Let’s be honest - medical school is a busy, challenging and stressful time. Long study sessions are required to cram a massive amount of information into your brain. You’ll have exams and clinical placements to deal with, not to mention the need to find your niche and work toward a residency program. You will likely be expected to perform research during this time as well. It can be difficult to remain calm and maintain a social life - it’s no surprise that medical medical students struggle with burnout and mental health issues.

One approach that has been around for a long time but has really gained popularity over the past few years is mindfulness. This is the practice of focusing one’s attention on the present moment with acceptance, and without judgment. Regular mindfulness has been found to reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and even help people cope with pain. In the lecture hall, mindfulness has been found to improve focus and reduce distractions when completing challenging tasks, resulting in greater academic success. Academic benefits aside, mindfulness can be a really useful tool for medical students and doctors to help reduce stress and enhance our overall wellbeing.

In this article, we will explore five of the best mindfulness apps and websites for medical students to help you cultivate a mindful outlook. These resources are useful for both beginners and seasoned practitioners to support mental and physical health. Let’s get into it.