As Global Health Corps fellows we are placed in critical roles at our placement site, which can place a huge burden on the mind and body.
Imagine taking overachieving and compassionate people who have mastered every challenge imaginable (the amount of Phi Beta Kappa recipients, college graduates with Latin letters, multiple degree earners, entrepreneurs, athletes, recipients of international grants, employees from top firms and government organizations, and distinguished members of XYZ fellowship within GHC and the staff at our sites is humbling) and pitting them against the toughest problems in public health. Our jobs often involve “putting out fires.” While some challenges are conquered, others will neither be solved overnight nor over the course of the fellowship year. As a result, disappointment and even depression are a reality every volunteer faces.
The list of unhealthy practices to relieve stress is very long: daily happy hours, unproductive venting, crying lonesome, self-loathing, overworking, indulging in comfort foods, partying without ever taking time out to reflect on life, and isolating oneself from other human contact, etc. Few are able to admit it, but I think everyone has at least one unhealthy practice for dealing with stress. For example, I am a workaholic . By living up to unfair expectations, I slowly accepted the notion I needed to be a martyr for my placement organization.
However around October of last year, I decided that taking care of myself and enjoying my work was ultimately most important. And encouraging other fellows to do the same has been a personal initiative I have championed.
So I swapped overworking with a few self-care exercises with which I hope to inspire others by sharing.
First, I quit on a life of isolation. On evenings when I am at the APZU site in Neno, I join the other volunteers at my house to cook. One volunteer that I live with particularly enjoys making gourmet meals. I think it is phenomenal when she finds innovative ways to create delicious dinners from scratch. I assist her in the kitchen (although most frequently by taste-testing.) And I also make an effort to talk to a few fellows across sites – US, Uganda, Rwanda, and Malawi – via email and Skype. We are supportive of each other. When we chat, I like to ask a couple questions and just listen. I give them the “mic” – simply hearing from them makes me feel good. I feel fortunate I am surrounded by great family and friends that are part of my “extended” family.
Second, I’ve truly embraced one of the tenets of good health: fitness. I exercise purely for fun and enjoyment; I love to see progress and achieve results. When I started the fellowship, I was 200+ lbs. (100 kg.) and had a BMI over 30. Since September of last year, I have committed to a hybrid P90X-Insanity workout for stamina and strength as well as Turbo Jam to practice the dance moves. This past month, I have included boxing to my regimen. I do heavy bag routines in my room for an hour twice a week. To date, I have lost about 40 lbs. (20 kg.). My goal is to lose another 10 lbs. and cut my percent fat below 10 % before my birthday. I think the best gift I can give myself is regained health.
And finally, I try to continually maintain a positive attitude about work. Each morning before checking email or placing phone calls, I spend five minutes to review my daily schedule and imagine myself succeeding at each task. At the recommendation of a friend, I now do a similar exercise before I go to bed; I think about all the things I am grateful for, especially at my job. I have discovered my strengths in the operational side of the projects – negotiations, forecasting, planning, and budgeting. I support the clinical team in those areas, and I have achieved unimaginable success and cost savings for the site.
GHC provides mental health and emotional support in partnership with Still Harbor. Ed Cardoza and Perry Dougherty are tremendous resources.
Ultimately, engaging in positive activities that help you remain both mentally and physically healthy is what’s important.