When I started EMT training, I expected it to be intense. I knew it would mean long hours, high-stress situations, and a steep learning curve, not to mention the fact that I would be balancing my other undergraduate coursework at the same time. What I didn’t expect was how heavy it would feel emotionally. I was learning how to help people during the worst moments of their lives, and that responsibility weighed on me more than I’d anticipated. That’s when I knew something had to give. I realized I couldn’t keep pushing forward without taking care of myself, too. So I started running again. I’d run cross country in high school, mostly to get a bit of exercise and be a part of a team. I'd stopped when I first entered college, however. Between labs, lectures, and now EMT shifts, it felt like there just wasn’t enough hours in the day. But, despite my packed schedule, I squeezed in exercise whenever possible. At first, I didn’t really have a plan. I just ran. Sometimes it was only a mile; sometimes longer. Gradually, running became my routine. I’d get up early and run before my shifts, or head out after class to let the day go. I also joined the cross country and track & field club at UC Davis to motivate myself even more and to form a desperately needed sense of community. It didn’t solve everything, but it gave me space where I found calm and strength. I now realize how important it is to protect my mental health, not just in emergencies, but every day. Eventually, I added in something else: meditation. At first, it felt strange. Sitting still while my to-do list spun around in my brain didn’t feel productive. But over time, I started to look forward to it. Even ten minutes of silence made the rest of the day feel more manageable. Together, they helped me show up better, for my patients, my classmates, and myself. Mental and emotional health are just as important as physical stamina, especially in a demanding field like emergency medicine. And now, as I continue my undergraduate studies, I carry that lesson with me. And as someone preparing for a future in medicine, where burnout is all too common, I know I need to build healthy habits now. You can’t take care of others if you’re not taking care of yourself.