Optometry school can have a huge impact on both physical and mental health. For most of us, this is the most daunting academic task we have ever taken on and our past experiences may not have prepared us for the intensity of courses, exams and labs. Personally, the beginning of my optometric career was quite overwhelming, and I found myself wondering if I had gotten in over my head.  However, I was able to eventually figure out a system that worked well for me. Once I completed my first semester, I haven’t looked back. As I approach the halfway point of my schooling, I would like to share a few strategies and tips that have helped me stay active and in a good mental state, most effectively use my day, and minimize the inevitable stress that comes with such a rigorous program. 

Setting a schedule:

Whether it’s waking up early, or 30 minutes before lecture, create a consistent schedule making sure to include times for meals, study breaks and a decent bedtime. As someone who likes a detailed schedule, I like to plan my week on Sunday evenings of how I will budget my time outside of lecture. I also make time for something that interests me, such as going to the gym or watching an episode or two on Netflix before bed.  Including scheduled breaks and hobbies helps me relax between studying and come back focused and ready to press on.

Eating healthy:

As future health care practitioners, we all know the importance of having a well-balanced diet to help us function to the best of our ability. Eating healthy, or even remembering to eat at all, can be especially difficult with the seemingly never-ending cycle of midterms and proficiencies. I suggest meal prepping the night before a busy day, or even a few days in advance when possible. I am always less inclined to order fast food when I have a fridge full of leftovers. This can also turn in to a group meal prep/study session to maximize time. Eating healthy also goes hand in hand with drinking water, so I always bring a reusable water bottle with me to campus.

Staying active:

Perhaps one of the biggest changes in optometry school is the amount of time spent in front of a screen studying. Between classes and studying, you should expect to spend at least 10 to 12 hours a day doing schoolwork. The intense workload can make it difficult to do much else. That being said, finding time for physical activity will be beneficial for physical and mental health. Some of my classmates and I get together a few weekends of every semester to play basketball at a local gym to de-stress after a tough week of exams. Even small things, such as going on a walk between classes or reviewing notes on a treadmill, can be great for breaking up the monotony of constant studying.

Develop a support system:

Mental health is just as important as physical health and getting to know your classmates better will help you realize everyone is dealing with their own stress and anxiety. Having someone to talk to and provide reassurance and a new perspective when dealing with a difficult class, or just life in general, is just as important. This has been especially true for me during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I was taking classes remotely. Without the friends I made at school, I would have had no one to help me review material for exams, or vent about a difficult course or professor. I would have had no one who understood the hardships we face on a daily basis as students in such a challenging field. Having a network of like-minded people to talk to was crucial for my mental health and allowed me to get to where I am today.

Getting situated into optometry school can be very challenging and finding out what works for you is crucial for good academic performance. The sacrifices and hard work you endure now will pay off exponentially in the future. By following these tips now, you can get the most out of your day and set yourself up for success in optometry school.