"Daydream at 20,000 feet" by MSIH rising second year Alexa Becker

Currently sprawled out on two economy seats (yes, I lucked out) sporting reading glasses, covered in text books, flashcards, and electronic devices - I can't help but revel in this fantastic mess of a scene. 

You see, I am returning back to Israel after spending a week with my family in America.  I always try to make the most of my short time with loved ones, so (with the exception of some occasional glances at flashcards) I proudly did not crack open a textbook once. Seaside pictures and Sanskrit aside, the most important lesson I have learned in this first year of medical school is that of balance, balance of work and of personal time. 

Not surprisingly, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the amount of information that is thrown at students in medical school. As my father (who is also a physician) warned me, "it's like drinking from a fire hydrant with a straw." And while I have found this analogy rings true, it does not scare me.  You have to find comfort in the madness - because there is always another insignificant fact you can stuff in your brain, but at what cost?

I try my best to keep up with the material. I spend entire days in the library watching videos, reading textbooks, answering questions. After the eighth hour in the mausoleum of solitude comes to a close, bum sore and eyes burning red, I reward myself.  I meet friends for a drink, watch a TV show, or Skype my family. Occasionally, I even give myself an entire weekend (gasp) just to feel like a normal human again. 

The way I see it, how can we care for our patients if we haven't first (at least minimally) cared for ourselves? Not to mention, I've spent enough time in my life studying for exams to know that I work most effectively when I take breaks; and that's ok! 

Cut back to the plane scene: having just gazed out the window, reflecting on my trip home, I feel revived and energized; it's time to return to the books! ðŸ¤“

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