#emglowsup

[emgoesmed]

2/9/2023

Yesterday I came across this graphic on Pinterest while I was supposed to be paying attention in Zoom lecture. It inspired me to do a little glow up challenge over the next month. I want to stay positive through the winter and head into the springtime sunshine feeling Good(tm).

Here's how it's gonna work:

Every 3 days over the next month I will post my thoughts about one of the categories listed in this graphic, because I'm tweaking it to fit my personal goals.

I'll be using the tag #emglowsup for these posts.

All of the items that say "do for 21 days" will instead be 1 month.

At the end of the month I will update on my progress, how I'm feeling after completing the challenge, what I found most difficult and my plans moving forward.

If anyone feels similarly inspired, of course you are welcome to take any ideas from this post or join me with this challenge! Feel free to use the same tag so I can see what you're up to :)

[emgoesmed]

2/26/2023

Intellectual - my version

Reading list 2023

Haven’t played piano all year :( unlikely i will have time/energy

Duolingo x1 month (Russian) + watch/read more Spanish media

Learn how to use lip makeup (lip liner, lipstick)

Cribsiders pediatrics podcast when I feel like podcast listening

[emgoesmed]

2/14/2023

Mind - my version

Create boundaries for school + mental health priorities (brainstorm - how do I do this???)

30 pages left in current journal → finish in 6 wks

3 things to be grateful for x1 month

Happy Valentine's day! <3

[emgoesmed]

2/11/2023

Body - my version

Neutrogena 0.3% retinol pro cream + Kiehl’s moisturizer nightly

30 SPF sunscreen daily

Gym currently 2-3 days per week, ideally increase to 4-5

Stretch routine - plan & implement

Sleep 8+hr x1 month - start tracking bedtime + wake up time (invest in sun lamp alarm clock?)

[emgoesmed]

3/7/2023

Space - my version

Prep to move: vacuum, clean room, go through closet + other items + kitchen stuff etc.

Plan decor for new apartment; typically work at kitchen table or couch, bf prefers desk + office

[emgoesmed]

2/23/2023

Financial - my version

Moving = rent increase; expected $ for VSLO + ERAS → budget adjustment

Help bf make a budget

Research budgeting strategies for food, miscellaneous items, etc.

Research ideas - how to say no to spending

Movie night date night planned <3 + cook together more

No paychecks only student loans :(

[emgoesmed]

3/1/2023

Social - my version

I’m not very close to anyone I’d consider “toxic”

We're all working adults without much free time; goal = something fun with friends 1-2x per wk

Moving in 1 month, not redecorating now

Make a list of friends to catch up with + reach out to them :)

[emgoesmed]

3/4/2023

Style - my version

Recent haircut - bouncy, refreshing; try for x3 months trim

Go through closet + Pinterest; what is personal style post-covid, outside of scrubs + workout gear?

Signature scent = Do Son by Diptyque <3

[emgoesmed]

2/17/2023

Positivity - my version

Gossip = not something I do; complimenting everybody seems a little forced, will continue to give compliments like usual

Talk to yourself with kindness - brainstorm examples, thought processes

[emgoesmed]

2/20/2023

Food - my version

3 bottles of water x1 month

cook 1 new recipe per week with BF

No restaurant week → meal prep!

Caffeine-free week - basically impossible :( withdrawal, shift work, etc.

[emgoesmed]

3/9/2023

Post-challenge thoughts & reflection

I started the challenge strong but didn't manage to stick to it very well. I transitioned from one clinical rotation to another, am in the process of moving, figuring out away rotations and next year's rotations, and am starting to think about residency applications, so there has been a lot of other stuff on my plate.

"Body" - I managed to complete my skincare routine about 67% of the month, and wore sunscreen almost daily which is a new habit I'm proud of. I haven't exercised in a month and I planned a stretching routine but didn't implement it, so I will try again as a "flexibility challenge" soon. I was pleasantly surprised I managed to get 8+ hours of sleep about 62% of the month, which is more than I expected.

"Mind" - I'm still working on work/life boundaries, there is a lot going on right now. I completed my journal and bought a new one. I wrote down "3 things I'm grateful for" about 67% of the time; I generally feel like I notice small things to be positive about daily, so even if i don't write it down I consider that part a success.

"Positivity" - Being kind to myself is also a work in progress, definitely not something that can be solved in one month, but I'm trying to work on my thought patterns.

"Food" - I wasn't perfect about tracking my hydration but I had 3 bottles of water ~67% of the time. I spent a lot on takeout food and didn't really cook at all, and haven't been eating full meals, or eating often enough, which isn't good. I am planning to work on food as a separate challenge (like flexibility) once I move into my new place and am settled in.

"Financial" - Well, I spent a lot of money on takeout food and stuff for school ; registering for boards exam was like $600 (RIP). I did complete my taxes and federal loans application for this year and am going to revise my budget once I move and my rent changes.

"Intellectual" - I've read 1/7 books from my reading list (a poetry collection by Hanif Abdurraqib) and I really enjoyed taking a break from medicine to stretch my brain in a different way. I also read another random library book, it's so nice to relax with a physical book and take a break from work. I still haven't played piano, practiced makeup skills or listened to any podcasts. I used Duolingo about 57% of the challenge days.

"Social" - I reached out to a lot of friends and it was great to catch up. I also managed to do something social 1-2x per week and made a couple of new friends both irl and online.

"Style" - I'm going through my closet since I'm moving soon. I haven't put much thought into defining a personal style but there are a few pieces I'd like to purchase or replace. I'm currently wearing a favorite band shirt, comfy jeans, and leather boots, and feeling pretty good :D I also dressed up a couple times recently for social events which was really fun and I felt great.

"Space" - My room is a mess since I'm in the middle of packing up all my belongings, but looking forward to the move and organizing and decorating the new space.

2/9/2023

Yesterday I came across this graphic on Pinterest while I was supposed to be paying attention in Zoom lecture. It inspired me to do a little glow up challenge over the next month. I want to stay positive through the winter and head into the springtime sunshine feeling Good(tm).

Here's how it's gonna work:

Every 3 days over the next month I will post my thoughts about one of the categories listed in this graphic, because I'm tweaking it to fit my personal goals.

I'll be using the tag #emglowsup for these posts.

All of the items that say "do for 21 days" will instead be 1 month.

At the end of the month I will update on my progress, how I'm feeling after completing the challenge, what I found most difficult and my plans moving forward.

If anyone feels similarly inspired, of course you are welcome to take any ideas from this post or join me with this challenge! Feel free to use the same tag so I can see what you're up to :)