Lainey Jones is a third-year PharmD candidate at the Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
During pharmacy school, it is easy to get swept into coursework, extracurriculars, and working, which leads to students forgetting to take care of themselves. As a student pharmacist, I have discovered the significance of weaving wellness into my academic pursuits, recognizing that a healthy mind and body contribute not only to personal fulfillment, but also to academic success.
This being said, I have created a list of “ins and outs” for taking care of yourself during pharmacy school.
Ins
1. Finding a hobby. Finding a hobby has been so important to my well-being throughout pharmacy school. My favorite hobby right now is making balloon arches for any and all events, especially for APhA–ASP! I really enjoy getting to express myself creatively because this is something that student pharmacists don’t get to do much of in the classroom. I also enjoy reading, playing pickleball, and crafting with my Cricut.
2. Exercising. This can be different for everyone. I’ve found that I do much better on exams the weeks that I am exercising versus when I am not. One of my favorite ways to get some exercise in is by going on walks with friends after class at a nearby nature park. This not only rejuvenates my mind and body, but also gives me some time away from the classroom.
3. Taking breaks. When studying, I often lose track of time and will go hours without a break. Something I have implemented this semester is scheduled breaks when studying or planning a long day. This has allowed me to make sure I am making time for myself each day, even if it is a small amount.
Outs
1. Overcommitment. Student pharmacists often feel the need to say yes to everything and embrace every opportunity offered to them. Prioritizing committing to events that I have a passion for has allowed me to participate to my fullest potential and take more away from the events I am attending. Finding a balance of staying involved but not overcommitting myself has given me a very healthy balance of schoolwork, extracurriculars, and self-care!
2. Comparison. This can be a good thing in some respects; however, in pharmacy school you may have different goals than your friends and colleagues. Whether these goals relate to careers, personal life, or student organizations, comparing yourself to other students can negatively affect your overall well-being. I have found that when I am comparing myself to people, I often am much more stressed about what other people are doing rather than using that energy to better myself. Focusing on what you are participating in and showing up where you feel you belong is a great way to improve overall well-being.
Find a balance
We all know that being a student pharmacist is a full-time job in itself! By finding a balance of academics and self-care, we are paving our path to be the best pharmacist possible.