Stress levels these days are undoubtedly higher than in the past but are elevated in students pursuing higher education. It is essential to find ways to cope with and reduce stress and prevent it from tainting the otherwise exciting experience of the dental school journey.
In dental school, we are often surrounded by ambitious and driven students, who are often called “gunners.” Gunners seek success, can be competitive and may act on self-interest without thinking of their fellow classmates.
For many, the holidays bring memories of frosting sugar cookies, spending precious time with family near and far and looking forward to a bright new year. Unfortunately for others, the holidays can look and feel very different. They may spend the season in solitude, or their holiday obligations may bring on unnecessary stress. I know for me, the holidays have been more difficult to celebrate since losing both my mother and father. Those of us who have lost close family members may find if painful to take part in the same holiday traditions once celebrated.
ASDA has designated September as Wellness Month. Managing your mental health is major factor in maintaining overall wellness.
Multiple studies have been used to measure stress among dental students. The primary stressors reported by students include examinations, grades, and workload. Students reported that the effects of chronic stress resulted in mood changes, frustration, and decreased concentration. Some students even reported changes in behavior like developing smoking habits and substance abuse.
If stress can be identified early, action can be taken before the pressure becomes a problem. The American Psychological Association has published several tips to help you manage stress…
In between the early morning runs to Starbucks, and late nights study sessions, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the fast-paced lifestyle of a dental student. But every now and then, it’s important to remind ourselves that these four years of school form just one chapter in the story of our lives. Here are five tips that will guarantee success not only in dental school, but also throughout your life.
Stress: a word that may be all too familiar in dental school. It can be our worst enemy and sometimes very hard to cope with. With the pressure of exams, competencies, deadlines and the constant game of playing catch-up, feeling stressed is often too well known to a dental student. It is important for us to maintain solid mental health to tackle all of the challenges of dental school and make clear, focused clinical choices. One way to do so is to be active and maintain strong physical health. Exercise can be anything, as long as it gets your blood pumping. Here are a few suggestions…
During my first year in dental school, Dr. Greer, an oral pathologist and novelist, told our class that we each needed to have a hobby other than dentistry. At the time, I didn’t know how I would find time for that. But Dr. Greer’s remarks left an impression on me. And the next year I did something about it.
