The unwind: students share their go-to methods to destress and find balance

With the final week of Stress Awareness Month upon us, we asked a group of student and pre-reg optometrists for their go to destress and work-life balance hacks. Here is what they shared…

1 Deepali Poojara, second year optometry student at the University of Central Lancashire

 
After a busy day at university or studying, when I need to destress I enjoy climbing. For me, climbing helps take my mind off studying and shifts my attention to something not related to optics. Whilst climbing is a sport and probably releases feel-good hormones, it also allows me to stay engaged with my problem solving skills as well as staying active. As a student also working full time, I sometimes climb first thing in the morning before work to switch my brain on or I go for a late night climb after work, which I find helps me relax after a long day. Climbing really keeps me sane during stressful periods and, as clichéd as it sounds, I don’t know how I’d cope without it.

Climbing really keeps me sane during stressful periods and, as clichéd as it sounds, I don’t know how I’d cope without it

2 Palak Kapadia, Cardiff University student optometrist and AOP student representative

   
After a busy day at university or studying, I find solace in spending time with my friends and family. Whether we’re going out for dinner, watching movies together, or just chilling at home, these moments offer a much-needed break from the pressures of academic life. I particularly love indulging in my favourite shows while munching on my favourite snacks – it’s my go-to way to relax and unwind. These activities remind me to prioritise self-care and nurture relationships outside of my studies.

3 Priya Tanda, pre-reg optometrist and AOP Councillor

  
After a busy day in clinic when I need to destress, I take the time to enjoy my commute on the way home. This could include music, podcasts, and generally turning off for the evening. I try to practice gratitude everyday – noting down an event or moment on my phone from the day which made me smile, has taught me something or was memorable. 

As a pre-registration optometrist, often I find it harder to destress when there is revision that needs to be done outside of work, but I try and make my revision as enjoyable as possible, often going to a coffee shop or outside of home for it. 

I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by always trying to get some fresh air at lunchtime. For optometrists, we are stuck in a dark room for the majority of the working day. I always try and get outside on a walk at lunchtime to break up the day, stretch my legs and see some daylight. I also feel that it is vital to have some time to completely switch off after work by doing something I enjoy such as reading, exercise/gym or even browsing TikTok. 

I try to practice gratitude everyday – noting down an event or moment on my phone from the day which made me smile, has taught me something or was memorable

4 Zakariya Saleem, Plymouth University student optometrist and AOP student representative

  
After a busy day at university, when I need to destress, I often turn to physical activities or hobbies that help me unwind. I enjoy going to the gym for a workout session, and playing sports, including cricket, rugby or football, to clear my mind. Engaging in these activities not only helps to release built-up stress, but also promotes exercise and improved wellbeing. Additionally, I enjoy winding down by indulging in leisure activities such as reading a book, taking a brisk coastal walk, or sitting back and watching a TV show or movie. These moments of escapism provide a much-needed break from academic demands and allow me to recharge for the next day.

I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by establishing clear boundaries between my academic responsibilities and personal life. This means setting aside dedicated time for studying and coursework, but also prioritising activities that nourish my wellbeing outside of academia. During busy days, I make it a point to take short breaks to stretch, go for a walk, or simply disconnect from screens to refresh my mind. I also prioritise spending quality time with friends and family, as social connections are crucial for maintaining balance and reducing stress. By consciously allocating time for both work and leisure activities, I aim to prevent burnout and ensure that I can sustain a healthy balance between my academic and personal pursuits.

---

Thoughts from a newly-qualified optometrist

Newly-qualified optometrist and clinical tutor at Cardiff University, Huda Hathaf, shares how she destresses and maintains a healthy work-life balance

After a busy day in clinics, when I need to destress, I like to bake a lot of sweet treats to share with family and friends. Not only is it a fun and delicious activity but it’s great at distracting yourself from a tough day and sparks a lot of creativity. I’ve also got three cats and they provide the best comfort. Playing with them is soothing and can definitely turn a bad day into a good one. But most importantly, my favourite thing to do when I need to destress is sleep. A good night’s rest helps me feel more relaxed and prepared for the next day and allows me to reduce any feelings of anxiety.

I try to maintain a healthy work-life balance by ensuring I eat three regular meals a day with plenty of water. Among the stress and busy schedules throughout the day we forget to look after ourselves. Eating nutritious food and trying to cut back on caffeine could be a simple task to do but the rewards are far greater. It’s also important to speak to a friend, family member (or even your pet) and share your thoughts and feelings. Keeping things bottled up can be unhealthy and sharing with others can release all that tension that you may have building up. I try to switch off from work when I get home and realise that you can only do your best on the day and no matter what happens life is a learning process, and nobody is perfect – we’re only human.