5. Prioritize sleep.
It almost goes without saying, except that it’s so important: You need to prioritize sleep so you can keep your body healthy and your mind sharp when you are treating patients.
Although it may be tempting to occasionally join friends for lunch to keep up with your social life, it’s important to consider how straying away from your sleep schedule can impact your health. Chronic sleep deprivation has serious health implications for health, productivity, and occupational safety. ((The National Sleep Foundation, “Shift Work Disorder Symptoms,” )) Experts recommend 7–9 hours of sleep per night for adults 18–64 years old. ((The National Sleep Foundation, “How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?”))
6. Use caffeine wisely.
Most of us rely on a certain amount of caffeine to wake up and stay productive. Caffeine can improve memory, mood, and physical performance. Whether your drug of choice is coffee, black tea, or dark chocolate, it’s fine to consume it—as long as you stop before you become jittery and strung out.
For that reason, consider avoiding energy drinks that are high in sugar and caffeine. While these will give you a temporary boost, studies show an association with negative health effects, including elevated stress levels, higher blood pressure, increased risk of obesity, and poor-quality sleep. Of course, be mindful of how close to your bedtime you consume caffeine.