A medical student has it tough. Not only do they have to deal with taxing academic and internship commitments, but in tending to these responsibilities they have to deal with the compromises they make to their mental and physical health, which they are especially in charge of while in a hostel. This doesn’t need to be the case. There are ways around those pitfalls. Here, we shall explore some tips around self-care for medical students in hostels.

Prioritize sleep
Sleep not only restores and rejuvenates a person, but a lot of what the mind has absorbed during the day goes through vital stages of processing during sleep. Good sleep is of high importance to the medical student’s mental health and can cause all kinds of complications, both mental and physical if compromised. Sticking to a sleep schedule where a good 8 hours of sleep is maintained might be one of the best decisions you could make for your mental health.

Eat healthy
A guide for self-care for medical students in hostels is incomplete without the simple suggestion of eating healthy. Nutritious, well-balanced meals are essential for the healthy functioning of not only the body, but also the mind. Don’t skip meals, and when you do eat, make sure you do good to your body by eating the right things. Avoid junk food and unnecessary sugar that only works against the system. If you’re a person of science, you need to not ignore the effects of harmful chemicals in your body.

Exercise
Medical students are prone to fatigue. One remedy against it is to include physical exercise in your routine, which not only promotes well-being and enhances stamina, but also prevents musculoskeletal issues. Incorporate a bit of stretches, walks, runs, exercises, and even lifting, if possible, to tackle the pressures of the grind. Self-care for medical students in hostels will always be incomplete if it ignores tending to their physical health demands.

Time management
This is not only a self-care practice but also a life skill that must be picked up by every functional member of society. One needs to know how to organize their time to make the most out of it and to stick to such schedules. This is especially true for medical students who juggle multiple responsibilities, from lectures and practicals to hospital internships and personal commitments. Without structured time management, stress can quickly build up and lead to complications.

Develop support systems
It’s a challenging journey through the years of a medical student, and it’s even challenging if one must go through it alone. Study groups are beneficial in multi-faceted ways. It’s good to interact with seniors too and find worthy mentors. Most importantly, don’t abandon your personal life. Keep in touch with family and friends.

At S’ Residences, the self-care of our students is always upheld. Whether it’s mental or physical health, all provisions that ensure a smooth operation through their stay here are made. The best thing about a hostel is that you’re not alone, and you never have to be. Use everything and everyone to your advantage.