3 answers
Liliana
Student
Twin Falls, Idaho
1
Question
Asked
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How do you stay motivated in medical school when you feel overwhelmed, and things get hard? #Spring25
I hear from many medical students that school can be overwhelming and hard, but they get through it. I want to know how they get through the hard times. I struggle with stress management and feeling motivated, and I want to know any tips or tricks that can help prepare me for medical school and my future career!
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3 answers
Taylor Nicole
Medical Student
8
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Liliana,
You're absolutely right. Staying motivated throughout medical school can be incredibly challenging, especially with the constant influx of information. That said, I did find a few strategies that helped me stay focused and maintain momentum over the past four years.
One technique that worked well for me was using timed study sessions. I started with 30- to 60-minute blocks of focused study, ensuring my phone was out of reach to minimize distractions. Once the timer went off, I’d take a short 5–10 minute break to walk around or grab a healthy snack before starting the next session. Gradually increasing the length of study periods helped improve my concentration and prevented burnout. Having defined breaks made studying feel more manageable, rather than one long, exhausting stretch.
Another surprisingly effective trick was turning my phone display to grayscale. By removing the visual stimulation of color, I found I was much less tempted to scroll through social media. It may sound minor, but reducing that constant dopamine feedback made it easier to focus, and oddly enough, it made the colors on UWorld seem more appealing than those on my phone!
These small adjustments added up over time and made a real difference in my productivity and focus. I hope a few of them might be helpful for you as well.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want to talk more about study strategies or my medical school experience.
You're absolutely right. Staying motivated throughout medical school can be incredibly challenging, especially with the constant influx of information. That said, I did find a few strategies that helped me stay focused and maintain momentum over the past four years.
One technique that worked well for me was using timed study sessions. I started with 30- to 60-minute blocks of focused study, ensuring my phone was out of reach to minimize distractions. Once the timer went off, I’d take a short 5–10 minute break to walk around or grab a healthy snack before starting the next session. Gradually increasing the length of study periods helped improve my concentration and prevented burnout. Having defined breaks made studying feel more manageable, rather than one long, exhausting stretch.
Another surprisingly effective trick was turning my phone display to grayscale. By removing the visual stimulation of color, I found I was much less tempted to scroll through social media. It may sound minor, but reducing that constant dopamine feedback made it easier to focus, and oddly enough, it made the colors on UWorld seem more appealing than those on my phone!
These small adjustments added up over time and made a real difference in my productivity and focus. I hope a few of them might be helpful for you as well.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever want to talk more about study strategies or my medical school experience.
Divya Minnaganti
Physician
7
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Divya’s Answer
Yes, medical school — and any healthcare profession — can be overwhelming. Beyond the daily workload, there’s the unique emotional weight of caring for human lives. However, a positive shift has occurred in the field: there is now a growing emphasis on wellness.
One of the most important ways to navigate the challenges is by keeping everything in perspective. Why did you choose this path? Reconnecting with your original motivation — whether it’s bridging a healthcare gap or helping patients heal — can make it easier to move past a tough day. Remembering your larger purpose puts everyday stresses into context.
Another crucial tool is developing a well-defined "dopamine menu" — a list of activities that reliably lift your mood and help you reset. Personally, I prioritize staying active: I schedule workouts, tennis, or dance sessions 5–6 times per week. This consistent commitment to physical activity builds in time for stress relief and mental recovery. Setting aside "fun social time" with friends is equally important to recharge.
Small, intentional practices matter too: getting sunlight whenever possible, taking mindful walks, or practicing meditation can make a big difference.
Ultimately, it comes down to being intentional about your wellness. Protecting your mental and physical health isn’t optional in this field — it’s essential for longevity and for being the best possible caregiver to others.
One of the most important ways to navigate the challenges is by keeping everything in perspective. Why did you choose this path? Reconnecting with your original motivation — whether it’s bridging a healthcare gap or helping patients heal — can make it easier to move past a tough day. Remembering your larger purpose puts everyday stresses into context.
Another crucial tool is developing a well-defined "dopamine menu" — a list of activities that reliably lift your mood and help you reset. Personally, I prioritize staying active: I schedule workouts, tennis, or dance sessions 5–6 times per week. This consistent commitment to physical activity builds in time for stress relief and mental recovery. Setting aside "fun social time" with friends is equally important to recharge.
Small, intentional practices matter too: getting sunlight whenever possible, taking mindful walks, or practicing meditation can make a big difference.
Ultimately, it comes down to being intentional about your wellness. Protecting your mental and physical health isn’t optional in this field — it’s essential for longevity and for being the best possible caregiver to others.
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
151
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
It’s true — medical school is overwhelming at times, but many students push through by focusing on why they started. Most stay motivated by reminding themselves that every tough day brings them closer to becoming the doctor they always dreamed of being. They break things down into small, daily goals instead of thinking about everything at once, and they lean on classmates, friends, and mentors for support. Good stress management comes from building healthy habits early: exercising, taking short mental breaks, staying organized with schedules, and allowing yourself some grace on bad days. Motivation isn’t constant — discipline and a strong support system are what really carry you through when it gets tough. Starting to practice those habits now will make a big difference when you reach medical school!