Tag Archives: stress

Stress can affect your memory during med school

Effects of Stress on Memory in Medical Students

Where Does My Stress Come From? It doesn’t take much to stress out the average human being. When we view a situation as threatening, we become anxious and stressed. In prehistoric times, when evolution developed our biological response to threats, such as large predatory cats with huge canines, we reacted with extreme perspiration, rapid heartbeat, and dry mouth. Our bodies also directed blood flow away from the brain and extremities to the major organs. These were all sensible adaptive mechanisms. Today, the nearest thing to a true threat in our environment is a speeding bus that almost hits us at an intersection...
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Quick Energy Foods

Quick Energy Foods for Busy Med Students

Probably the last thing you think about while studying for your board exams is how to eat well. You are often so busy that even microwaving something seems to take too much time. However, you increase your chances of developing chronic illnesses when you rely on instant and fast foods that are high in fat and low in nutrients. Also, those foods don’t give you the...
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Positive Thinking

Changing to Positive Thinking for USMLE Board Preparations

It is so easy to slip into making negative statements when preparing for boards. As our earlier article discussed, this type of thinking and talking can actually result in poorer self-esteem and reduce performance. Affirmations, and generally turning negative thinking into positive thoughts, can become self-fulfilling prophecies and motivate you to greater heights. Here are some examples of negative things we think and say to and about ourselves during board preparation, as well as some suggestions for turning those thoughts around to work for you instead of against you.
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Inspirational Music For Studying for Medical Boards Exams

In response to student requests, I have listed some music for inspiration and motivation during board preparation. Whether you listen to them while you are preparing or while you are taking break and want some motivation through music, they are there to get you going. They range from oldies to current and from ethereal to rap. I included links to YouTube to all that had existing links. Enjoy.
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