Finding the Work Life Balance

Hey y'all, hope all is going well. In today's blog I want to address an issue that really hits home for me, as well as a lot of pre-health students pursuing an undergraduate degree. This post will be about finding the work life balance.

I took one glance at the clock. It read 4:48 AM. It was finals week of my freshman spring semester. I had been in the same spot in the library since 10 AM the day before, emerging rarely for food or another Red Bull to keep this marathon pumping. I had to get a 96 on this final or my life would be over. My identity as a good student crushed and loved ones, spending hard earned money on my education, let down. The final was at 8 AM. I continued studying until 6:30, went and got breakfast, then walked into the final. I got a 96.5.

We've all been there. When the workload just overwhelms you to the point that all you do is eat, breathe, and study. I can tell you right now, however, this is the only all-nighter I have ever pulled in college. Since sophomore year I have implemented a variety of study strategies and tactics so I don't have to experience this fatigue again. Yes I got the grade I wanted, but at what cost? Well afterwards I was utterly exhausted and unable to study for another exam the next day, which affected my performance. I was also neglecting my body, self, and mind. At the time, I didn't have any sort of workout routine, I was eating bullshit from any window or cafeteria I could find, my blood was about 50% Red Bull, and my mind was exhausted. What would have happened if I would have taken an hour off to go to the gym or to cook a healthy meal at home? What is I just took 5 minutes off of studying every 25 to give my mind a little time to rest?

Since this experience Freshman year, I have changed my ways. I can't say that it happened over night, or even over the course of the next year because of organic chemistry. But today, as I finish up the first semester of my senior year, I have implemented some things to make the day to day stresses of being a student a little bit more manageable.

My first piece of advice is to wake up early. I know we are in college. I know about the late nights spent with friends or studying. But if you do some research, virtually every successful person wakes up early. I personally try to go to bed my 9:30 PM and have an alarm set for everyday at 6:30 AM. Sometimes I wake up before it, sometimes I awake to the sound of it going off, but regardless when I come to in the morning, I get the hell up. Don't be the guy that hits snooze. The guy that hits snooze is already starting the day by delaying responsibilities. If you find yourself hitting snooze, my advice is to just set an alarm for later and get in the habit of waking up and getting up right when your alarm goes off.

I also recommend implementing some sort of physical fitness routine. It can be anything from walking, running, swimming, biking, weight lifting, etc. Just have something to take your mind off of things. I personally am currently training for a marathon, so I run 4 times per week and hit the gym in the afternoon if my schedule permits. I value running because it gives me a chance to listen to music, listen to a podcast, or just unplug and allow me to replace mental challenges with physical ones.

In addition to these two simple strategies, I have also began to use Anki, a notecard spatial repetition software that is used to memorize information and hold it long term. I find that when I put information into Anki and go over my notecards everyday for 20 to 30 minutes, when it comes time for the exam I don't have to put so much time in the days before. It has reduced my overall study time and I still do well on exams. Anki has allowed me to become a more efficient student, allowing for more gym time or time spent with friends.

When it is time for me to sit down and go over Anki cards, I take five minutes off every 25 minutes. In this 5 minutes I can go through my social media, check text messages and emails, go to the bathroom, or just simply sit and relax. The important part is that during the 25 minutes, you are solely focused on the task at hand with no distractions. My phone is on do not disturb, my computer notifications turned off, my ear buds in. Nothing could get me out of this study trance except a true emergency.

So these are just a few pieces of advice for people struggling to find that work life balance. This is a topic that I could fill a novel with, and many people have. It's all about finding what works for you. When you do find it, don't be afraid to try new things you see other students doing. The work life balance is an ever-evolving relationship with ourselves. And lastly, don't overdo it on the caffeine. Thank you for reading and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Have a great Thanksgiving Break!

Tate Hunter