Krystal L.
Photography by Ashley Kung
If you’re reading this, you're not the only one feeling overwhelmed.
If you're reading this, as a PA student, remember that it's perfectly okay to ask for support from your loved ones. Prioritize streamlining and simplifying your living necessities to create more space for joy in your free time.
Listen to your body! If you're feeling burnt out, take a break from studying and engage in activities that rejuvenate you. If you're sleep-deprived, allow yourself to take a nap or sleep in. When you're exhausted, spend some quiet time at home to recharge.
It's also important to find at least one accountability buddy — someone with similar goals and values who can help keep you on track. Aim to have one buddy in your program and another in your personal life. Choose people who are resilient and balanced in their outlook toward challenges and hardships.
Be mindful of your commitments. Resist the urge to over commit or stretch yourself too thin. Set limitations on extracurricular activities to prevent burnout and ensure you focus on what truly excites you. If your initial response to an invitation or opportunity isn't an enthusiastic "yes," it's probably best to invest your time elsewhere.
If you're reading this, remember, you’ve come this far — you have nothing left to prove. What matters now is learning to care for yourself, especially when times get tough or busy. If something is bothering you, change what you can control and let go of what you cannot.
It's okay to take it day by day and feel a bit lost at times. It's also perfectly fine to seek guidance when you're stuck.
Krystal L., University of Florida
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