Finding Balance in Medical School

“Balance” is one of those words that comes up a lot in university. Between lectures, exams, and everything else, it can feel like there is never enough time or energy to do it all. To explore what balance actually looks like in practice, two of our students and a counsellor get honest about how to recognise what gets in the way, when things are tipping too far, and what helps.

When you hear “balance,” what comes to mind?

Dr Kesantini Athinarayananrao, Counsellor, defines balance as “the ability to effectively manage both academic responsibilities and daily life. It involves completing assignments and meeting academic expectations while still prioritising self-care, avoiding burnout, and maintaining meaningful social interactions.

According to Goh Jia En, a second-year Biomedical Sciences student and Student Association President, “Balance to me means having enough time to invest meaningfully in the priorities I have set for myself and to make sure that I maintain a healthy mindset without being burned out.”

For Rania Shamshul Baharain, a Year 4 MBBS student and former President of the Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Newcastle, “It is about finding the middle ground of not overdoing and underdoing things. We need to prioritise what truly deserves our time and energy right now, while being okay with letting other things wait.”

What tends to throw things off most?

Jia En mused, “Lack of planning… When time and energy are not intentionally allocated for each priority, it is very easy to overcommit!”

“Overcommitting, undercommitting, lack of boundaries, and unrealistic expectations can all throw things off balance. When we chase perfection in everything, we don’t just lose balance; we exhaust ourselves,” added Rania.

"Perfectionism is definitely a big culprit. It can lead to being excessive on tasks beyond what is necessary. Similarly, overidentifying with the role of a medical student can lead one to focus solely on academics while neglecting other important roles — such as being an individual, a family member, or a friend,” elaborated Dr Kesanti.

How do you know when balance is slipping?

Dr Kesantini attributes this to a disruption of both academic performance and overall well-being. “This is where stress and burnout are tied exclusively to academic work. Other indicators include difficulty socialising, reduced interest in non-academic activities, and feelings of guilt when engaging in hobbies or rest.”

Both Jia En and Rania agree that it shows up when even simple tasks feel daunting.

“I start feeling overwhelmed or am close to a mental breakdown… it feels like time is slipping away,” Rania described.

Jia En noted, “My mind keeps drifting elsewhere while I’m trying to focus.”

What helps you regain some balance?

“It starts with a reset,” Jia En observed. “After a particularly intense period, I intentionally step away from that task and allow myself to reconnect with things that I genuinely enjoy.”

Rania has a similar opinion. “
Taking a step back & just breathing! Reminding myself that I can’t do everything, and don’t need to. Prioritising, setting boundaries, and allowing time to rest are key. We are human, not machines.”

This is in line with Dr Kesanti’s advice to “pause and reflect.”

According to her, “It is important to reassess and identify areas that may be lacking, such as relationships, self-care, or personal interests, and from there, take intentional steps to reintegrate these elements into your daily life.”

Jia En chimed in, “Breaking things down helps make them feel more manageable and achievable. Often, what feels overwhelming and impossible becomes much more tangible and achievable once it’s clearly structured with a feasible timeline in mind.”

Rania stated, “Be kind to yourself. You don’t have to juggle everything at once. Know which balls need juggling and which can bounce on their own. Then, life will get a whole lot easier.”

“Remember that campus life is about more than academics. It is a space where you develop patience, resilience, empathy, and meaningful relationships. Take a moment to reflect on what you have truly gained from your experience. If your answer is limited to academic knowledge alone, you may be missing out on the broader growth that medical school offers,” concluded Dr Kesanti.

And there you have it. Real perspectives from current students, along with practical advice from our counsellor. At the end of the day, it is all about finding a balance that works for you. You don’t have to choose between doing well and taking care of yourself. With the right priorities, it is possible to make space for both.

COUNSELLOR’S PRO TIP:

A practical approach is to structure your daily tasks into:

• One major task (urgent and important)
• Three moderate tasks (flexible or less time-sensitive)
• Five small personal tasks (e.g., adequate sleep, proper meals, or spending time with loved ones)

Incorporating a reward system can also be helpful. Plan simple, meaningful rewards for completing your tasks — this could be a favourite meal, a relaxing weekend, or watching a show you enjoy.