Jessie Bruce - Region 12

A Guide to Self-nourishment
Finding time and ways to wind down and de-stress during your dietetic internship

Don’t get me wrong, my experience so far has been intellectually stimulating, engaging, fulfilling, and thought-provoking. At the same time, it can be difficult juggling personal life, the internship, working part-time, and finding time for myself. To find balance and ease amongst the hustle and bustle, I have developed my own personal Guide to Self-nourishment. I have broken it down into a list of goals:
1. Listen to an audio book on my drive to and from my rotation site or call a friend or family member and catch up.
2. When I get back from my rotation, go on a run outside and enjoy the sunlight and fresh air.
3. Make plans with friends each week to have something to look forward to without overextending.
4. Bake cookies and share them with my friends, family, or preceptors/coworkers.
5. Go to the farmers market once a week.
6. Sleep is so important.

These are a list of goals that are tailored towards my hobbies and needs, but I think this process can be helpful for everyone and go beyond the internship as a lifelong self-nourishment practice. When you are busy and have many commitments, you have less time to consciously make decisions for self-nourishment and wellness. A living list of goals that are realistic and align with your interests provides a framework to encourage alone time and ensure you are doing things that make you happy. Remember, no one is holding you accountable but yourself.

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