There are moments throughout vet school that will make you question what you were thinking when you decided to embark on this doctoral journey. Most of these moments will occur around exam time, and it can be hard to stay motivated to study sometimes. When I get stressed, I either throw myself completely into my work, or shut down completely. This week, I'm on the verge of shutting down. All because of a class called Veterinary Physiology. Specifically, neurophysiology.
I can assure you, I did not get into vet school based solely on my grades. Although I am smart, I am not a test taker. I am only recently learning to keep myself calm during exams and am beginning to see higher marks. That being said, I tend to be okay with getting lower exam grades, because I know the material, regardless of what score I receive. However, there are some subjects that will never be easy for me to understand, and one of these is neurophysiology. Honestly, physiology in general is difficult for me. There are so many details, and it is hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that all of these things occur inside the body system.
It is incredibly difficult not to compare myself to other students. Especially those that do so well. Needless to say, I tend to be really hard on myself and that sometimes leads me down a very dark path into a negative mindset. By the time I am ready to shut down, it is hard to pull myself up and motivate myself to keep going. Add in personal stresses outside of vet school, and it is a royal recipe for disaster.
I've made a list of things that help keep me going when these moods hit. I hope that you find them helpful too.
1. Remember you aren't alone.
This sounds easier said than done, but chances are, in a class of 100 students, there is at least one or more students that are feeling the same way you are. The thing about vet school is that we aren't competing anymore. We've all made it and we are all going to be doctors. We are a family and we have to support each other. Of course there are going to be people you don't get along with, and there are always cliques, but for the most part, your classmates are there to support you and help you through whatever situation you are going through. Reach out to your classmates. It will help.
2. Read the SDN forums for your incoming class
I've been following the newest applicants for next year at Midwestern and Minnesota on Student Doctor Network, and one of the things that really makes me feel happy is reading posts by newly accepted students. It brings me back to when I was first accepted, and how excited I was. There is also a real sense of humbleness in reading these posts as well, because I read the posts from rejected students, and I realize (again) how blessed I am to be here, even if it is hard at the moment. We were chosen to our programs for a reason, and for each accepted student, there's several that had to be turned away. It is important to never take this opportunity for granted, because there are people that would give anything to be in our position. (no matter how miserable we may be at the moment!)
3. Call your family
Besides your vet school family, remember your loved ones. Moving out of Minnesota was the hardest thing I have ever done, and my heart breaks every day when I think about how far away from my family I am. But I know that even from afar, they are there for me and will always be there to cheer me up and tell me I can do it. I make everyone send me pictures of home, and it makes me happy knowing that in a few short years I will be able to go home again.
4. Practice self-care
No matter how stressed you are, or how many lectures you feel like you will never get through, it is vital to take care of yourself first. I refuse to sacrifice sleep while I am in school. Mainly because I am prone to crankiness and mid-lecture narcolepsy, but also because I cannot function if I am tired. My brain will remember every song lyric from early 90s songs, but I won't be able to distinguish a vein from an artery. It is important to sleep well, but also to eat well while in school. By nourishing your brain, you will feel less tired and be less likely to get sick if you are getting all your vitamins and minerals. I can tell when I am lacking protein, for example, and I will take an extra half an hour to cook some meat and make a good meal for myself. It is also important to get exercise. This boosts your mood, and helps keep your body fit and healthy. I like to hit up the gym at my apartment and do a little cardio and lift some weights. I also make sure to stretch really well every day, because stretching makes me feel lean and strong. I also am a huge advocate for bubble baths. Once or twice a week (sometimes more), I like to draw a hot bath and spend an hour relaxing and listening to music. Sometimes I bring my notes in and study a little bit, but most of the time I listen to music and surf the web. I also take a couple hours a week to just relax in front of the TV. Now I know that this seems like a lot of hours in the week that I am giving up to relax rather than study, but whenever I skip these self-care tasks, I find myself feeling horrible and upset. I would rather take a few hours for myself and be happy than have perfect grades.
5. Remember why you started
Time for a little tough love. WE CHOSE THIS. We came into this program knowing that it was going to be hard. But, of course, that doesn't make our tough moments less justified. You are allowed to feel upset and sad and angry even. It's okay. But try to remember why you started in the first place. I love animals, and I want to take care of them as their doctor. And that is sometimes all the motivation I need to keep going.
