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Josiah
Student
Malibu, California
1
Question
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How do you balance clinical practicum work and school work ?
I am not quite sure how to find the time to balance these two big responsibilities while also focusing on mental and physical health.
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1 answer
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
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Dr’s Answer
Hey Josiah,
Let me be honest here with you buddy, so basically, balancing clinical practicum work with school can definitely feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re trying to maintain your mental and physical health on top of it. I totally get the struggle. One thing that’s worked for me, and might help you too, is breaking everything down into chunks. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance, and don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as you go. Sometimes you need to be flexible and realistic with how much you can take on.
One approach could help you would be to set clear, non-negotiable boundaries around certain times of your day for self-care. It might feel impossible to squeeze in, but just like you schedule study time, try scheduling breaks, exercise, or relaxation. These moments help you recharge and give your brain a break, so when it’s time to work, you can be more focused and efficient.
It’s also important to recognize that you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Clinical practicums can be intense, but remember that the goal is learning and not performing at the highest level right away. So, give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Lastly, talking with your professors or practicum supervisors about workload expectations can also relieve some stress. They’re usually pretty understanding when it comes to students juggling multiple responsibilities, so you might be able to find some solutions together, don't understimate the power of understanding which many students do.
Remember josiah, it might take some time to find your rhythm, but once you do, it becomes a lot easier. Be kind to yourself, and don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way! You’ve got this, all the best, and always keep asking.
Take a couple of hours to map out your week, blocking out time for both practicum and school assignments. Be sure to include breaks and self-care moments, like exercise or relaxation. A clear visual of your commitments can help you manage your time more effectively and reduce stress.
Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, break your tasks down into manageable pieces. Prioritize what needs to be done first, and set small daily or weekly goals. Completing those smaller tasks will help you feel accomplished and motivated.
Be open about your workload and any challenges you're facing. Supervisors or professors may offer support or adjust expectations if they understand your situation. It’s okay to ask for help when needed. They want to see you succeed!
Let me be honest here with you buddy, so basically, balancing clinical practicum work with school can definitely feel overwhelming at times, especially when you’re trying to maintain your mental and physical health on top of it. I totally get the struggle. One thing that’s worked for me, and might help you too, is breaking everything down into chunks. Prioritize your tasks based on deadlines and importance, and don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as you go. Sometimes you need to be flexible and realistic with how much you can take on.
One approach could help you would be to set clear, non-negotiable boundaries around certain times of your day for self-care. It might feel impossible to squeeze in, but just like you schedule study time, try scheduling breaks, exercise, or relaxation. These moments help you recharge and give your brain a break, so when it’s time to work, you can be more focused and efficient.
It’s also important to recognize that you don’t have to do everything perfectly. Clinical practicums can be intense, but remember that the goal is learning and not performing at the highest level right away. So, give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Lastly, talking with your professors or practicum supervisors about workload expectations can also relieve some stress. They’re usually pretty understanding when it comes to students juggling multiple responsibilities, so you might be able to find some solutions together, don't understimate the power of understanding which many students do.
Remember josiah, it might take some time to find your rhythm, but once you do, it becomes a lot easier. Be kind to yourself, and don’t forget to celebrate small wins along the way! You’ve got this, all the best, and always keep asking.
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