Wellness is an individual journey
Samuel Siwy is a final-year PharmD candidate at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
As a final-year student pharmacist on rotations, I understand the importance of prioritizing my well-being amid the demands of academia and professional responsibilities. I want to share with you my personal journey and emphasize the significance of self-care. For me, my hobbies and outdoor activities help me de-stress and find balance during pharmacy school, work, and rotations.
My stress outlets
Engaging in hobbies has been essential for unwinding from rotations. Exercising and listening to podcasts are key elements of my well-being plan. Through activities like running, hiking, and strength training, I release endorphins, alleviate stress, and clear my mind. This not only helps me maintain physical health, but also profoundly impacts my mental well-being.
Likewise, listening to podcasts such as On Purpose with Jay Shetty, Unlocking Us with Brene Brown, and Becoming Something Podcast with Jonathan Pokluda provide relaxation and thought-provoking insights, offering an escape from academic demands. This hobby broadens my learning; promotes self-awareness; and helps me encompass mental, emotional, and social aspects into my well-being plan.
When stress mounts, I turn to journaling as a therapeutic outlet. Putting pen to paper allows me to unload thoughts, fears, and emotions. Journaling helps me gain clarity, identify patterns, and find solutions to challenges. Reflecting on experiences and processing feelings equips me to navigate the rigors of pharmacy school rotations.
Each morning, I treasure moments of quietness through deep breathing exercises. This simple practice centers me and cultivates a calm state of mind. Focusing on my breathing alleviates stress and sets a positive tone for the day ahead.
Moreover, I avoid my phone during the first 30 minutes of the morning. Instead, I engage in mindfulness activities like meditation or gentle stretching, thereby nurturing my well-being and enhancing mental clarity.
Building a growth mindset one step at a time
Well-being is an individual journey based on interests and goals. Throughout rotations and didactic courses, I’ve learned to give myself grace if I don’t complete my to-do list or achieve daily goals. Taking things step by step and embracing challenging moments with a positive mindset allows progress, even if it’s not immediate.
As a student pharmacist, you must prioritize your well-being amid the demands of your studies and professional responsibilities. Engaging in hobbies, exercising, journaling, and practicing mindfulness are powerful tools for self-care and stress management. By incorporating these activities into your daily lives, you can enhance your mental and physical well-being, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and successful journey in pharmacy school and beyond.
Remember to take things one step at a time, embrace difficulties with a positive mindset, and keep your focus forward—for success may not come immediately, but it will come eventually.