As a pharmacist and health care provider, I am a big advocate for going beyond physical health, and making sure to prioritize emotional and mental health and wellness! I personally knew my sense of self-worth was wrapped up in how many things I could accomplish in a day, but the pandemic has let me take a break in more ways than one. So although my to-do list is longer than ever now that I’ve just bought a house, I find myself re-energized by the work I get to do in the community and with student pharmacist, including:
· Advocate for diversity and inclusion in clinical trials.
· Highlight health disparities in the LGBTQ+ and underserved communities.
· Mentor eight student pharmacists across the United State and Canada.
· Coordinate a virtual panel on sustainability to turnout for burnout.
I share this to highlight how you can also schedule time for yourself when your list of responsibilities seems endless.
My book of wins
Sometimes I schedule “nothing” on my calendar. I literally block off time on my calendar to do nothing because I know I’ll need time to recharge. Other times I’ll rely on a priority matrix to determine my “do now” versus “do later/delegate” tasks. I don’t want to fall into that trap of being busy, so practicing empowered boundary setting reminds myself that I can’t pour from an empty cup. I’ve learned to let go of the guilt when I say “no,” which is a complete sentence on its own. I invite you to take a moment to rest and reset, and to celebrate yourself and your achievements!
This past week, I put in my book of wins that I:
· Read a book for fun.
· Caught up with a friend.
· Did not shop for clothes online.
· Worked out 4 days in a row.
These lists may differ in their scope of impact, but they are both equally important to me as a New Practitioner. Whatever you write down, know that I am celebrating with you! If you’re reading this, relax any tension in your jaw and shoulders and forgive yourself for a mistake you made earlier today. Because remember: self-care is not selfish, and life’s too short to be busy.
April Nguyen, PharmD, RAC, (she/her/hers) is currently a regulatory affairs manager at Biogen and also the founder of the international initiative Pharmacy Legislative Week. She is a fierce advocate for care in marginalized communities through her work with student pharmacists in the United States and Canada. She enjoys recreating dim sum recipes, bullet journaling, and working on her six pack one laugh at a time.