Amid the chaos of the school year, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself somewhere between lectures, labs, and late-night study sessions. The pressure builds quietly, and before you know it, the line between surviving and living starts to blur. But over time, I’ve found a rhythm, small, intentional habits that keep my mental health and social life in check while navigating the madness of podiatry school.

1. The first habit that changed everything for me was written tracking. My planner and journal became my survival kit. Before each semester begins, I open my laptop, build an Excel sheet, and plug in every single exam date. It’s not just about organization, it’s about awareness. Seeing the semester laid out helps me prepare mentally, and crossing off each exam feels like conquering a mountain. I also set realistic daily goals in my planner, noting how many lectures I’ll tackle. Then, every night, I write a few lines in my journal, capturing small reflections that become a personal time capsule of growth, stress, laughter, and resilience.
2. The second thing I swear by is “habit stacking.” This concept is one I picked up from one of my favorite books, Atomic Habits, written by James Clear. The idea is simple: Pair small, productive tasks together so you get more done without extra time. While watching a lecture, I’ll throw in a load of laundry, apply a face mask, or oil my hair. It may sound mundane, but these small self-care rituals help me feel human again. Podiatry school can drain the color from your days; “habit stacking” helps me paint some of it back in.
3. The third habit is staying connected. Once a week, I call my parents and friends, usually while walking to campus or during coffee breaks. Instead of scrolling aimlessly through social media, I use that time to check in on the people who ground me. Those conversations remind me there’s a world beyond the next pathology exam (and yes, the choice of pathology was intentional, because nothing humbled me faster), and they keep loneliness from sneaking in.
4. The fourth thing I do is change my study scenery. I rotate between coffee shops, the school library, and my apartment lounge. Each space brings a different kind of focus and energy. When studying starts to feel like a chore, I romanticize it: a new drink, a cozy corner, a fresh playlist. Sometimes you must trick your brain into loving the grind.
5. And finally, I believe in rewarding myself. After every exam, I celebrate, whether that means grabbing dinner with friends, treating myself to something small, or just taking a guilt-free day off. Those rewards remind me why I’m working so hard and keep burnout at bay.

Balancing podiatry school with life isn’t easy, but it’s possible. For me, it’s not about perfection, it’s about intention. Small habits, steady growth, and remembering that even in the busiest seasons, you still deserve moments that are yours.

Apurwa Shah is a TUSPM Student (second year; Class of 2028). She is President-Elect of AAPPM, a Research Apprentice of ALPS, and a member of the Legislative Committee Task Force of APMSA.