As 2024 comes to a close, congratulations on being one step closer to your career as a pharmacist!
Studying pharmacy is challenging as you juggle lectures, tutorials, practical and clinical classes, assessments, deadlines, placements, part-time work, committee roles, networking and your social life. It can also be an exciting time of life with increased independence and freedom, gaining experience in life and your future career, and the chance to build friendships that could last a lifetime.
To thrive as a pharmacy student, it is essential to build self-care into your routine and to have self-compassion. Self-care involves building habits that support your own wellbeing, like getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying active. It also includes which bring you joy, such as music, dancing, exploring creative outlets, nurturing your spirituality, or spending time with loved ones (including pets!).
Self-care extends to reflection and planning, managing finances and making sure your life is aligns with your values. Equally important is self compasion: being kind to yourself during tough times. When you face challenges, failures, or moments of self-doubt, treat yourself with the same warmth and understanding you would offer a close friend. Embrace life’s imperfections without harsh self-criticism—acknowledge your struggles, and give yourself space to grow.
As you move into 2025, make a resolution to prioritise both self-care and self-compassion. Take time to laugh, enjoy yourself, and cherish the relationships you’re building. The student years will pass quickly, so enjoy this time with your fellow students and colleagues. These people may just become your “Pharmily” in the years ahead.
The Pharmacists’ Support Service (PSS) provides support over the phone to all pharmacists, pharmacy interns and students every day of the year from 8.00am to 11.00pm AEDT on 1300244910. You can call us to talk over a difficult situation or stressful times. The team who answer calls are all volunteer pharmacists or retired pharmacists who have been trained to provide peer support.
For more information about PSS and to access our resources visit our website www.supportforpharmacists.org.au or follow us on social media.
For those attending NAPSA Congress in Brisbane, come and find us and say hello!
