also great stress relievers if they are healthy. This is why spending time throughout the week with people who bring you joy is vital. Whether it is a weekly date night with a partner or a coffee run with a friend, these small moments make life worthwhile. Our connections will bring us fond memories of our years in school once we graduate and step into the workforce. Remember to have fun!
Workout: Working out helps to ease my stress and provides me with an outlet. When I feel anxious or overwhelmed, an enjoyable workout always gives me the serotonin to overcome obstacles throughout the day. Additionally, working out improves my sleep, which is essential if I want to be ready for the next day.
Set aside time for hobbies: Spending time on our hobbies is a great way to relieve stress. Everyone needs a break to prevent burnout and all-consuming stress. Hobbies bring us joy and contentment in life. It is vital to be a well-rounded individual to better our mental health. For example, I love watching movies. They help take my mind off of tasks that bother me. I also love to work with my hands to reduce anxiety. Whatever your hobby is, do not let it go if it makes you happy!
While the journey may seem difficult at times, remember the image you have in your head of yourself working your dream job and achieving your goals. Feel free to leave any suggestions you have on maintaining a healthy balance in school.
