In Chiropractic College, Practice Self Care While You Learn to Care for Others  

Now that you’re accepted into chiropractic college, how did you do on this three-part checklist?

1. You did the research and found the college’s chiropractic philosophy that fits your goals.
2. You’re mentally prepared for the 4,200 hours of class and lab time over 3.3 years.
3. You took the time to learn about the student services and support options to keep you mentally, physically, and academically on track. Oh, you missed #3? Here are four strategies for proper self-care, and they’re as important as learning to care for others.

How to Reach Your Self Care Potential

1. Fuel your body to fuel your brain.
You’ll need your mind to be at its best to succeed in chiropractic college. There are three ways to stay fueled up to ensure peak performance:

• Average at least seven hours of sleep daily.
  Research indicates a chronic lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep increase the likelihood of health problems. Examples include high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and obesity.
• Eat well-balanced meals (at least most of the time).
  Experts recommend a diet that’s 70% plant-based foods and 30% high-quality protein, with healthy fat mixed in. Using such a diet as a guide restores energy, optimizes brain/hormone functioning, and reduces the risk of illness.
• Schedule time for regular exercise.  
  What exercise looks like is different for every person, but the time devoted to an exercise routine produces many benefits. Exercise reduces fatigue, improves alertness and concentration, helps eliminate stress, and enhances overall cognitive function.

2. Be Intentional About Being “In Community” 

A feeling of being “in community” goes a long way in maintaining energy levels and being emotionally prepared for life’s challenges. Physical connectedness can contribute to this, and that’s an excellent reason to live in a popular neighborhood with other students. As a result, finding study groups and setting up test review sessions are easier and more convenient.

Another way to enhance the sense of belonging is to join a university-based student club in your area of interest. University staff can also show you how to start one of your own. In addition, it’s never too early to be involved in professional chiropractic organizations. Options for chiropractic college students include the Student American Chiropractic Association (SACA) or the Student International Chiropractors Association (SICA).

3. Practice Mindfulness

 Mindfulness refers to being 100% present in what you’re doing and not be overly reactive or overwhelmed.

The website Mindful.org says practicing mindfulness translates to “creating space for ourselves — space to think, space to breathe, space between ourselves and our reactions.”

You’ll need that – chiropractic college comes with a demanding schedule. You’ll want to make wise decisions about academic priorities and social opportunities. One practical way to help keep yourself in balance is by journaling. Writing out your thoughts each day will allow you to express your feelings and provide adequate time and space to process them.

4. Self-care Via Student Services

Of course, the best time to check out available student services is during your campus visit. Regardless, as soon as you arrive on campus, take some time to do so. Make an appointment with the student services staff, or ask a student ambassador to introduce you.

What kind of help is available? Tutoring is a common one. Generally, tutors are higher-level students with a record of A’s or B’s in specific subjects.

Other assistive services can help with life challenges, legal issues, mental health advice, or financial counseling. Often, these free services are available for everyone in the student’s immediate family.

Other services to know that assist in student success, health, and wellbeing:

• Disability Accommodations
  Staff members can outline options for students with disabilities.
• On-campus Library
  Make sure you review all the learning resources and services that are available.
• On-campus Dining
  A chiropractic college with a full-service, on-campus cafeteria, plus snack/treat kiosks will make a big difference.
• As Needed Chiropractic Care
  Generally, “on-call” care is available by chiropractic interns or faculty members who are doctors of chiropractic.

The College of Chiropractic at Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC)

Cleveland University-Kansas City (CUKC) is a private, nonprofit, healthcare-focused university specializing in the chiropractic and health sciences. Our chiropractic history began in 1922, and today, more than 11,000 alumni earned their Doctor of Chiropractic degrees through our College of Chiropractic.

The CUKC campus is in Overland Park, Kansas, a vibrant, Kansas City-area suburb of 190,000 residents. Overland Park is known for its livability, family friendliness, and affordability.

To you, chiropractic college was the right choice. Is there someone you know who’d find this career choice just as attractive? There are multiple pathways to a CUKC Doctor of Chiropractic degree:

• Many CUKC students begin by earning their B.S. in Human Biology degree, which allows a smooth transition to our College of Chiropractic.
• Some chiropractic-minded students choose our  B.S./D.C (Doctor of Chiropractic) program. This option can reduce the total time in school by up to a year.
• Other students complete their 90 hours of undergraduate study at other universities, majoring in biology, kinesiology, exercise science, pre-physical therapy, or deciding to change from medical school or nursing.

Get more information here and download this free eBook: Your Complete Guide to the Chiropractic Profession.