Move, Nourish, Believe

This week’s [optional] theme for the Fit Dish link up (hosted by Jill Conyers @ JillConyers.com, & Jessica Joy @ TheFitSwitch.org) is on…how I move, nourish & believe.

Honestly, I wasn’t entirely sure where to proceed with this one, but…as some of you may know, I’m currently in the middle of my psych rotation, and…to say the least, it has not been a pleasant experience. (I’d go as far as to say it’s the only rotation I’ve hated so far.) I’ve been doing my best to stay positive though.

My favorite part of my days = when I get to spend time with the patients, so much so that when I get ditched for several hours, I pass the time by attending group therapy sessions with them (and transmuting them into Medical Mondays posts, e.g. yesterday’s post on Kicking Unhealthy Thinking Habits).

I’ve come to the conclusion that I’d be a terrible psychiatrist (or at least, according to my impression of what a psychiatrist seems to do). Mine would mainly just adjust medications, which I realize is very important for a lot of them, but what of the psychological aspect? I know there are therapists who are better qualified, but I don’t think it’d hurt to offer some comforting words here and there, just let them know that you cared about them, even if it’s something as simple as just addressing them by name.

It appears that my experience is extremely atypical as compared to everyone else’s psych rotations, so I guess I just got [un]lucky with mine. It is a-okay though, because that’s where my awesome support system kicked in! <3

I think the most important pieces to living a healthy lifestyle (aside from the obvious ones–maintaining a healthy diet and getting some form of regular physical activity in) are to:

1. Nourish your mind.
2. Maintain a positive outlook.
3. Cultivate your relationships.

Learn from the bad experiences, look for the silver linings, and don’t ever take the amazing people in your life for granted.

To keep myself in good spirits, I took Princess Muffin on a walk over to another friend’s place so we could study together. (He’s on psych as well, but infinitely happier.)

One of the families at my church has pretty much adopted me in the sense that they invite me to all their family functions. They are incredibly sweet and super supportive of me. <3 I got to celebrate [one of] the grandma’s 90th birthday with them! :]

They gave me the cutest desserts ever to take home with me:

 

I’ve also been pedaling out my frustrations on my new stationary bike trainer (thank you, Ricardo!)…and giving myself daily pep talks/trying to keep my complaints to a minimum, because I dislike burdening people with my problems.

My parents also recently came back from Asia, so they sent me a ginormous care package. (My mom would be exceptionally gifted at Tetris.)

On Friday, my friend invited me over for dinner because she knew I’d had a somewhat upsetting [and frighteningly long] week. The coconut curry rice, quinoa patties, and brownies were wonderful, especially when coupled together with awesome company and fun youtube videos. :]

I’ve been doing massive weekend meal prepping since the start of medical school. It helps me to continue eating healthy, and also saves me a bunch of money. (I typically spend ~$50-100/month on food/groceries.) Since the start of clinical rotations, I’ve suckered my friend into doing it with me! :D

We made Avocado, Tomato & Mozzarella appetizers, Honey Srirarcha Chicken, Tomato Chicken Stew. (I’ll share recipes eventually!)

Since we’re doing our rural rotations and won’t be living in our apartments for a while, we decided to also make a massive kitchen-sink salad to use up ingredients in our respective apartments. Hooray for no waste!

I’m also super happy to report that life has gotten infinitely better because…I have a new preceptor for psych! She’s super super nice, listens to the things I say, very happy to teach, asks me questions but doesn’t make me feel like I am brainless if I don’t know the answer, and actually knows what my name is (on the first day!)! <3 <3 <3

I wish I’d had her for my entire rotation, but y’know what? Can’t be too greedy–I’m just going to count my blessings and enjoy the next couple days. <3

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• How do you move, nourish, and believe?
  • Move: Powerlifting & pole dancing!
  • Nourish: Eat healthy, but allow for indulgences. Everything in moderation, and plan ahead!
  • Believe: Maintain a positive outlook and spread joy/kindness. <3
• What do you do to snap yourself out of a bad mood?
• What’s something you do to maintain a healthier lifestyle?