Question:
Hello, I was wondering if you can help me with the way I feel atm. I am constantly so stressed out and really sad. I dont know what's going on with me I feel like I try so hard to be successful and its tearing me apart. I only think about the time I have left and even if I study in advance I still feel guilty about my time management. I feel frustrated.
Do you have any tips that will stop making me focus solely on time.
Thanks
Response 1:
Hi, it sounds like you’re having a hard time and I am glad you reached out to us. The stress of coursework piling up and constant examinations can definitely have its toll. Time management is pretty crucial in terms of academics, but what is more important is your perspective.
It sounds like you are being really hard on yourself, so take a step back and think about why it (pharmacy/grades/whatever) matters so much to you and if it is worth all this pressure. You say you want to be successful....do you measure that by grades? If so, remind yourself that grades don’t truly reflect your professional abilities so try not to be hindered by them. You want to do well enough to pass of course, but beyond that, high marks are not worth sleepless nights or constant stress. Your health (both mental and physical) is truly most important!
Time is a fickle friend. It may be the lack of time that is stressing you out. You are definitely on the right track in trying to study ahead. I don’t know your study habits, but you can try to make time feel less constraining by making a schedule. It make seem counterintuitive since you are kinda restricting yourself by setting a certain number of hours/minutes to an activity, but you can end up feeling more productive and less overwhelmed. For instance, try to eat and go to bed/wake up around the same time everyday. Try to break down your tasks into manageable chunks (i.e. I need to make notes for ____ so I will do this lecture or number of slides in X amount of time). Get the small tasks out of the way early in the day and the heavier stuff later so you can feel a sense of accomplishment and help it power you through your studies. I find that it really helps to know what I am going to do for the day and also allot some FREE TIME daily to do something I enjoy. :) It really helps make life seem a bit brighter if everyday has something you love in it rather than endless hours of pure studying. Also, I personally don’t do it, but I hear exercise is good for you if you’re able to fit a bit of that in your schedule (can even be yoga to help with stress reduction or some light stretching in between tasks).
I hope that helped somewhat and I am more than happy to be a study buddy if you need one or if you’d like someone to talk to! Just message me at stephanie.kim@live.ca or find me on Facebook! - Steph
Response 2:
Hi, from what it sounds like you are worried about your grades and trying to maintain them. I find that if you take time to do something completely separate from pharmacy school that you really like to do, you won’t feel guilty about it because it’s something that makes you happy. It will help clear your mind from the stress and you’ll be better able to focus when it is time to study. Even if it is to set aside an hour to do something, it could help be that mental break you need. It is important to try and balance real life with school, because if you are unhappy or don’t do things for yourself, it will be difficult to focus and study. It really doesn’t have to do with the number of hours of studying you put in for most of these pharmacy courses, but it has to do with your mindset, your strategies, and motivation. If you find that your previous study strategies aren’t working as well, try to do something different. For example, if you are the type of person to study alone, try studying in a group to get clarifications/different perspectives.
Response 3:
I agree with my colleagues’ responses. The only thing I would like to add is that you mentioned you’re constantly really sad. If you feel that you may benefit from seeking additional help, I would highly suggest meeting up with our pharmacy counsellor, Dave McKay. He’s available at the school on Tuesdays every other week. You can also make an appointment through UW Counselling Services by calling 519-888-4567 ext. 32655 (mention that you want to see the counsellor at the School of Pharmacy). If you feel like you’re constantly feeling down and nothing makes you feel happy or nothing interests you, I would suggest you definitely make some time and see him.