December 2, 2025 • 20 mins
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Feeling stretched too thin? Learn how to create real balance in healthcare—from managing time to setting boundaries that protect your energy and passion.
Picture this: It's 11 PM, you just finished a double shift, your textbook is staring at you, you have an exam in two days, and your phone won't stop buzzing. Sound familiar?
In this episode, we're talking about balance—not the Instagram-perfect kind, but the real, messy, sustainable kind that actually works when you're juggling school, work, family, and trying to have a life.
In This Episode, You'll Learn:
- Why time management isn't about having more hours—it's about using them with purpose
- The 15-minute rule that breaks through procrastination and perfectionism
- How to recognize burnout before it takes over (and what to do about it)
- Why boundaries aren't selfish—they're strategic
- The difference between rest and just scrolling on your phone
- How to build a support system that actually supports you
Whether you're studying late after a long shift or managing your household while chasing your certification, this episode is here to remind you: you can do this.
Because balance isn't about perfection. It's about showing up, adjusting, and protecting what matters most—including yourself.
My Recommended StethoscopeI still use my Littmann from 2011 because it lasts. This is the modern version of the one I carry.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
💙 Love this episode? Follow. and share MAP with someone chasing their healthcare dreams! | 📧 Questions, ideas, or story to share? mappodcast@outlook.com | 📱 Follow @MAPpodcastofficial on Instagram & Facebook | MAP: Medical Pathways for Success — Your roadmap to a thriving medical career.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Picture this, it's 11 (00:00):
00 PM You just finished a double shift.
Your textbook is staring atyou from across the room.
You have an exam in two days.
Your phone buzzes.
It's a family member whoneeds something, and all
you can think is, how am Isupposed to do all of this?
(00:26):
Welcome back to Map MedicalPathways for Success, the
podcast where we learn,grow, and succeed together.
I'm Fred Nario Alvarado,and if you've ever felt like
you're being stretched toothin, like there just aren't
enough hours in the day,this episode is for you.
Today we're talking aboutbalance, not the Instagram
perfect kind, but thereal, messy, substantial
(00:47):
kind that actually works.
Let's be honest, it's not easy.
Some days it feels like you'rebeing pulled in every direction,
but balance isn't about havingendless hours in the day.
It's about using the timeyou do have with purpose.
Maybe you're studyinglate after a long shift.
Maybe you're managing yourhousehold while chasing
your certification.
Whatever your story looks like,this episode is here to remind
(01:10):
you that you can do this.
Because your journey inhealthcare isn't about learning
skills, it's about buildingstrength, focus, and resilience.
So take a deep breath, grab yournotes, maybe your coffee, and
let's talk about how to bringbalance back into your journey.
Time management.
(01:31):
It's one of those topicseveryone talks about, but
few people really masterwhen you're balancing school,
work, family, and trying tohave a life on top of that.
It is easy to feel like there'sjust not enough time in the
day, but here's the thing, it'snot about having more time.
It's about using that timeyou already have with purpose.
The first key is tostart thinking in terms
(01:53):
of weeks, not days.
When you only plan day today, you end up playing,
catch up, reacting towhatever comes your way.
But when you plan yourweek, you start making
intentional choices.
Try this set aside 10to 15 minutes on Sunday
night or Monday morning.
Look at your work schedule,class times, upcoming
tests, family commitments,and lay it all out.
(02:16):
Then build around those anchors.
If you know you have a bigtest on Thursday, don't wait
until Wednesday night to crampschedule study sessions across
the week in smaller chunks.
That's distributed learning,and it helps your brain
retain information longer.
Another powerful approachis time blocking.
Think of your day as blocks ofenergy, not hours on the clock.
(02:39):
Assign those blocks to specificthings, schoolwork, job
responsibilities, workouts,or even personal downtime.
Once the block starts, giveit your full attention.
No multitasking, noswitching back and forth.
And remember, if youschedule it, protect it.
A two hour study block onlyworks if it actually stays
(02:59):
a two hour study block.
Not two hours of study checkmessages, scroll, snack, repeat.
It's all about beingintentional with your time.
When you sit down to focus,make that time sacred.
Turn off notifications.
Set your phone aside and giveyourself permission to be fully
present in what you're doing.
You'll be amazed at how muchmore you can absorb when your
(03:20):
attention isn't being pulledin 10 different directions.
And once that blockis done, step away.
Take a real break and recharge.
Because balance isn'tjust about working hard.
It's about recovering well too.
And here's something alot of people forget.
Rest is not wasted time.
You can't pour from an emptycup if you're running on
no sleep, skipping mealsand constantly stressed.
(03:43):
You're focus and memoryare going to crash.
Schedule downtime the sameway you'd schedule a test or a
shift, make it a non-negotiable.
If staying consistent feelstough, try something small
like the 15 minute rule.
It's simple but powerful.
When you're feelingunmotivated or overwhelmed,
tell yourself you'll juststart for 15 minutes.
That's it.
(04:04):
Open the book, reviewone section, write one
paragraph, whatever thetask is, just begin.
Because the hardest part ofany task isn't the work itself.
It's getting started.
Once you get moving, your brainshifts gears, momentum kicks
in, focus follows, and those15 minutes often turn into an
hour before you even realize it.
And even if they don't,you still moved forward.
(04:27):
You kept a promise to yourself.
That's progress.
The 15 minute rule is a wayto break through perfectionism
and procrastination, thosetwo things that tend to
hold a lot of people back.
It reminds you that consistencymatters more than intensity.
Small steps done regularlywill always take you further
than waiting for the perfecttime or perfect motivation.
(04:48):
So the next time you catchyourself putting off, studying
or a project, just say, alright,I'll give it 15 minutes.
Start small.
Let's start.
That's how you build discipline,confidence, and momentum in
every part of your journey.
And one more thing,give yourself grace.
Some weeks will goexactly as planned, and
others, they just won't.
(05:08):
That's okay.
What matters most is that youkeep showing up and adjusting.
Progress isn't aboutperfection, it's about momentum.
Time management isn't aboutsqueezing more into your day.
It's about creating spacefor what truly matters.
The classes that move youforward, the experiences that
you shape, and the momentsthat help you recharge.
(05:28):
Because when you manage yourtime with intention, you're
not just building betterhabits, you're building the
foundation for your successin healthcare and beyond.
And once you start takingcontrol of your time, you begin
to realize something important.
It's not just aboutmanaging your schedule, it's
about managing yourself.
Because even with the bestplanner, color coded calendar.
(05:49):
Or study checklist.
If you're running onempty, none of that's gonna
stick, and that's whereburnout starts to sneak in.
When you're giving so muchto everything around you that
there's nothing left for you.
Burnout isn't something thatalways announces itself.
It's not like one day yousuddenly wake up and realize
that you're burnt out.
(06:09):
It builds over time, day byday, hour by hour, until you
find yourself feeling exhausted.
Unmotivated or detached fromthings that you used to enjoy.
In healthcare and in school.
Burnout is common because somuch of what we do revolves
around caring for others,meeting deadlines, and
constantly trying to improvethe pressure to perform,
(06:32):
whether it's in your class,at your externship or at work,
can make it easy to neglectyourself and your own needs.
The first step topreventing burnout is
recognizing the early signs.
If you notice that you'refeeling emotionally drained,
having trouble focusing orstarting to lose interest
in what once motivatedyou, those are all signs.
(06:52):
They're not weaknesses.
They're reminders that youneed to pause and recalibrate.
Another major factoris boundaries.
Many of us struggle with ideasof saying no, especially when we
want to prove ourselves or showthat we can handle anything.
But boundaries are whatprotect your energy.
They allow you to give your bestwithout giving away everything.
Setting clear limits on yourtime, whether it's blocking
(07:15):
off study hours, rest period,or time with family is
one of the most effectiveways to maintain balance.
Equally important is rest.
Real rest.
Not scrolling on your phone orhalf watching something while
you're still thinking aboutwhat's next, but genuine rest.
Where you allow your mindand your body to slow down.
(07:36):
In medicine and healthcare,we talk a lot about
patient care, but we oftenforget about self-care.
It's not indulgent,it's preventative.
And with that, let'stake a moment to really
talk about self-care.
Not in the cliche way,but in the real sense.
Self-care isn't about takinga spa, lighting a candle, or
(07:57):
having a quiet evening off.
So those things can help.
It's about creating habitsthat protect your physical,
emotional, and mental energyso you can show up fully in
your life and in your work.
In healthcare, we're taught tocare for others to monitor vital
signs, assess pain, respond toemergencies, but how often do
(08:18):
we check our own vital signs?
When was the last timeyou asked yourself, how
am I really feeling today?
Self-care means recognizingwhen your body is asking
for rest, when your mindneeds stillness, or when
your heart needs connection.
It's giving yourselfpermission to stop for a
moment, not because you'relazy or unmotivated, but
(08:39):
because you understand thatrest is part of the growth.
Self-care also includes settingemotional boundaries, not
letting every stressor, everyworry, or every criticism
attach itself to you.
Healthcare can be intense.
It can weigh on you.
That's why it's so importantto have small rituals that help
you release that attention.
(09:00):
Whether it's journaling,meditating, going for a
walk, listening to music,or simply sitting in
silence for a few minutes.
And let's be clear,self-care isn't selfish.
It, it's sustainable.
It's what allows you to keepgiving without burning out.
A guiding light needs powerto shine, and you can't
take care of others ifyou're running on fumes.
(09:23):
So start small.
Maybe it's committing to afull night's sleep, preparing
a meal instead of skipping itor spending 10 quiet minutes
to breathe and rest beforeyour shift or study session.
These moments add up over time.
They build resilience,and resilience is what
keeps you moving forward.
Next, let's talkabout support systems.
(09:45):
Because no one succeeds inhealthcare school or life alone.
Support systems are the people,places, and even routines that
help you stay grounded whenlife starts to feel heavy.
They're your mentors,classmates, family, friends,
and sometimes even coworkerswho understand what you're
working toward and whatit takes to get there.
(10:07):
And here's the truth.
Asking for helpdoesn't make you weak.
It makes you wise.
Even I still struggleto remember that.
It means you recognize thatyour journey isn't meant
to be walked in isolation.
When you share your challengesand your victories with
others, you create a network ofunderstanding and accountability
(10:27):
that helps you keep movingforward for students and
professionals in healthcare.
Support systems canmake take many forms.
Maybe it's a classmateyou study with someone
who keeps you motivatedwhen you'd rather give up.
Maybe it's a mentor orinstructor who reminds you
that growth comes from everychallenge, or maybe it's a
friend or family member wholistens without judgment.
(10:50):
When you need to vent aftera long day, and let's not
forget, support doesn't haveto come from just people.
It can come fromyour environment too.
Maybe you have a quiet spaceyou've created just for studying
a playlist that helps youfocus, or a small daily routine
that reminds you to breathe.
All of those things arepart of your support system.
(11:11):
The key is recognizingthat you deserve support.
You're not a burden for needingencouragement or for admitting
that something feels hard.
That's being human and ina field that demands so
much from you mentally,emotionally, and physically.
Leaning on others is whathelps you stay strong.
So take a moment to thinkabout who's in your corner.
(11:33):
Who are the peoplecheering for you?
Even quietly?
Who can you reach out to whenthings feel overwhelming?
And just as importantly, whocan you be that support for?
Because the beauty of buildingsupport systems is that
they don't just hold you up.
They remind you that you'repart of something bigger.
You're part of a communityof people who are learning,
(11:56):
growing, and strivingto make a difference in
the world of medicine.
And as you think aboutyour support system, the
people, the spaces, and themoments that lift you up,
don't forget one more vitalpiece of support your why.
Your why is the foundationbeneath everything
you're working toward.
It's what gets you out ofbed when you're exhausted.
(12:17):
What keeps you pushing when thematerial feels overwhelming?
And what reminds you that everylong night of studying or early
morning shift means something?
Maybe your why is to make adifference in people's lives.
Maybe it's to build a betterfuture for your family
or to prove to yourselfthat you can do something
that once felt impossible.
Whatever it is, your why givesyou your purpose to continue
(12:39):
doing what you're doing.
It's easy to lose sight ofthat when you're juggling
school deadlines, workresponsibilities, and
life outside of it all.
But when you reconnect with yourwhy, when you pause for just
a moment and remind yourselfwhy you started, everything
comes back into focus.
So when things feel tough.
Don't just push harder.
(13:00):
Pause and remember, picture theversion of yourself who decided
to take this path, the one whosaid, I'm going to do this.
That version of youstill lives right here.
Still capable, still determined,and still worthy of that
dream because the truth isyour why isn't just what
keeps you moving forward.
(13:21):
It's what brings meaning toevery single step along the way.
So as you hold onto that,why let it become more
than just a thought?
Let it be your anchor.
Because when you're anchored inyour purpose, everything else
starts to find its rhythm again.
That's what brings us tosomething I think we all
wrestle with at some point.
How does stay motivated whenthings feel out of balance?
(13:44):
Because it's one thing toknow your goal and another
to keep going when life keepsadding more to your plate.
And this next part we'redriving into how to protect
your motivation even when youfeel drained and how to keep
your sense of balance steadyno matter what comes your way.
Let's talk about what it reallymeans to keep your purpose at
the center, even when the worldfeels like it's spinning faster
(14:06):
than you can catch your breath.
When life gets hectic,let's be honest, it will,
motivation can start to feellike it's slipping away.
Between work, school,family, and everything else.
You can start to question ifyou're really cut out for this.
(14:27):
But here's something Iwant you to remember.
Motivation isn't something youfind once and keep forever.
It's something you build pieceby piece every single day.
You build it throughconsistency, through the moments
you choose to show up evenwhen you don't feel like it.
Through the small wins thatremind you of how far you've
come, even when you're stillnot where you want to be.
(14:48):
That's the kind of motivationthat lasts because it's not
based on mood, it's built onmomentum, and when it comes
to balance, I'll be real.
There's no perfectformula there.
Balance doesn't meaneverything in your life
gets equal time and energy.
It means learning how toadjust the weight depending on
what matters most right now.
Some days your studieswill need you more.
(15:10):
Other days, your familyor your own rest will,
that's not failure.
That's being human.
One of the best ways to staybalanced is to regularly
check in with yourself.
Ask yourself, whatdo I need most today?
Sometimes it's focus.
Sometimes it's a break.
Sometimes it's just a reminderthat you're doing the best
you can, and that's enough.
(15:31):
I've seen so manystudents lose their drive
because they expectedmotivation to carry them.
But the real success comeswhen you build habits
that keep you going.
When motivation fades,create a routine that
makes success inevitable.
Not because you're perfect,but because you're persistent,
and that's where purposesteps in when you keep
your purpose at the center.
That why you discovered inour very first map moment,
(15:54):
it becomes your compass.
It reminds you why the longnights, the studying, and
the sacrifices are worth it.
Because this isn't just aboutpassing an exam or earning a
certification, it's about whoyou're becoming in the process.
A stronger, more capable,more compassionate
version of yourself.
So if you ever feelyourself, start to drift,
(16:15):
pause, take a deep breath.
Remember that your whyis bigger than the moment
you're struggling in.
Realign with it andmove forward One small,
intentional step at a time.
That's how you buildbalance that lasts, not
just in school but in life.
And so you guys are aware,I still deal with this now,
(16:37):
recording this episode itself.
I just got a new adopted dog.
I, and let me tell you, it'sbeen frustrating today because
he keeps making so much noiseevery time I try to record,
but I didn't let that stop me.
What I did was go out anddo different things with
him, distracted him oneway, let him go outside on
(17:00):
the balcony, and now he'slaying down next to me calm.
It was frustrating.
I wanted to quit, but mypassion and my why for this is
what kept me moving forward.
So don't let it stop you.
And before we wrap up,let's take a moment
for your math moment.
Something small butmeaningful that you can do
to move forward this week.
(17:30):
It is time for your moment.
A quick little pushto keep you going.
Stay focused, keep strong.
Your pathway to.
This week I wanted to identifyone boundary you can set to
(17:51):
protect your time or energy.
It doesn't have to be huge.
Maybe it's turning yourphone on do not disturb for
one hour while you study.
Maybe it's saying no to oneextra task that can wait, or
maybe it's committing to giveyourself one night a week
to truly rest without guilt.
Boundaries aren't aboutshutting people out.
They're about creatingspace for the version
(18:12):
of you that's growing.
Protecting yourtime isn't selfish.
It's strategic because whenyou take care of yourself,
you can show up stronger foreverything and everyone else.
So this week, take that onesmall step, set your boundary,
hold it with confidence, andremind yourself your goals
deserve protected space to grow.
(18:35):
Balancing life work and schoolisn't easy, but it's possible.
You don't have to have itall figured out and you
don't need to move at anyoneelse's pace, but your own
progress in this journeyisn't measured by perfection.
It's measured by persistence.
Every class you attend, everylate night spent studying,
and every small step youtake toward your goal is
(18:58):
part of your path forward.
When things feel heavy,remind yourself that you're
not just learning skills,you're building resilience,
discipline and compassion.
The very qualities thatdefine true professionalism
in healthcare.
The balance you're fightingto create right now is
shaping not only your career.
But the kind of care you'llone day give to others.
(19:19):
So give yourself permissionto grow at your own pace.
Keep showing up oneintentional step at a time,
and trust that each effort,no matter how small, is
mapping out the professionalyou are becoming tomorrow.
I know some of you arewondering when the interview
episodes are coming, so Iwanna give you a quick update.
They are happening.
(19:41):
I got a few great interviewslined up, but with the
holiday season in full swing.
Schedules have shiftedand a couple dates
had to be pushed back.
That's just lifeand that's okay.
What matters is this, theinterviews are still on the
way, and I know they're goingto be incredibly helpful,
encouraging, and reliableonce they're recorded.
(20:01):
So for now, we'll keeprolling with a few more
solo episodes and honestly.
This gives us a chance to diginto topics that so many of
you deal with every single day.
If you enjoy today's episode,follow the show and share
it with anyone chasingtheir healthcare dreams.
Got an idea or topic you'dlike me to talk about?
Send me an email at Madpodcast@outlook.com.
(20:23):
I'd love to hear yourthoughts, stories, or
questions for future episodes.
Your ideas and experiencescould inspire someone
else on their path.
Stay tuned for more realstories, inspiration and
guidance to help you learn,grow, and keep moving forward
on your journey in healthcare.
Until next time, keeplearning, keep growing, and
keep following your map, yourmedical pathway for success.
00 PM You just finished a double shift.
Your textbook is staring atyou from across the room.
You have an exam in two days.
Your phone buzzes.
It's a family member whoneeds something, and all
you can think is, how am Isupposed to do all of this?
(00:26):
Welcome back to Map MedicalPathways for Success, the
podcast where we learn,grow, and succeed together.
I'm Fred Nario Alvarado,and if you've ever felt like
you're being stretched toothin, like there just aren't
enough hours in the day,this episode is for you.
Today we're talking aboutbalance, not the Instagram
perfect kind, but thereal, messy, substantial
(00:47):
kind that actually works.
Let's be honest, it's not easy.
Some days it feels like you'rebeing pulled in every direction,
but balance isn't about havingendless hours in the day.
It's about using the timeyou do have with purpose.
Maybe you're studyinglate after a long shift.
Maybe you're managing yourhousehold while chasing
your certification.
Whatever your story looks like,this episode is here to remind
(01:10):
you that you can do this.
Because your journey inhealthcare isn't about learning
skills, it's about buildingstrength, focus, and resilience.
So take a deep breath, grab yournotes, maybe your coffee, and
let's talk about how to bringbalance back into your journey.
Time management.
(01:31):
It's one of those topicseveryone talks about, but
few people really masterwhen you're balancing school,
work, family, and trying tohave a life on top of that.
It is easy to feel like there'sjust not enough time in the
day, but here's the thing, it'snot about having more time.
It's about using that timeyou already have with purpose.
The first key is tostart thinking in terms
(01:53):
of weeks, not days.
When you only plan day today, you end up playing,
catch up, reacting towhatever comes your way.
But when you plan yourweek, you start making
intentional choices.
Try this set aside 10to 15 minutes on Sunday
night or Monday morning.
Look at your work schedule,class times, upcoming
tests, family commitments,and lay it all out.
(02:16):
Then build around those anchors.
If you know you have a bigtest on Thursday, don't wait
until Wednesday night to crampschedule study sessions across
the week in smaller chunks.
That's distributed learning,and it helps your brain
retain information longer.
Another powerful approachis time blocking.
Think of your day as blocks ofenergy, not hours on the clock.
(02:39):
Assign those blocks to specificthings, schoolwork, job
responsibilities, workouts,or even personal downtime.
Once the block starts, giveit your full attention.
No multitasking, noswitching back and forth.
And remember, if youschedule it, protect it.
A two hour study block onlyworks if it actually stays
(02:59):
a two hour study block.
Not two hours of study checkmessages, scroll, snack, repeat.
It's all about beingintentional with your time.
When you sit down to focus,make that time sacred.
Turn off notifications.
Set your phone aside and giveyourself permission to be fully
present in what you're doing.
You'll be amazed at how muchmore you can absorb when your
(03:20):
attention isn't being pulledin 10 different directions.
And once that blockis done, step away.
Take a real break and recharge.
Because balance isn'tjust about working hard.
It's about recovering well too.
And here's something alot of people forget.
Rest is not wasted time.
You can't pour from an emptycup if you're running on
no sleep, skipping mealsand constantly stressed.
(03:43):
You're focus and memoryare going to crash.
Schedule downtime the sameway you'd schedule a test or a
shift, make it a non-negotiable.
If staying consistent feelstough, try something small
like the 15 minute rule.
It's simple but powerful.
When you're feelingunmotivated or overwhelmed,
tell yourself you'll juststart for 15 minutes.
That's it.
(04:04):
Open the book, reviewone section, write one
paragraph, whatever thetask is, just begin.
Because the hardest part ofany task isn't the work itself.
It's getting started.
Once you get moving, your brainshifts gears, momentum kicks
in, focus follows, and those15 minutes often turn into an
hour before you even realize it.
And even if they don't,you still moved forward.
(04:27):
You kept a promise to yourself.
That's progress.
The 15 minute rule is a wayto break through perfectionism
and procrastination, thosetwo things that tend to
hold a lot of people back.
It reminds you that consistencymatters more than intensity.
Small steps done regularlywill always take you further
than waiting for the perfecttime or perfect motivation.
(04:48):
So the next time you catchyourself putting off, studying
or a project, just say, alright,I'll give it 15 minutes.
Start small.
Let's start.
That's how you build discipline,confidence, and momentum in
every part of your journey.
And one more thing,give yourself grace.
Some weeks will goexactly as planned, and
others, they just won't.
(05:08):
That's okay.
What matters most is that youkeep showing up and adjusting.
Progress isn't aboutperfection, it's about momentum.
Time management isn't aboutsqueezing more into your day.
It's about creating spacefor what truly matters.
The classes that move youforward, the experiences that
you shape, and the momentsthat help you recharge.
(05:28):
Because when you manage yourtime with intention, you're
not just building betterhabits, you're building the
foundation for your successin healthcare and beyond.
And once you start takingcontrol of your time, you begin
to realize something important.
It's not just aboutmanaging your schedule, it's
about managing yourself.
Because even with the bestplanner, color coded calendar.
(05:49):
Or study checklist.
If you're running onempty, none of that's gonna
stick, and that's whereburnout starts to sneak in.
When you're giving so muchto everything around you that
there's nothing left for you.
Burnout isn't something thatalways announces itself.
It's not like one day yousuddenly wake up and realize
that you're burnt out.
(06:09):
It builds over time, day byday, hour by hour, until you
find yourself feeling exhausted.
Unmotivated or detached fromthings that you used to enjoy.
In healthcare and in school.
Burnout is common because somuch of what we do revolves
around caring for others,meeting deadlines, and
constantly trying to improvethe pressure to perform,
(06:32):
whether it's in your class,at your externship or at work,
can make it easy to neglectyourself and your own needs.
The first step topreventing burnout is
recognizing the early signs.
If you notice that you'refeeling emotionally drained,
having trouble focusing orstarting to lose interest
in what once motivatedyou, those are all signs.
(06:52):
They're not weaknesses.
They're reminders that youneed to pause and recalibrate.
Another major factoris boundaries.
Many of us struggle with ideasof saying no, especially when we
want to prove ourselves or showthat we can handle anything.
But boundaries are whatprotect your energy.
They allow you to give your bestwithout giving away everything.
Setting clear limits on yourtime, whether it's blocking
(07:15):
off study hours, rest period,or time with family is
one of the most effectiveways to maintain balance.
Equally important is rest.
Real rest.
Not scrolling on your phone orhalf watching something while
you're still thinking aboutwhat's next, but genuine rest.
Where you allow your mindand your body to slow down.
(07:36):
In medicine and healthcare,we talk a lot about
patient care, but we oftenforget about self-care.
It's not indulgent,it's preventative.
And with that, let'stake a moment to really
talk about self-care.
Not in the cliche way,but in the real sense.
Self-care isn't about takinga spa, lighting a candle, or
(07:57):
having a quiet evening off.
So those things can help.
It's about creating habitsthat protect your physical,
emotional, and mental energyso you can show up fully in
your life and in your work.
In healthcare, we're taught tocare for others to monitor vital
signs, assess pain, respond toemergencies, but how often do
(08:18):
we check our own vital signs?
When was the last timeyou asked yourself, how
am I really feeling today?
Self-care means recognizingwhen your body is asking
for rest, when your mindneeds stillness, or when
your heart needs connection.
It's giving yourselfpermission to stop for a
moment, not because you'relazy or unmotivated, but
(08:39):
because you understand thatrest is part of the growth.
Self-care also includes settingemotional boundaries, not
letting every stressor, everyworry, or every criticism
attach itself to you.
Healthcare can be intense.
It can weigh on you.
That's why it's so importantto have small rituals that help
you release that attention.
(09:00):
Whether it's journaling,meditating, going for a
walk, listening to music,or simply sitting in
silence for a few minutes.
And let's be clear,self-care isn't selfish.
It, it's sustainable.
It's what allows you to keepgiving without burning out.
A guiding light needs powerto shine, and you can't
take care of others ifyou're running on fumes.
(09:23):
So start small.
Maybe it's committing to afull night's sleep, preparing
a meal instead of skipping itor spending 10 quiet minutes
to breathe and rest beforeyour shift or study session.
These moments add up over time.
They build resilience,and resilience is what
keeps you moving forward.
Next, let's talkabout support systems.
(09:45):
Because no one succeeds inhealthcare school or life alone.
Support systems are the people,places, and even routines that
help you stay grounded whenlife starts to feel heavy.
They're your mentors,classmates, family, friends,
and sometimes even coworkerswho understand what you're
working toward and whatit takes to get there.
(10:07):
And here's the truth.
Asking for helpdoesn't make you weak.
It makes you wise.
Even I still struggleto remember that.
It means you recognize thatyour journey isn't meant
to be walked in isolation.
When you share your challengesand your victories with
others, you create a network ofunderstanding and accountability
(10:27):
that helps you keep movingforward for students and
professionals in healthcare.
Support systems canmake take many forms.
Maybe it's a classmateyou study with someone
who keeps you motivatedwhen you'd rather give up.
Maybe it's a mentor orinstructor who reminds you
that growth comes from everychallenge, or maybe it's a
friend or family member wholistens without judgment.
(10:50):
When you need to vent aftera long day, and let's not
forget, support doesn't haveto come from just people.
It can come fromyour environment too.
Maybe you have a quiet spaceyou've created just for studying
a playlist that helps youfocus, or a small daily routine
that reminds you to breathe.
All of those things arepart of your support system.
(11:11):
The key is recognizingthat you deserve support.
You're not a burden for needingencouragement or for admitting
that something feels hard.
That's being human and ina field that demands so
much from you mentally,emotionally, and physically.
Leaning on others is whathelps you stay strong.
So take a moment to thinkabout who's in your corner.
(11:33):
Who are the peoplecheering for you?
Even quietly?
Who can you reach out to whenthings feel overwhelming?
And just as importantly, whocan you be that support for?
Because the beauty of buildingsupport systems is that
they don't just hold you up.
They remind you that you'repart of something bigger.
You're part of a communityof people who are learning,
(11:56):
growing, and strivingto make a difference in
the world of medicine.
And as you think aboutyour support system, the
people, the spaces, and themoments that lift you up,
don't forget one more vitalpiece of support your why.
Your why is the foundationbeneath everything
you're working toward.
It's what gets you out ofbed when you're exhausted.
(12:17):
What keeps you pushing when thematerial feels overwhelming?
And what reminds you that everylong night of studying or early
morning shift means something?
Maybe your why is to make adifference in people's lives.
Maybe it's to build a betterfuture for your family
or to prove to yourselfthat you can do something
that once felt impossible.
Whatever it is, your why givesyou your purpose to continue
(12:39):
doing what you're doing.
It's easy to lose sight ofthat when you're juggling
school deadlines, workresponsibilities, and
life outside of it all.
But when you reconnect with yourwhy, when you pause for just
a moment and remind yourselfwhy you started, everything
comes back into focus.
So when things feel tough.
Don't just push harder.
(13:00):
Pause and remember, picture theversion of yourself who decided
to take this path, the one whosaid, I'm going to do this.
That version of youstill lives right here.
Still capable, still determined,and still worthy of that
dream because the truth isyour why isn't just what
keeps you moving forward.
(13:21):
It's what brings meaning toevery single step along the way.
So as you hold onto that,why let it become more
than just a thought?
Let it be your anchor.
Because when you're anchored inyour purpose, everything else
starts to find its rhythm again.
That's what brings us tosomething I think we all
wrestle with at some point.
How does stay motivated whenthings feel out of balance?
(13:44):
Because it's one thing toknow your goal and another
to keep going when life keepsadding more to your plate.
And this next part we'redriving into how to protect
your motivation even when youfeel drained and how to keep
your sense of balance steadyno matter what comes your way.
Let's talk about what it reallymeans to keep your purpose at
the center, even when the worldfeels like it's spinning faster
(14:06):
than you can catch your breath.
When life gets hectic,let's be honest, it will,
motivation can start to feellike it's slipping away.
Between work, school,family, and everything else.
You can start to question ifyou're really cut out for this.
(14:27):
But here's something Iwant you to remember.
Motivation isn't something youfind once and keep forever.
It's something you build pieceby piece every single day.
You build it throughconsistency, through the moments
you choose to show up evenwhen you don't feel like it.
Through the small wins thatremind you of how far you've
come, even when you're stillnot where you want to be.
(14:48):
That's the kind of motivationthat lasts because it's not
based on mood, it's built onmomentum, and when it comes
to balance, I'll be real.
There's no perfectformula there.
Balance doesn't meaneverything in your life
gets equal time and energy.
It means learning how toadjust the weight depending on
what matters most right now.
Some days your studieswill need you more.
(15:10):
Other days, your familyor your own rest will,
that's not failure.
That's being human.
One of the best ways to staybalanced is to regularly
check in with yourself.
Ask yourself, whatdo I need most today?
Sometimes it's focus.
Sometimes it's a break.
Sometimes it's just a reminderthat you're doing the best
you can, and that's enough.
(15:31):
I've seen so manystudents lose their drive
because they expectedmotivation to carry them.
But the real success comeswhen you build habits
that keep you going.
When motivation fades,create a routine that
makes success inevitable.
Not because you're perfect,but because you're persistent,
and that's where purposesteps in when you keep
your purpose at the center.
That why you discovered inour very first map moment,
(15:54):
it becomes your compass.
It reminds you why the longnights, the studying, and
the sacrifices are worth it.
Because this isn't just aboutpassing an exam or earning a
certification, it's about whoyou're becoming in the process.
A stronger, more capable,more compassionate
version of yourself.
So if you ever feelyourself, start to drift,
(16:15):
pause, take a deep breath.
Remember that your whyis bigger than the moment
you're struggling in.
Realign with it andmove forward One small,
intentional step at a time.
That's how you buildbalance that lasts, not
just in school but in life.
And so you guys are aware,I still deal with this now,
(16:37):
recording this episode itself.
I just got a new adopted dog.
I, and let me tell you, it'sbeen frustrating today because
he keeps making so much noiseevery time I try to record,
but I didn't let that stop me.
What I did was go out anddo different things with
him, distracted him oneway, let him go outside on
(17:00):
the balcony, and now he'slaying down next to me calm.
It was frustrating.
I wanted to quit, but mypassion and my why for this is
what kept me moving forward.
So don't let it stop you.
And before we wrap up,let's take a moment
for your math moment.
Something small butmeaningful that you can do
to move forward this week.
(17:30):
It is time for your moment.
A quick little pushto keep you going.
Stay focused, keep strong.
Your pathway to.
This week I wanted to identifyone boundary you can set to
(17:51):
protect your time or energy.
It doesn't have to be huge.
Maybe it's turning yourphone on do not disturb for
one hour while you study.
Maybe it's saying no to oneextra task that can wait, or
maybe it's committing to giveyourself one night a week
to truly rest without guilt.
Boundaries aren't aboutshutting people out.
They're about creatingspace for the version
(18:12):
of you that's growing.
Protecting yourtime isn't selfish.
It's strategic because whenyou take care of yourself,
you can show up stronger foreverything and everyone else.
So this week, take that onesmall step, set your boundary,
hold it with confidence, andremind yourself your goals
deserve protected space to grow.
(18:35):
Balancing life work and schoolisn't easy, but it's possible.
You don't have to have itall figured out and you
don't need to move at anyoneelse's pace, but your own
progress in this journeyisn't measured by perfection.
It's measured by persistence.
Every class you attend, everylate night spent studying,
and every small step youtake toward your goal is
(18:58):
part of your path forward.
When things feel heavy,remind yourself that you're
not just learning skills,you're building resilience,
discipline and compassion.
The very qualities thatdefine true professionalism
in healthcare.
The balance you're fightingto create right now is
shaping not only your career.
But the kind of care you'llone day give to others.
(19:19):
So give yourself permissionto grow at your own pace.
Keep showing up oneintentional step at a time,
and trust that each effort,no matter how small, is
mapping out the professionalyou are becoming tomorrow.
I know some of you arewondering when the interview
episodes are coming, so Iwanna give you a quick update.
They are happening.
(19:41):
I got a few great interviewslined up, but with the
holiday season in full swing.
Schedules have shiftedand a couple dates
had to be pushed back.
That's just lifeand that's okay.
What matters is this, theinterviews are still on the
way, and I know they're goingto be incredibly helpful,
encouraging, and reliableonce they're recorded.
(20:01):
So for now, we'll keeprolling with a few more
solo episodes and honestly.
This gives us a chance to diginto topics that so many of
you deal with every single day.
If you enjoy today's episode,follow the show and share
it with anyone chasingtheir healthcare dreams.
Got an idea or topic you'dlike me to talk about?
Send me an email at Madpodcast@outlook.com.
(20:23):
I'd love to hear yourthoughts, stories, or
questions for future episodes.
Your ideas and experiencescould inspire someone
else on their path.
Stay tuned for more realstories, inspiration and
guidance to help you learn,grow, and keep moving forward
on your journey in healthcare.
Until next time, keeplearning, keep growing, and
keep following your map, yourmedical pathway for success.
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