What I Wish I Knew: Finding Balance in Residency
What I Wish I Knew
Residency is an exciting and rewarding stage of training, but it can also be demanding. Between clinical responsibilities, studying, research, and life outside of medicine, finding balance can feel like an impossible task. The good news is that many residents have faced the same challenges and learned valuable lessons along the way. Here are some key takeaways from the "What I Wish I Knew" series on finding balance in residency.
One of the biggest lessons residents shared was that balance looks different depending on the season of training you're in. As one PGY3 resident put it, “Balance isn't necessarily achieved on a day-to-day basis. Some rotations are heavier and more call-intense than others; try to strive for balance on a weekly, monthly or quarterly basis!” Residency is filled with fluctuations, with some rotations being demanding and call-heavy while others offer more flexibility. Instead of expecting every day to feel balanced, many residents found greater success by focusing on balance over the longer term.
“Plan when to take your vacations spread out throughout the year so you always have something to look forward to and have regular breaks scheduled for yourself!”
A recurring piece of advice was to protect your time outside of medicine. Residency can easily expand to fill every available hour if boundaries are not set. Residents shared that maintaining hobbies, spending time with family and friends, and continuing activities that bring joy are not distractions from training; they are essential parts of staying healthy and preventing burnout. Prioritizing your relationships and hobbies outside of medicine will make you more productive in the long run.
Taking care of yourself physically is equally important. Residents highlighted simple but effective habits such as exercising regularly, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and making time to decompress. Many also recommended combining wellness activities with social connection, whether that means going for a run with a co-resident, joining a fitness class, or spending time outdoors.
“Balance includes grace for myself. Some weeks will feel lopsided, and that’s okay. What matters is checking in with myself regularly, adjusting as needed, and remembering that residency is a marathon, not a sprint”
Perhaps most importantly, residents reminded us to be kind to ourselves. There will be weeks that feel balanced and weeks that do not. There will be times when rest is more important than productivity, and moments when simply getting through the day is enough. Finding balance is not about doing everything perfectly; it is about checking in with yourself, adjusting when needed, and recognizing that residency is a marathon, not a sprint.
Finding balance in residency looks different for everyone. By prioritizing wellness, protecting your time, maintaining meaningful relationships, and giving yourself permission to rest, you can build habits that support both your training and your well-being. For more firsthand insights and practical advice, explore the full “What I Wish I Knew” series from Resident Doctors of BC.
Need help finding balance? Learn more about or book an appointment with the Resident Counselling and Peer Support Office!