Medical students often study for several hours each day. The specific and complex things they study require them to spend that much time working. Since they also have other things to worry about in their lives, it is important for medical students to have strong time management skills. Students need to pay attention to their health and find ways to stay safe. They also need to think about their lives and how they’re interacting with others, as working far too long can cause anyone to burn out. It’s easy for students to forget about some of the more basic or everyday things they need to manage in their lives.
You can use a few time management tips to help you manage your study and personal lives. Remember to use these points to help you make the most of the limited time you have each day.
1. Use spaced repetition when studying.
One time management tip to follow when studying involves using spaced repetition. This practice helps you keep your time studying under control, plus it will be easier for you to recall data.
Spaced repetition occurs when you review a concept many times while spacing those reviews over an extended period. For example, you can study something one day, then study that same thing two days later, do so again three days later, and so forth. As you add more time between each study session, you’ll notice you’re having an easier time recalling things.
Spaced repetition is more effective than cramming, which is a practice students use to try and store more information in less time. It’s easy for people to forget data when they try to force it in, but spaced repetition lets you stay things well.
For more on how to choose the right habits for your own Step 1 study plan.
2. Establish a consistent routine.
Stay consistent when planning a living or working routine. Try waking up and getting to sleep at the same time each day. Plan your meals at specific points and stick to those times. You can also plan specific activities at certain points each day while keeping to that routine.
It’s easier to focus on your activities when you plan a useful routine. Instead of trying to do certain things longer than necessary, you’re managing your time with a suitable layout that fits.
3. Pay more attention during lectures and classes.
While you could read PDFs or other documents listing things in classes, it’s best to attend actual classes to help you understand medical concepts and retain info. Pay more attention during these classes, and keep detailed notes during each lecture to help you remember what’s important and what you need to study the most.
This time management tip works well for medical students because it’s often easy for students to forget things or not understand them if they skip classes. While you might think skipping a class to save time is convenient, doing so might make you spend more time than needed in trying to catch up.
4. Keep your study area comfortable and free from distractions.
Your study time is precious. Keep your study space distraction-free to make the most of your study sessions.
Keep any technology you’re not using off while studying. Make sure your notes are arranged by subject or topic to help you focus on specific things instead of jumping around places.
Be sure your study area is also relaxed and easy to use. Keep your desk clean, and invest in a chair that is comfortable and won’t make you want to keep shifting positions. A pleasant study area will help you review your work longer without experiencing unnecessary delays or obstacles.
5. Think about what topics are the most important for you to study.
Look at the different topics and concepts you’re studying in medical school. Your instructors might be emphasizing certain topics, for example. Your textbooks might also highlight specific things more than other items. Be sure when studying you know what’s most important so you can save time by avoiding content that isn’t critical or could be exemplary.
6. Regular exercise is necessary for your body.
Commit to a regular exercise schedule to keep you from feeling stressed. You can exercise for about thirty to sixty minutes at a time, three or four times a week.
Regular exercise will help you stay healthy, plus it keeps you feeling energetic and ready to take on whatever’s next. You will also feel less stressed, as exercise can release brain chemicals that ease tensions and worries.
7. Establish time limits for each task.
Another of the best time management tips for medical students involves using time limits for each task you want to complete. Sticking to a rigid schedule where you’re not going over your limit on something will help you maintain a healthy routine. You can move on to different duties or obligations when you plan time limits.
You can use a timer to help you schedule and measure how much time you’re spending doing something. It takes effort for you to plan the right amount of time for something, but it will be easier to handle when you know what to do.
8. Prepare your meals ahead of time.
You’ll have more control over your diet and schedule when you figure out what you’ll be eating earlier. You can prepare meals for an entire week by spending an hour or two on one day to figure out what foods are necessary. You can use this time to schedule eating habits while also avoiding spending more time than needed getting food ready. It’s also easier to plan leftovers here, which can be critical when trying to save money and time.
9. Ask for help from others.
You don’t have to go at it alone when managing your schedule. You can request help from other people as necessary. For example, you could ask other family members to help you with certain duties or tasks if you don’t have time for them. You could have someone help you complete your laundry, for instance. Maybe you might get another person to go grocery shopping for you. Whatever you do, look for help that lets you free up some time to where you won’t feel as much pressure.
10. Make enough time for yourself each day.
Your last idea for managing time is to schedule some time for yourself every day. You can plan a time when you’re going to stop studying or working for the day. This timing lets you reserve your recreational activities to a point where you’ll feel comfortable.
The best part of having me-time each day is that you’ll avoid feeling too stressed. Students who study for far too long might feel uncomfortable, or they might burn themselves out. Planning enough time to recreate and relax is necessary for your life when keeping you feeling your best.
Leave us a comment if you have any other time management tips medical school students can follow. We want to help students like you understand what to do to make it through one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences one will follow.
