How I recharge
Aurora Guynn is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy.
Student pharmacists are constantly busy studying for exams, preparing for presentations, fulfilling leadership responsibilities, participating in service activities, and much more. With so much going on, it can be easy to forget to make time for yourself and your well-being. However, making time to destress and do something fun is incredibly important to prevent burnout.
Like most student pharmacists, I agree that this is often easier said than done. I know that I sometimes struggle with guilt when I spend time doing things other than schoolwork because it can feel like I am not making the “most” of my time. Whenever I feel guilty about taking time for myself, I remind myself that I can’t give my all if my battery is empty. I obviously do not have an actual battery—though that would be much more convenient! However, like a battery, I work better when I’ve had time to recharge.
Running and reading
One of the ways I destress—or recharge—is through exercise. I feel like I am constantly using my mind throughout the day, so I’ve found that getting moving and separating myself from my work for a little bit can be incredibly helpful.
Sometimes this means going on a short walk between classes or during lunch. Other times it means making a point of going on a long run with a friend on the weekend. Either way, I always feel less stressed and overwhelmed when I get back to my work after finishing a walk or workout. The amount of work on my to-do list hasn’t changed, but my thinking is always much clearer and calmer.
Another activity I enjoy is reading for enjoyment. I feel like student pharmacists are always reading something. Whether it be lecture PowerPoints, textbook chapters, or some new guideline or article, reading is a daily activity. As a result, it is understandable that many people view reading as a task or a means to an end. For this reason, I encourage you to read books, articles, or other literature that are separate from school and work. Like exercise, reading something you find enjoyable can be a great way to take your mind off school and destress.
A work in progress
Over the past several years, I’ve gotten better at remembering to take time to focus on myself and my well-being. However, I am by no means perfect—there have certainly been times when I have felt overwhelmed by everything and forced myself to run on an empty battery. Personal wellness and work/school–life balance is something I plan to keep improving on as I progress through APPEs and onward.