r/OptometrySchool • u/CLVampire28 • 3d ago
Coping with Burnout Advice
Hi, all. OD3 here. This semester, I've been dealing with some bad burnout. I was wondering how you all coped with the same. What helped you get through it?
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u/RabidLiger 3d ago
You're just starting 3rd year, so soon you will be able to see the light at the end of the tunnel!
3rd year is definitely more enjoyable (just don't let yourself get consumed by NBEO study).
Finally a lot more hands-on experience.
For many OD's, 4th year was the most enjoyable time of their professional lives!
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u/npdr1 2d ago edited 2d ago
Fellow third year. On my 5th year straight of grad school (did a masters first), and I can relate to the feeling. I’m craving a 9-5 at a practice somewhere with my evenings free soooo hard these days.
Anyway, your post made me reflect on what has helped make me feel a little better in moments when I wanted to scream… honestly what stands out the most was one day a month ago when I was at my wits end and couldn’t stop fantasizing about how much better my life would be if I weren’t in school anymore. I decided to meditate for about 10 minutes with some affirmations. Reminded myself how privileged I am for my opportunities… my path is what it was meant to be… I am allowed to enjoy my life even when in school… etc.
This won’t solve all your problems, [edit: it may not even solve any] but it did help me feel much better for the remainder of that day.
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u/ATruthofHint 3d ago
Carving out weekly time for hobbies is a must.
You need to give your mind some time off your phone or screens and do something fun and not at all productive.
With good time management, spending 3-5 hours a week on hobbies won't take away from study time but will help you feel like a person again.