Hectic schedule. Any advice?

[DHS_Flo]

Hi everyone,

I'm having some trouble sticking to a plan and would welcome any advice or encouragement from those who also have crazy schedules. Here's my situation:

I just started medical school and the workload is intense to say the least. My day's consist of a 3-4 hours of lab in the morning starting at 7:45, a 1 hr break, and then 4 hours of lecture. By that time, I'm just absolutely exhausted and while the thought of physical activity is appealing, I just want to lay down for a little while. To make matters worse, the drivers and bugs here (in the caribbean) don't create an environment conducive to running. My evenings are spent preparing for the next day's lectures and reviewing material from earlier in the day. I've tried getting up around 5:30 AM for a run, but by Wednesday I'm burnt out. I'm able to work-out on the weekends, but the weekdays are posing a challenge.

I know that so many of you have busy lives, but manage to maintain a schedule. Does anyone have any ideas? I need to exercise, but I just can't seem to juggle it.

[tiggerlover]

I know first hand how hard it is to fit exercise into a busy schedule and the only advice I can offer is you just have to put it in your schedule somewhere. Make time for you and it will pay off in the end! I was always trying to "fit" exercise into my day, but once I said this is what it is (M-W-F 4:30-4:45) is my time than it got easier. It can cause conflict at times, but I just let everyone in my life know that I have to do this for me. Even if you can only fit it 20-30 minutes in at a time at least it is something. I am sure being in medical school is intense and I wish you the best in finding something that works for you.

[Tink_Kel]

What do you do during your one hour break? Is it a true break, or do you study then too? Maybe you record some of your study materials and put them on an ipod, so you can walk/exercise during your break? Does the medical school you attend have stairs you can climb during your break?

Just some ideas! :goodvibes

[DHS_Flo]

It's more like a quasi-break. It's a time to change out of scrubs, wash-up, eat on the go, and get your spot in class. In fact it's more like 30 minutes, b/c the seats fill up so quickly. The stairs are a good idea, but they're just not set-up well enough the run them consistently (I've tried). I've been toying with the idea of recording some of my notes.

I'm determined to figure something out! :)

[jbucci]

I've been there too. I actually found that exercise helped me get through med school because it gave my brain a chance to turn off and allow me to stretch and move which I did precious little of during lectures and labs. What worked for me was finding a partner to exercise with. I was lucky and my school had a nice gym with racketball courts. I played roughly five days a week in the evening for about an hour each "session". The actual exercise you do doesn't matter as much as making time to do it. You really will feel better. There is always more to study and you may never feel totally on top of everything, but I guarantee you will feel much better physically if you can force yourself to even walk for 20-30min a day. Good luck.

[Tiger Lily 03]

I wonder how close you live to campus? Perhaps bicycling to/from would offer an outlet?

You could definitely use some sort of workout/walk/movement to help relieve the stress.

[DHS_Flo]

Having a workout buddy would definitely help since we could keep each other accountable. I was able to have a few good runs this weekend and I'm going to try my early morning routine again.

Since I live on campus, biking wouldn't work :goodvibes I don't even think I would be able to do it b/c of the hills and all my books.

Thanks for the ideas!

[DHS_Flo]

Great news!

I think I've found my rhythm coordinating my schedule so I'm starting to workout again. It feels great to get my heart rate up and break a sweat.

[Tiger Lily 03]

I am so happy to hear this. I know it will help you in many ways!