{"id":19477,"date":"2019-09-01T10:25:01","date_gmt":"2019-09-01T15:25:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=19477"},"modified":"2020-09-11T20:41:04","modified_gmt":"2020-09-11T20:41:04","slug":"10-ways-to-beat-burnout-during-usmle-prep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/usmle\/10-ways-to-beat-burnout-during-usmle-prep\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Beat Burnout During USMLE Prep"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>While USMLE is no walk in the park, it doesn\u2019t have to send you over the edge. Here are some prep tips to help you pace yourself in med school and prevent burnout:<br \/>\n&nbsp;<br \/>\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_sidebar  avia-builder-el-first '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Determine your specific goals<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>The best place to start is knowing what you want to accomplish. For example, decide if you only desire to pass the USMLE Step 1 exam or if you want to get a 270. This is crucial when you are making your study schedule. Working towards specific, personal goals will help you measure your success without becoming overwhelmed and experiencing burnout.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Customize your study plan<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>Everyone learns differently\u2014at various paces and through different methods. Trying to mimic the study schedule of someone else in med school will more than likely cause more harm than good. While it is okay to use templates as a guide, customized prep schedules and plans work best.<br \/>\nUse varied learning techniques. Read review books of course, write on white boards (don\u2019t be afraid to use all the colors), teach a friend (or imaginary students),\u00a0watch videos, do practice questions, make videos of you teaching lessons, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Know your limits<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>This one\u2019s huge in avoiding burnout. Doing a little every day really goes a long way without you exerting an unrealistic amount of effort. Remember,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/medical-prep\/usmle\/usmle-prep-course\/step-1-high-yield-qbank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">USMLE Step 1 prep<\/a>\u00a0(and medical school) is a marathon, not a sprint. Start slow and gradually work your way up to your optimal performance.<br \/>\nSome are able to prep for four weeks, 12 hours each day.\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.medschoolinsight.com\/usmle-comlex\/2013\/04\/23\/tailoring-my-usmle-step-1-study-plan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Others prefer studying eight weeks, six to eight hours each day<\/a>. By knowing your daily study limits, you will be more productive in your studies and less likely to burnout.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Take a day off each week<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>This is one of the most important, yet most neglected, pieces of advice when preparing for the USMLE exams. Your brain can only process so much information at a time, so after a certain point, studying becomes counterproductive. That\u2019s why many experts in the field stress how imperative it is you take a day off to give yourself a chance to recharge. It\u2019s not about prepping harder, but smarter.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Treat yourself well<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>The better you treat your brain and body, the more they\u2019ll go to work for you. Proper sleep, diet, and exercise are essential pieces to avoiding burnout. Hydrate your bodies with plenty of water, and indulge in super foods (i.e. avocado, kale, fish, broccoli, etc.). Your brain will function at a higher level, retain more information, and remain calm in the process.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Sharpen your medical knowledge<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>If you need a break from the repetitive book studying, try setting up an\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.medschoolinsight.com\/med-school-adventures\/2013\/03\/12\/early-patient-exposure\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">elective-like rotation with a preceptor<\/a>\u00a0a few days out of the week (short term if you are actively studying for the USMLE Step 1 exam). This can keep you\u00a0motivated while reminding you of your goal. Additionally, it can boost your confidence because the material your studying for Step 1\u00a0may be applicable and reinforced in the clinic. In short, the clinic\u00a0can make the information come to life.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Ask for help<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>We all learn at different speeds and in different ways. Concepts that you may be struggling with can usually be explained by a med school peer\/professor in minutes, literally. There\u2019s no need to reinvent the wheel. Ask someone when you need help and keep things moving.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue816' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  >Expect lifestyle changes<\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p>More importantly, make sure your support system understands the magnitude of this exam for a medical student. Apologize in advance for your moodiness, absence, and social awkwardness that will be unavoidable at times. By expecting life changes, you\u2019ll decrease your stress level and avoid burnout.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div><br \/>\n<i>Of course, another great way to beat burnout is to prep for the USMLE with Kaplan\u2014the world leader in test prep. Check out our\u00a0<\/i><i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/medical-prep\/usmle\/usmle-prep-course\/step-1-high-yield?utm_source=medschoolinsight&amp;utm_medium=kaplan-blog&amp;utm_term=US-med&amp;utm_content=blog-article&amp;utm_campaign=med-usmle-high-yield\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">top-ranked High Yield programs now to get started.<\/a><\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>While USMLE is no walk in the park, it doesn\u2019t have to send you over the edge. Here are some prep tips to help you pace yourself in med school and prevent burnout: &nbsp; Of course, another great way to beat burnout is to prep for the USMLE with Kaplan\u2014the world leader in test prep. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":28595,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[145],"tags":[157],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19477"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19477"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19477\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34580,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19477\/revisions\/34580"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28595"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19477"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19477"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19477"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}