Work-life balance – July 10 on 10

What I love about this “10 on 10″ project is that for that one day, I’m always on the lookout for interesting things and moments and it forces me to slow down and appreciate the things around me. Medical students often feel the pressure to be studying at every moment of the day but that is an unachieveable reality which will lead to stress, burnout and poor mental health which then has impacts on our non-academic lives. Although this project takes time and effort to complete each month, I actually think it is more beneficial for me to do it than not because it helps me to appreciate my life experience in a way I never would otherwise.

As I readied to go to hospital, the sky was black, the house was freezing and I questioned my sanity in wanting to attend an optional class so early in the morning. The sun began to rise as I left the house and painted pretty streaks of cloud across the sky.

On reaching my destination, I looked up again and the sky’s colours and cloud formations had changed to become even more interesting.

I was one of the first into class. We took advantage of the food and drinks provided (as incentive for students to attend). This week, it was a choice between chocolate and blueberry muffins to be eaten whilst discussing post partum haemorrhage. After class, we investigated an interesting journal article in the tea room.

After finishing up in the tea room, I headed for the shops for some retail therapy (which you will see a bit later on) then met a friend for an early lunch at Feast.

There is no question; the food at Feast was delicious. I had a chicken and vegetable pie with roasted vegetable salad which I absolutely loved and I would eat there again for lunch if I had occasion to!

Our only regret is that we were too full from lunch to fit in any of the desserts on offer.

Somewhat reluctantly, we leave the cafe eventually, drop by the Angry Almond next door for snacks. The store fits a surprising amount of food into it’s space; boxes and shelves and bins of food everywhere. My friend said that the store reminded her of the food markets in Israel – except in Israel, all the food is open and there’s flies everywhere, haha.

After relocating and getting settled in, we eventually opened up some of the Angry Almond snacks. In order of top to bottom; we got sugared vanilla almonds, sweet chilli soy crisps and sweet potato chips.

After study was finished, the sun was already down and my brain was tired of learning things.

I finally had some time to open and play with my retail-therapy-mini-haul. From left to right: brow groomer, bronzer brush, translucent powder and a tiny brow tweezer kit. I am totally sold on this brow tweezer kit, my brows are constantly growing where I don’t want them to go. This kit is compact, there is a mirror, comb, brush and tweezer all in that tiny case.

My day got even better when I noticed there were crabs in the kitchen sink – two giant Snow crabs brought to us as a gift from my grandma. I absolutely looove crab!

It got pretty messy after eating this crab with my hands, it was so good straight out of the wok, prying out the delicious crab fibers from their protective shells. We got to each half a crab each!

Taking these photos reminded me that I need to start learning my mum’s cooking secrets before I move out.

Hope you enjoyed sharing my day with me, a day of learning and delicious food :)

Follow the blog circle around to check out others’ 10 on 10 days! Next up: Jen Cappozola, it’s sure to capture your attention :)