Combat Stress With Healthy Habits

It's almost that time of year again, when for a lot of medical students, it's nose to the grindstone, preparing and studying for end of year exams and clinical evaluations.

Adopting healthy habits early in your medical career will help you to be a better and happier doctor. So if you're starting to feel the end of year pressure, consider these survival tips:

• Be aware of your signs of stress and seek to counteract them
• Know your limits – it is OK to say "no"
• Set yourself attainable goals
• Keep in mind your academic results will tell you nothing about the type of doctor you will become
• Criticism doesn't imply inadequacy – learn how to use it
• Share your stress by debriefing – talk to someone you can trust
• Take care of yourself as you would a patient – eat and drink well
• If you do not already have one, find your own GP
• Get active – try walking, running, yoga, swimming, meditation or aerobics
• Avoid self-medication – it's habit forming and will only cause more problems
• Be aware excessive drinking and drug use may feel like an escape but may lead to addiction, poor health and bigger problems
• Develop good time management skills
• When you make a mistake – share it with someone you trust, and learn from it
• Monitor your fellow students and be their advocate – let them know it is OK to be feeling the way they are and that they should seek help
• Call your Medical Defence Organisation (MDO) at any time. As a Member of MDA National, you have access to our 24/7 Medico-legal Advisory Service on 1800 011 255

Remember you are not alone You can seek help from a myriad of organisations, including your university counselling or support service.

• Nutrition Australia
• The Dieticians Association of Australia
• Beyond Blue
• Relationships Australia
• Quit (smoking)