HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2021!

“SELFCARE 2022”

2021 has been a rollercoaster ride of a year. With each month throwing us in a new loop. As medical students, we never really get a chance to enjoy any of our holidays because we are always in one exam frenzy or the other.

The Christmas holidays are yet on us again and it’s left to us on how we would love to “detty” our December. On the contrary, a number of us (including me) will be spending the holidays as a part of the pieces of furniture in my house but we live to fight another day.

The year has been a good one, long hour classes, practicals, exams, events, and every other medical thing we did this year. It has left some of us high spirited and others sunken but that doesn’t deter our plans for the holidays and even next year.

The holidays might seem short but remembering to make very good use of them is as important as not forgetting the medical student part of us. So as you do the holidaying, don’t forget to use one eye and one hand to flip through your medical books and unread slides, and for those starting a new academic year, it is important to note that “being prepared” is an essential part of being a medical student. Don’t be caught unaware, still, flip through the books.

As the new year dawn on us, do not forget to practice every form of self-care that you can because it never honestly gets easier, it’s always one turbulence or the other so putting yourself first and caring for yourself should be top of the list on your 2022 resolutions.

Talking about self-care doesn’t necessarily mean hot bubble baths every day or skipping classes even though it’s not a bad idea.

Practicing self-care can range from super simple actions you take daily to special splurges that are aimed at enhancing your happiness. Everything you do to make yourself happy in 2022 is tantamount to how efficient you’ll function. The things you should remember to do include:

Show Your Skin Some Love

Medical school stress does nothing but wrinkle your skin and make you look older than you are. So show your skin some self-care with a range of luxury moisturizers designed to keep your skin soft and smelling fantastic. It can become a part of your daily morning and evening routine, where the scents from these moisturizers will not only please your skin but also your sense of smell. Who doesn’t love getting a big whiff of coconut or honey blossom to start or end their day? And if you are showing your skin some self-care, book an afternoon appointment with the ABUAD spa to get a facial. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Don’t leave out your sunscreen, it is important as well because Ekiti sun is not the friendliest sun.

Listen to more music

If there’s anything that has kept some of us going, it has to be music. One of the best ways to show yourself some self-care is by being in the present and listening to some of your favorite music. If you need to calm yourself down or relax after an exhausting class day, go ahead and listen to that acoustic chill playlist. And if you are wanting to feel good, you could sprinkle in a bit of Davido or Wizkid here and there. Music is healing to us all and is one of the best ways to create an environment of self-care. In 2022, one good way to keep your head on this journey is a good listen.

Make Time to Workout

Luckily you’re an AMSAite so there’s the biweekly trotten medics to help your muscles relax. Getting our sweat on is another great way to show ourselves some self-care. By moving our body we are creating endorphins, getting healthier, and having fun in the process. Working out is not only good for our muscles but equally for our minds as well. If you are particularly stressed or feeling down and your workout with a variety of fitness classes online or in person, you will likely notice an instant difference in your mood as well. So make time to work out every week if you can, even if just for 20 or so minutes. It is one of the best forms of self-care and you can tailor your workouts to what your interests and passions are.

Start a Gratitude Journal

As cliché as it may sound to some, there is something extremely beneficial from taking time out of your day to write down what you are grateful for. It can be as simple as having a good day at the lab or getting good food in the cafeteria or having your classes canceled. The act of showing gratitude will help alleviate your stress and put into perspective just how great a life you have. Appreciation and gratitude are two forms of self-care that truly enhance our mental wellbeing and help us feel more sensations of happiness.

Prioritize Your Sleep

Medicine is stressful, it leaves you trying to catch up on every topic every night, hence sleep deprivation is a thing. A great way to add self-care to your daily routine is to make enough time in your schedule to get a good night’s sleep. Our body needs at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night so that it can get rid of any toxins, enhance memories and recover the brain from all the stimulation that took place during the day but unfortunately, we chose medicine so we only get about five hours of this necessity, nevertheless remember to make good use of this five hours. Snoozing your way through self-care is something that we think everyone can get on board with! And to truly take this form of self-care to the next level, splurge on a quality bed, linens, and pillow. You should even consider getting an oil diffuser for your room so you can drift off to sleep with scents of lavender oil in the bedroom.

On this note, make sure you stay protected while you’re in the outside this December, make use of your nose mask, stay at a distance from people(as far as possible), avoid touching your face, drink a lot of water, and wash your hands at every chance you get.

Wishing you the happiest holidays of your life this Christmas. May your life continue being filled up with joy and pleasure. Happy Christmas 2021!

We hope you have a beautiful holiday. See you next year.

Below is a video we compiled of wishes from everyone:

Thanks for reading❣️