Stamina Care Under College Entrance and Job-Search Stress — Take Care of It Before You Burn Out

You can't choose between studying and stamina

College entrance and job-search candidates often sit and concentrate for more than 10 hours a day, sleep little, eat in a rush, and barely exercise. After several months of this lifestyle, drops in immunity, digestive issues, headaches, and a sharp loss of concentration arrive together.

Korean medicine approach: brain fatigue and spleen-qi deficiency

Long hours of mental work are seen in Korean medicine as depleting the heart and spleen (心脾).

• Forgetfulness and reduced concentration: Heart blood (心血) is insufficient, so the brain doesn't receive enough nourishment
• Digestive issues: Spleen qi (脾氣) weakens, lowering the efficiency of converting food into qi and blood
• Example formula: Chongmyung-tang (聰明湯) — composed of Acori Graminei rhizome (Seokchangpo), Polygala root (Wonji), and Poria with hostwood (Boksin), it supports concentration and memory

Using Gongjindan and Gyeongokgo

For test-takers whose stamina is severely depleted, a two-track approach works well: Gongjindan for a short-term boost in vitality, plus Gyeongokgo to nourish the lungs and spleen-and-stomach for sustained stamina. Starting 2–3 months before the exam is ideal.

Custom lifestyle tips for students

• 50 minutes of study followed by 10 minutes of stretching — a minimum investment in cerebral circulation
• Don't skip breakfast — concentration depends on a working spleen-and-stomach
• Caffeine only until 2 p.m. — sleep quality determines next day's focus