Keren Rosen is a second-year PharmD candidate at the Union University College of Pharmacy.
It is no secret that pharmacy school often feels like a nonstop marathon full of seemingly never-ending exams, deadlines, and responsibilities. In the midst of an often exhausting race, it is easy to forget that you are people first and student pharmacists second. I am learning each day that intentionally carving out space for activities I enjoy is not just a good idea, but a necessity.
These brief yet meaningful breaks always help me recharge and maintain a sense of balance in my life.
Running sets a positive tone
While I do not always love getting out of bed early, I have found that my mornings start best with a run. There is something peaceful about being outside before most of my neighbors are awake and when the air feels crisp and calm. Running gives me a chance to shake off any lingering stress from the previous night’s study session, and it helps me approach the new day with a clear head. It also sets a positive tone that ideally carries me through the rest of the day.
Elevating my snack game
After classes finish for the day, I like to take a brain break and exercise another part of my mind by engaging in something creative through making what I like to call a “Keren creation.” Essentially, I make little snack boards with simple combinations of crackers, cheese, fruit, or whatever else I have sitting around in the kitchen. I am always in a snacky mood after class, but taking time to elevate my snack and arrange my food into something fun and colorful brings me so much joy.
Walks with friends
Another routine that keeps me grounded during my afternoon study sessions is taking study break walks with my friends. Sometimes these walks turn into group therapy sessions where we vent about classes, but other times, we set a boundary that any conversation related to school is off-limits. These walks where talking about school is forbidden are my favorite because they provide a space to reconnect as friends and not just classmates. Either way, I always leave these walks feeling comforted that I am not alone and reminded that having people who understand and support you can make the challenges of school feel much more manageable.
A happier, more productive me
What I have ultimately noticed is that when I actually give myself permission to de-stress, my study time becomes much more productive. I come back to my work with better focus and a refreshed mind. It is a reminder that taking care of my well-being is not a distraction from school. Instead, it allows me to show up for it fully.
While pharmacy school is just one chapter of my life, the ability to recognize stress and know how to care for myself in the midst of that stress is a lifelong skill. Stress may not disappear after school ends, but I am confident that learning how to work through it now can set the tone for a happier and more sustainable future.